How to Fix a Leaking Close Coupled Toilet Cistern

Got a leaking close coupled toilet cistern? Watch how I remove a close coupled toilet cistern and find out what is causing the leak.
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Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Sherlock Maintenance are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Sherlock Maintenance does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Sherlock Maintenance cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Sherlock Maintenance cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun and ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code.

[@heatherandrews4740]

During the Coronavirus lockdown our toilet cistern was leaking too much water into the bowl so I found your tutorial and me, a 64 year old lady with arthritis and no plumbing knowledge managed to take the cistern off the wall and change the flushing system and coupling kit (totally rusted) and replace it all with new. Just had a test flush and YAY! it works like a dream. Thank you for such a well explained tutorial...but I hope I never have to do it again!

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Hey Heather, I'm so happy I could help! Over the moon my guide has helped you! Thank you for taking the time to leave me an amazing comment! ;-)

[@stephen4294]

Great video. You explained lots of little details too that could easily be forgotten so thank you

[@russelfrancis]

This is one of the best tutorial videos on youtube. Its clear, concise, and whenever you might have a "what do I do now" moment, it's covered. Great job.

[@user-pp4oe4cf8n]

Great clear video. No excessive talking like other tutorials and clearly know what you are doing. A thumbs 👍 from me.

[@mickdefish1362]

Excellent work mate! Nice clear and no nonsense demonstration!

[@fjreihill]

Superb video. My top tip just having done one of these: the donut washer that comes in the close coupling kit was too thick for my setup; and its curved bottom meant the cistern rocked around. The cistern then sat 3mm above where it had been before meaning the holes on the rear for the wall mounting were now above the existing holes in the wall. I needed a flatter foam donut washer which I got from a plumbers merchant - but it did mean I had to stop and go out and get one. Have a look at the washer you are replacing for guidance - of course you won't see this until you have your cistern dismantled. Get one in advance if you want to save time. They don't seem to be held by Screwfix or Toolstation (apart from a Euroflo 2" one at Screwfix which was too wide).

[@reesernhr836]

Excellent job! Filming angles were perfect. A thoroughly explained video as well. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@petegreen53]

Big thank you to Sherlock, your video enabled me to avert disaster of water flowing everywhere as the bolts holding cistern to toilet had rusted along with the conical rubber washers and dissemble whole cistern and put in new bolts, washers and rubber doughnut. Keep up the good work!

[@printerfacelimited9129]

You help out with advice all the time - brilliant no nonsense instruction. Step by step guide which helps us "non-handy men" to do a half decent job. Top man - thank you.

[@user-hm4ye1sj6g]

I TOTALLY CONCURE @russelfrancis 7 months ago This is one of the best tutorial videos on youtube. Its clear, concise, and whenever you might have a "what do I do now" moment, it's covered. Great job.

[@andysmith9975]

Just used this to refresh my memory but picked up a few extra tips-so thumbs up ta! Easy to follow

[@Tandemred]

Cheers, followed your instructions, Job completed. Checked today - no leaks. Result!!

[@mohammadawan3777]

Brilliant clear and concise video in helping one understand how to fix a leaking cistern. Thank you

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Thankyou Mohammed 👍 once you've done it, you will be fixing everyone's 😉

[@Cortinaman63]

A "great" video, clear instructions well filmed and "presented" and you even explained which way round the doughnut went!, having just bought the same universal kit you used, to fix a water leak, I discovered a seriously rusted fixing plate that made the rusty one you took off look in amazing condition, (mine was that bad big chunks of rust fell off, and it was rusted end to end both sides, (almost as bad as MY 1974 Ford Cortina being restored on my channel and that had serious rust, and the old toilet doughnut was hard and miss shaped) I wanted to check which way round the new one fitted, thanks for your help, and you get a "like"(the 149th, you deserve far more!!!!) and comment from me, as this was the best video out of 5 others I watched first, you get 10 out of 10 from me, and rightly deserved.well done.

[@wheelerrr]

Thank you SO MUCH for doing this video. Saved us a London plumber fee - got under £20 of kit from B&Q and sorted it myself. THANK YOU!!!

[@andyparkinson7226]

Excellent clear video my friend I am doing this Diy job today and wanted to make absolutely sure I put the plate and donut on the right way and I also had some plumbers mate to hand as well! Your a life-saver, its a horrible mucky job and I had to hacksaw-off the rusty bolts holding the toilet to the base! However your video was reassuring so thanks again for doing it! Cheers Andy

[@drinkws]

Xmas 2021..and a 3 week waiting period for a plumber.. Thanks to your video I fixed my leak for under a tenner in less than an hour. Well done

[@iang8520]

Just a brilliant well filmed and described video. Well done Sherlock!

[@derbunglehoff344]

Great tutorial. Clear and concise. Many thanks.

[@user-lt6lw5cy6n]

Thanks. Great video. It gave me the confidence to give it go myself after plumber never got back to me.

[@fiazsadiq8668]

Your video showed clear way of removing the cistern. Thank you for a great resource.

[@azornos09]

Very clear. I had to shave the size of the donut washer down as it was adding a good 10mm to the previous height of the cistern when installed. Anticipating another leak in the future! This vid gave me all the confidence needed to take it apart and put it back together though so thank you!

[@grenmaju]

Thanks for the video, I had a slow leak into the bowl causing the water to top up every 15 mins. Repaired that, but on removal of the cistern found that the last repair had bombarded it with sealants to hide that the toilet had been leaking on and around the close coupling for awhile. It was black with rust, your tips helped fix the problem and I got myself a tub of plumbers mate for insurance! Works like a dream now no leaks all around. Funny enough it's the exact same toilet model as you are working on.

[@starman3088]

I had followed another video about replacing all the workings in our toilet, and even though I replaced the coupling kit, I was getting water leaking from around the wingnuts. What that video failed to mention was to use Plumbers Mait to stop any leaks. Purchased a tub and dismantled the cistern again...now no leaks! So thanks for putting this video up👍

[@Hookeslaw]

Thanks for the excellent advice, followed your instructions and no issues or leaks. Part from screwfix was "wc close coupling kit white".

[@iain1003]

Great video - really clear, spot on advice to get this quick job done - thanks you.

[@michaelevans3042]

Superb clip! worked a treat! Very many thanks!

[@fastacesus8499]

Brilliant. Clear concise instructions. Done the job many times but never been sure that I did it right. Followed your instructions to the letter and job was right first time. Wish I knew about plumbers mait before.

[@Mako_Blue]

This is so great thank you for the video I'm sure it's going to help lots and lots of people. Very well made, complete, technical but at the same time made easy for people, very nice.

[@peterbreathnacht8279]

Thanks for video. Simple straightforward guidance for a numpty like myself to follow

[@jivebunny9892]

Brilliant demonstration - didn't skip over smaller detail which makes a great difference. The plumbers mate is something installer should have used on my w.c. and maybe then it wouldn't have rusted.

[@chrisgray1191]

Thank you so much for a very clear, understandable video. I watched a couple of other videos before seeing yours and they were not as clear as yours. They also made assumptions that the viewer would know what they were talking about and skipped, what I needed to know, essential steps. Thank you again.

[@joncolman]

Many thanks for the video, I wasn't sure how to remove the coupling kit plate so your video was invaluable. Thanks again, Jon in Sheffield

[@chrismay3517]

Great video . really helped some one with little confidence in my plumbing skills .found the answer to my question in the comments as to how tight to do up the wingnuts . clear instructions . great stuff .

[@NathanJones1]

Wonderful! Thanks for providing such a useful step by step.

[@stefanieleigh5116]

Clear and concise description of the process; extremely helpful. I would have liked a mention of how to get the parts required; ie what do you ask for at the hardware store to make sure you have all the right items. But that is a minor detail.

[@luvvacupa2468]

Very nicely and thorougly explained. A very useful how-to tutorial.

[@barnbersonol]

Really useful telling us what lube, sealants etc are out there. It'd be interesting to tell us what a typical plumber would charge for the job so Mr/s DIY feels all the more chuffed when they do it themselves. Thank you.

[@philiptylersecretsquirrel1950]

First class video same problem and exactly the same toilet as the demo so extremely relevant and has shown me that I shoud have replaced the very rusty backplate! Off to the shop again tomorrow. Thanks.

[@marklewis9959]

Cheers mate thanks for posting, lifesaver 👍

[@Sparkythedudeful]

Brilliant video, really clear and top tip with the Plumber’s Mait Thanks 🙏

[@ianbartley5679]

Good video and clear instructions also good camera angles.

[@ptrim1902]

Excellent video my friend. Very clear instructions and demonstration. Thanks.

[@Jeffsy1970]

Great video. Very informative. This has helped me solve my problem with the cistern. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Cheers. Mike

[@dominicmuchikange7713]

Great stuff mate. Excellent tutorial.

[@TheMdoddy]

Thank you for your video. We just managed to fix our leaking cistern. Your video was very helpful to us.

[@julianpinn5018]

Thank you. Clear and effective. You really helped me.

[@zitiello100]

Awesome. Thank you buddy. Good tips and great positivity. Had a plumber out to fit a new toilet and it leaks right on this point your replacing, he's been round twice and still not right. Now I have a bit of confidence to try and sort our toilet out in the children's room once and for all. Fingers crossed.

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Also Francesco the butterfly nuts can leak too, if you scroll down through the comments I helped James Smith out with this and if you read through the conversation there are some tips you can also use too 👍

[@keithwhittle6229]

Brilliant Video

[@greggtaylor1412]

Excellent video answers all my questions and will make the job very easy thank you

[@MAGICMASON20]

Awesomeness!! Nicely explained. Saved me getting ripped off. The plumber who come around off of facebook wanted to change the whole toilet at a cost of £320...!

[@simonbuller1910]

Fantastic guide, seriously appreciate this. You explain things very clearly especially as you are an expert and Im a novice!

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Thanks for the kind words Simon, glad this video helps ;-)

[@splinterspell]

This has helped me out, thanks 👍

[@scottbranch4798]

Just what I needed to know very well explained thanks

[@wittywoo9559]

Great video !

[@Sparkythedudeful]

Great, easy to follow video. Top tip using Plumber’s mait too. Helped me complete a challenging job professionally 👍🙏

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Glad I could help 👍 I've always got a pot of plumbers Mait in the van...it's a god send 👌

[@bulentsackiran3073]

Brilliant and very informative . Thank you !

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Glad I could help ;-)

[@pauld4571]

Thanks mate, this really helped a lot. Couldn't quite get the seal underneath but the plumbers mait did the trick.

[@eddierodden]

Great video and excellent tip with the plumbers mait

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Cheers Edward 👍 plumbers mait is a godsend for this type of job 👍

[@MarkMcCluney]

Excellent vid, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@chillinvillin21]

Thanks this video really solved the issue for me. I tried reusing the old coupler ( doughnut). Bought a new one from the same manufacturer as the flush valve and fit perfectly.

[@bill-wd7zs]

That was a great help ,thanks.

[@jamieewanhenderson2473]

Truly excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@Desmo900SS]

Great video. Gave me the confidence to do the job. Total success, despite me being " scared " of plumbing. Cheers !!

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Glad I could help 👍

[@ludvigaro]

Good vid,cheers

[@neilbain8736]

Exactly what I need to know. Thanks!

[@bells1969]

Good video thanks for the advice

[@MichaelHarrisIreland]

Thanks, very clear and exact.... From Ireland

[@maxw5189]

Great video..thank you, followed your guidance and fixed it 1st time.

[@Dr00pysp00n]

Thanks so much for this video

[@swervblue1]

Great video really appreciated

[@tavbuu]

Great stuff. I was still getting a leak when I hadn’t tightened the wing nuts. Stupidly didn’t realise they make the seal. Live and learn

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

It can be an easy mistake if it's your first time, glad you got it sorted 👍

[@davidmelville2897]

Really helpful video - many videos on this subject say you don't need plumbers mait, but without it, water comes up by the plate under the cistern. You were right to recommend it.

[@bobdickson188]

If water is reaching the plate under the cistern it's a sure sign the rubber washer inside the cistern is failing to do its job and it is this issue that should be addressed. Putting Plumber's Mait on the metal bracket, as shown in the video, serves no useful purpose.

[@philsimpson3556]

Good video. I see plenty of people have had a seriously rusty plate when removed, mine was the same causing the metal to expand. Your tip of putting some Plumbers Mait underneath it and pushed into the gap is brilliant. I can't help thinking this close coupled thing is a bad design, never have trouble with the old cistern pipe to bowl types. For those saying the fat rubber doughnut is too thick Wickes do a flat ribbed rubber washer which is better than the foam flat one you get with most plates and/or syphons. My inlet valve was also leaking around the valve base where the conical rubber washer sits in the cistern. That washer was hard and I've searcrd all over for a replacement which I can't find unless you buy a whole new valve so I put the old one back but with more Plumber Mait in the gap. Jobs a goodun.

[@oliviersykes1957]

This helped me get this sorted (I hope!). Thanks!

[@GNEClean]

Wow! What a great video. Please can you make a video for everything and anything I might ever need to know!😀

[@rafaelacosta1701]

To be honest...it was an very helpful!

[@markariewilliams]

Excellent tutorial thank you A+++++

[@sjk6097]

You Sir are a legend :) thank you !

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Not a problem 😉

[@pollydor07]

Thanks

[@brendanharkin1226]

Thanks , done the trick!!

[@lufe8773]

Good one

[@leondole813]

Changed siphon and it works. I will always use this going foward 👍

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Glad I could help Leon 👍

[@richardsedorski1206]

Nice thank you.👍👍👍

[@ugandantoad6616]

Nice video

[@paincave7379]

Thanks for this video. My toilet now flushes and I can turn the water back on!

[@harryrock169]

This is one of the , if not, the best tutorial video on KZbin. . This guy is one in a million. I wish we had a plumber like him in our area (Bingley, West Yorkshire) Our cistern is leaking from the bottom (slow leak ) I initially thought it could have been coming from inside flush or the screws holding the cistern but having watched this video now I know where it’s coming from. Cheers mate. (P.s love the phrase ‘Plumbers Mait ‘Insurance policy’!!!)

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Cheers Harry! Glad I could help, hope you get it sorted 👍 plumbers mait may not get used much but it has a special place in my tool box for jobs like this 😁

[@esecallum]

try superglue.

[@ellie9657]

Excellent very informative Excellent video

[@cjtuba1]

Thanks mate, job done with a quick trip to Screwfix to add Plumbers Mait. Jobs a good un... 5 stars!

[@JC-yc7of]

Great tutorial thank you.

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Glad I could help J C 👍

[@ratchriat1716]

I like the fact you use a plumber mate instead off the silicone but if you have a good doughnuts and a good rubber seal comes with syphon no need for the plumber mate enjoyed the video stay safe.

[@paulperrin2152]

Good video

[@SajidHussain-lj5mr]

Wery nise innformation addwise 👍

[@rids72]

Brilliant video! I just needed to replace the diaphragm as the flush was weak but had to take the siphon out and therefore the cistern off the wall. The metal plate was falling apart through rust but when I got the new plate kit, I couldn't remember what order to put the bits on. Followed the instructions in this video to the letter and I have no leaks! As Frank said in a comment below, I needed to get a slimmer foam rubber ring as the cistern was too high on the one supplied in the kit but only cost £1 from a local independent plumbing merchant. Thanks!

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

Thanks very much and glad I could help 👍 hopefully your cistern came off easy? I've had plenty No more nailed to the wall or siliconed(pain in the backside). A length of strimmer wire always comes in handy to cut through it though 👍

[@rids72]

@@sherlockmaintenance9994 it wasn't screwed in to the wall or glued on, just sitting with wing nuts on the bowl..... I didn't know so it's been like that since I moved in 10+ years ago! Seems solid enough but I guess I'd better add that to the job list! 😂

[@bashirbutt1456]

Thanks tattoos man,I like it

[@baldvale5418]

Thank you very much ; )

[@jeremykemp3782]

well done plumbers mate

[@freefilms10000]

thank you for this fine video. The flush system in mine, Dolomite, is broken. It is a single column with the button at the top of this column.Can it be replaced with one like in your video, with a button on the end of a tube? Are all the holes in the lids of these cysterns the same size or might the button not fit? Thanks.

[@kayjay609]

Great video. Did you use plumbers mate on both sides of the metal plate or just one side?

[@tweetypie25]

This is an easy to understand easy to follow video, Im changing flush but doughnut needs renewing as well, also do those wingnuts have to be really tight or just nipped?

[@sherlockmaintenance9994]

I hand tighten them, then just a little nip with some grips, you will know 8f they aren't tight enough, you will get a small leak 👍

[@malrat7]

Good video thanks. Going to replace a donut next week. Are the kits with a metal plate better than plastic ones? Have read that the plastic isn’t strong enough to get a good seal.