How to Install a Toilet Pan and Cistern

By Kim
Last updated 28th June 2021 - Reading time: 8 mins

Are you looking for information on how to install a toilet pan and cistern? This article will go over everything you need to know about installing a toilet pan and cistern. We will include a complete step-by-step guide on toilet pan and cistern installation, as well as a list of all of the tools and materials you’ll need to get the job done.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern

What Tools Do I Need to Install a Toilet Pan and Cistern?

Below is a list of the tools you’ll need to install a toilet cistern and pan:

  • Drill
  • Impact driver
  • Spirit level
  • Silicone gun
  • Tape measure
  • Spanner
  • Grips
  • Flat-headed screwdriver

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Install a Toilet Pan and Cistern?

There is no recommended safety equipment for this type of job. However, you may wish to use knee pads as you may spend a lot of time sitting on the floor during the installation.

What Materials Do I Need to Install a Toilet Pan and Cistern?

Below is a list of the materials you’ll need for a toilet installation:

  • Toilet Pan
  • Toilet seat
  • Cistern
  • Cistern components
  • Isolation valve
  • Flexi hose
  • Pan connector
  • Silicone
  • Silicone lubricant
  • Plugs
  • Screws

How to Prepare for a Toilet Pan and Cistern Installation

To prepare for installing a toilet pan and cistern, you want to begin by buying your toilet. Once you’ve got your toilet at home, you should take a look at the manufacturer’s manual and check that all of the listed parts are with your toilet – the last thing you want is to start the job only to realise later that you’re missing a part.

You should also check that you have all of the tools you need to complete the job. Please check our list of tools and materials that you’ll need before installation so that you can be sure you have everything you need to get started.

If you are replacing an old toilet with a new one, you will need to isolate the old toilet and remove it before installing your new one.

How to Fit a Toilet Pan and Cistern Yourself

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do a DIY toilet pan and cistern installation job:

Step 1

The first step in installing a toilet pan and cistern is to install all of the cistern components. Pick up the syphon and undo the nut and the washer from the bottom.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 1

Put the syphon through the hole in the cistern and then re-apply the washer and nut at the bottom of the syphon where it pokes through the hole. Tighten it as much as you can by hand and then take your grips and give it an extra tighten. Be careful not to over-tighten it as you may end up cracking the nut.

Step 2

Once the syphon is in place, you can now install the water inlet valve. Start by taking the nut and washer off the end of the water inlet valve and fit the valve into the appropriate hole in the bottom of the cistern.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 2

Once again, you should re-apply the washer and nut where the valve pokes out at the bottom of the cistern. Tighten it up by hand, and then use your spanner to tighten it further. Again, be careful not to over-tighten it as you may damage the nut.

Step 3

The next thing to do is attach the cistern to the pan. Begin by taking a black bung and place it over the washer and nut at the bottom of the syphon. Place two plastic bolts through the appropriate holes in the cistern.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 3

You can then place the cistern on top of the pan, ensuring the plastic bolts go through the appropriate holes on the pan. Then, you can tighten up the bolts using plastic nuts. Give them an extra tighten using your spanner but be sure not to over-tighten them.

Step 4

Next, you will need to install the pan connector into the soil pipe using some silicone lubricant. Use your finger to spread the lubricant all over the end of the pan connector. Then, insert the small end of the pan connector into the soil pipe in the wall.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 4

Step 5

Once your pan connector is fitted to the soil pipe, you can now put your toilet into place. Do this by pushing the piped part of the back of your toilet into the pan connector.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 5

Step 6

Use a spirit level to ensure the cistern is straight, and then mark the holes on the wall where the cistern will connect. Pull your toilet away and drill holes in the wall where your markings are.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 6

Then, re-position the toilet and screw the cistern into place according to your drilled holes. Use your impact driver to ensure the screws are tight.

Step 7

Use your impact driver to screw screws through the holes at the bottom of the pan. This will fix your pan to the floor. Once the screws are in place, put the provided caps over the top to hide the screws.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 7

Step 8

Once your toilet is secured to the wall and floor, you can then install the flexi pipe. You will need to connect it to your cold water supply and into the toilet inlet valve. Connect to both using the nuts provided and use your spanner to tighten the nuts.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 8

Step 9

Once your toilet is fully connected, go back over everything to ensure that all the fittings are nice and tight.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 9

Step 10

Next, you can install your toilet lid. Place your flush through the appropriate hole on the toilet lid, and then apply the nut at the bottom where the flush mechanism pokes through the lid.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 10

Tighten the nut by hand until it’s tight. Once it’s tight, pop the lid onto the toilet and check that the flush button is working.

Step 11

Now you can connect your toilet seat. Start by connecting the connections into the tab on the toilet seat. Then, pop the connections through the holes on the pan.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 11

Put a washer and nut on the connector where it pokes through the hole on the pan and tighten them up to ensure the seat is secure.

Step 12

Once your seat is fully secure, go back and check everything again. Then, you can turn your water supply back on and test your toilet to make sure everything is working and that there are no leaks.

how to install a toilet pan and cistern step 12

FAQs

How do you remove limescale from a toilet pan?

You can remove limescale from a toilet pan by mixing vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the limescale and then scrub it away. Be sure to use gloves when cleaning the toilet.

How does a toilet cistern work?

Toilet cisterns fill up with water via a water supply pipe. The water supply inside the cistern is controlled by a valve. This valve is controlled most commonly with a plastic float. This float monitors the amount of water in the cistern and will open and close the valve as necessary. Once the toilet is flushed, the float will recognise that there is no water in the cistern, and this will cause the valve to open so that water can enter. The water will stop entering when it reaches a certain level.

Is a disabled toilet pan and cistern different compared to a traditional toilet pan and cistern?

A disabled toilet is usually fitted in the same way as a traditional toilet. However, it will often be surrounded by grips and handles that make it easier for a disabled person to use. The pan and cistern themselves are usually the same.

Where can I buy a back to wall toilet pan and cistern?

A back to wall toilet pan and cistern can be purchased at most DIY and home improvement stores. They can also be purchased at many online stores.

Is it possible to do a DIY toilet pan and cistern installation?

Yes, if you have some simple DIY skills, it’s very easy to install a toilet pan and cistern yourself, considering you have the necessary tools on hand. We have included a list of the tools you’ll need to install a toilet in this article.

How much does it cost to hire someone for a toilet installation?

The average cost to hire a professional to install your toilet for you is around £100-£300. This will vary depending on the type of toilet, the ease of access, the length of time the job takes, the state of the current plumbing, and your location in the UK.Those based in London can expect to pay slightly more for the labour on their toilet installation.

How long does it take to install a toilet?

Every toilet installation is different, and the time it takes to install will depend on several factors, including the state of the current plumbing, the ease of access, the difficulty of the job, and the type of toilet installation. However, the average time it takes to install a new toilet is around 2-4 hours.

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcyKVYrUxXY
https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-limescale
https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/how-to-change-a-toilet-cistern

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