Can a cistern be swapped out for any type?

We have a toilet with a large cistern. We're going on a water meter so we'd like to change it. Can a cistern be swapped out for any type?

Asked by Adam on 18th Jun 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"Yes and No Adam. If your toilet is a low-level type with a flush pipe at the back then, yes.
I assume you have an old close-coupled cisten such as the old Twyfords range hence you want to save water then it will be unlikely. Modern toilets and cisterns sold in the last 2 decades or so are now 6 lires to save water, and so you have a better chance. Caveat is these 6 litre cisterns do not realy save water as often needs flushing more than once."
Answered on 18th Jun 2023 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
"You can get a bag to put in the cistern which takes up a lot of space therefore the cistern will have less water in it reducing your water usage. Water companies will probably give you a free one"
Answered on 29th Jun 2023 - Member since May 2023 - report
"Yes, If your toilet is a low-level type with a flush pipe at the back then, yes.

If not we would advise that you replace pan as well as cistern."
Answered on 19th Jun 2023 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"If you want to make it use less water just put stones in the cistern to take up some of the water volume that way it used less water,"
Answered on 18th Jun 2023 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
"No. It’s got to be like for like will be best option."
Answered on 18th Jun 2023 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"Is it connected to the back of the toilet by a pipe
If it is you can change it for a more modern one bit if you really want to use less water Chang the toilet to a 6 litre push button pan and cistern"
Answered on 18th Jun 2023 - Member since Feb 2022 - report
"No there are many different types of cisterns unfortunately, and they may not all work together, you best bet if you’re set on getting a new cistern is to get the make of the toilet pan and contacting a plumbing merchants to find out if they can get something to work, alternatively the cheaper option is to order some ‘save a flush’ bags off the internet which you fill with water and they Fill X amount of litres in your cistern just make sure they are in a good position"
Answered on 18th Jun 2023 - Member since May 2023 - report
"You can adjust the amount of water that fills the cistern would, hope this helps"
Answered on 27th Jun 2023 - Member since Jun 2023 - report
"No it has to match up with the tiolet that you are using"
Answered on 29th Jun 2023 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
""No there are many different types of cisterns unfortunately, and they may not all work together, you best bet if you’re set on getting a new cistern is to get the make of the toilet pan and contacting a plumbing merchants to find out if they can get something to work, alternatively the cheaper option is to order some ‘save a flush’ bags off the internet which you fill with water and they Fill X amount of litres in your cistern just make sure they are in a good position""
Answered on 26th Jun 2023 - Member since Mar 2022 - report
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