Any plumbers..maintenance access through flush button on toilet

[barb1314]

We have a back to the wall toilet with a very slim cistern in the bathroom. Yesterday each time I flushed it the water carried on coming into the toilet,but not overflowing. We managed to stop it by pressing the flush a few times but I am worried about the access as it's all built in and tiled. It makes me think it may be one of the toilets which has maintenance access through the push button. I do know that they exist. We've only lived here just under a year and the bathroom was fitted last year,at vast expense,by the previous owner.
Does anyone have exprerience of these and,if so,how do you get the button off.I think maybe a washer has gone.Have a plumber coming tomorrow but thought I could get info before he comes.
Thanks and sorry for the rambly post.

[The Builder]

Mmmm ............. I can't even imagine how you could change a valve, or do anything else via a flush button hole. Is there anything on the other side of the wall that houses the cistern? If there is absolutely no access cover or side panel to remove, then the previous fitter or tiler is an absolute t**t ............ no other word for it.
If so .......... don't panic ............. tiles can easily be removed one at a time and replaced without a lot of drama. No big problem for someone with a little bit of care.
You'll probably have to find some new tiles though........... and don't forget to provide an access panel when they go back

[barb1314]

Hi Builder.Thanks for answering so fast. The other side of the cistern is our bedroom wall so no access there. Above where the cistern is a thick wooden shelf which I assume we can get out with some care. Problem is it's sealed in on every edge. Nightmare. I didn't know about these access through push button things until I Googled. It might not even be one. I do live in hope!! Anyway,plumber coming tomorrow so will see what he says. I just thought someone may have experience of them. I think (with my extremely limited plumbing knowledge!!) that the flush is faulty because it feels less stiff than normal so I was hoping it may be a bit easier to sort.

[The Builder]

OK Barb ................ the shelf sounds like a good plan .......... just have to go for it.
Just one thing ............. if possible, have the same person who removes the shelf, be the one who re-fits it. I promise you minimum drama then .
Plumbers, bless them all, are very quick and ........... er......... not quite so careful breaking in .......... knowing that some other poor sap will be replacing it .
Good luck .............. I'd like to know how you get on :o)

[barb1314]

Thanks Builder.I'll let you know. Think I'll have a go myself. I'm pretty handy with the sealant and I'll be careful too! Mind you the plumber is a friend and neighbour so he'll be in big trouble if he wrecks my lovely bathroom. I feel a few cans of nice lager coming on for a pressie for him. He never charges me enough and I always feel guilty.(not that I should complain) Thanks again.

[alavahalf]

You say the shelf is sealed ... I've been to quite a few that are sealed with silicone all round. Some builders will often do this and seal everything, because all the customer sees is a shiney new bathroom. They dont notice that their are no access panels...and by the time anything goes wrong the builder will be long gone.
( I'm not saying ..'The Builder'.. I am sure he's marvelous) just the builder who fitted the bathroom.
Usually I cut the sealant away around the shelf with a stanley knife,remove the shelf,and gain access through the top of the cistern... I went to one a few weeks ago where I had to cut the tiles out above the pan along with the plasterboard to create an access panel. Repairing the cistern before, reparing the wall and then re-tiling.
It's quite common...

If water is entering the cistern, it may well be your float valve not shutting off. Or you may have a flush valve leaking which would cause the cistern to keep filling.
It really depends on what setup you have.

Keyhole surgery ... and working through the button would be a new one on me..!

[barb1314]

What you mean you can't perform keyhole surgery?!!! On a cistern.
I know what you're saying.I thought it sounded a bit mad when I read on a site that all their slimline cisterns had 'maintenance access through push button' but it's true,I promise. Mine probably won't be one though.
I thought a Stanley knife would be a good option. I guess it doesn't matter how much you pay for a system,there are always things which could go wrong. Now we know. My husband hadn't even considered the fact it was all sealed and 'shiny' it until I pointed it out yesterday. Many thanks for your reply alavahalf.

[barb1314]

Here's that site,in case you're interested.....bizarre!
http://www.livinghous...hroom_Frame_Kits.html

[scotman]

Well, I have learned something today! Thanks for that site link.

[The Builder]

I'm glad alava came along Barb ........... he's a "proper" plumber :o)))

[barb1314]

A quick update.The toilet seemed to right itself then it happened again on Saturday.Today the plumber arrived.The bad news is it wasn't one of those access through button toilets but the good news,we managed to get the shelf off with very little mess.The 'float' thingy was jammed in the up position so the water didn't stop,have solved it.Just need to reseal the shelf now.At least we now know we can access the cistern again if we need to.Thanks for all your previous advice.Barb.