I have an old version of Symphony Stylus pan and in the cistern there is a sort of plastic cage (top view photo 1) which doesn't seem to slide up even though it looks as though it should. It makes access to the pink flush disc (photo2) really difficult. Do I need to turn the pink disc at the bottom? There are upright struts attached to the bottom that fit into grooves on the disc (photo3) and stop it turning. Any suggestions welcome! Also, the water runs out while refilling so it doesn't fill enough to flush. Which part do I need to look at to stop the refill escaping?? If it's the black tube, there is nothing on it that I can get to move except some tiny white pieces (photo 4). It seems like one piece.
The pan says it is a Stylus symphony 35 PNV WC602. It's possible that the cistern is a different brand. Photo of the button mechanism in photo 5.
Hello @lyn10
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your toilet cistern.
Please note that plumbing work needs to be completed by a licensed professional for safety and compliance.
It's good to hear that you've done some basic leak tests with your cistern. If the cistern water keeps going out as it fills itself, it is a good indicator that the seating washer has worn out and needs to be replaced. Suffice to say that the cistern is quite old and its plastic fittings could be quite brittle. In regard to the pink flush disc, I suggest checking the third holder at the back and see it has a release clip. If it does not, I suspect that this is a force to twist release mechanism. The problem with this unit now is that due to its age, it's highly likely that the tabs would break away due to their age. I'm not sure if there is safe way to take it apart without damaging the tabs.
As to the black tube there is no need to take that apart. But in order to access the flushing mechanism the float arm will need to be removed. This will require you to remove the brass pin holding the arm in place. It will be dark and green now due to water corrosion. Once you have the pin out, you'll be able to move the arm off the assembly.
The flushing mechanism is kept in place with the two tabs at the front of the cistern. Once these tabs are released the flushing mechanism in theory can be slowly pulled up and out. But if the pink flush disc is firmly in place, releasing the upper assembly will do you no good.
In this instance, I suggest engaging the services of a registered plumber to either repair or replace your cistern with something compatible such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/stylusl-allegro-plastic-cistern_p4823160 . Please note however that the price of a new toilet suite the https://www.bunnings.com.au/estilo-white-pvc-s-trap-cistern-link-suite-5-8l-full_p4821910 is not too far from the price of the cistern.
I also suggest checking out the stores - Toilet Installation Service. Especially if you are looking for a professional to install your toilet suite.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Afternoon @lyn10
I dont really recognise the interior of the cistern :/ @EricL has a very valid point about the brittleness of the plastic tho. I have tinkered with a few different styles over the years but pretty much have always ended up replacing the water inlet mechanism. With yours leaking and not filling up I would have a look online or take the photos into a plumbing supply center and see if they recognise it and then change the outlet mechanism wholly.
Dave
Hi @lyn10
With the obvious age of the toilet and with a wide range of very affordable toilets these days at Bunnings, I would be inclined to replace it over replair. Bunnings can also offer an installation service at very competitive if not better pricing. Toilet changeovers are typically very straightforward.
Nailbag
Well I had something like this years ago. I would consider the advice above - but to persevere, the first thing I would do is get rid of the large-armed float valve and replace it with a Fluidmaster product from Bunnings. Then detach that central square rod and the "square cage" as you put it should move upwards for removal.
My eyes are rubbish - but I think you're nearly there. You may have already twisted the column anti-clockwise because the locking tabs appear to be in the unlocked position. I think it then lifts straight up though the vertical locating tabs as there is no plastic collar below it.
Sorry, wording is difficult.
Good luck!
Hi @EricL, @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @Noyade,
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read my rather wordy question and post a reply. Even though I like to fix things, it seems that time is up for this cistern and your advice to replace it sounds sensible. I guess the bonus is that it will be simpler to replace a washer on a more modern cistern in the future! I shall make a trip to Bunnings,
Many thanks, Lyn
