Replacing a Caroma Mini Uniset toilet

I have a Caroma Mini Uniset toilet cistern in my ensuite. It is about 20 years old and a bit tired looking. I was looking to replace it but have been told that this uniti not longer manufactured and the Caroma Uniset II is the closest. However I will have to drill new holes to mount the new unit. Has anyone had any experience doing this? I do not want to have this job turn into a major renovation. Any experience will be most welcome.

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Jason

Hi @Cath_Home_Reno,

Thanks for your message. I take it the flooring in your ensuite is tiled? You might like to share some photos so members can see what you are working with.

Let me tag some very helpful members in @Brad, @Former Workshop member, @JDE and @redracer01 who might like to share their thoughts with you.

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Please feel free to post anytime you need assistance with a project around the home or garden. We're here to help.

Jason

redracer01

Hello @Cath_Home_Reno

I've linked a Bunnings DIY video on toggle bolt installation this should give you vital information on what kind of fixing you will need. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=DM98HCBxjRo&feature=emb_logo

If you will be drilling and be lucky enough to hit the stud in the wall this is ideal as it will save you having to install a hollow wall anchor. How ever if there is no stud in the new area then the video should help. The only thing you will possibly need is a washer as some of the hollow wall anchor sets do not have washers that come with them. Good luck and stay safe.

Cheers,

Red

Cath_Home_Reno

Thank you. I am better informed already.

Cath_Home_Reno

Hi Jason,

I don''t have to disturb the pan or the tiled flooring only replace the cistern and the seat and lid.

There are tiles behind the old cistern. This old cistern is attached through these tiles to the wall by two screws. I am worried about having to drill two more more holes in the tiles to attach the new cistern. I am worried they might crack.

Thanks for your helpful response.

Cath

MitchellMc

Hi @Cath_Home_Reno,

I'd also like to welcome you to the Bunnings workshop community. It's great to see you've already received a helpful reply from knowledgable redracer01.

I just thought I'd follow up with your question about drilling through the tiles. There are a variety of drillbits these days to make putting holes in tiles super easy. Nice and slow with a bit of pressure on the drill is all that is required. You might like to have someone spritz the drill bit with water as you drill so you don't overheat it.

If you run into any issues at all please feel free to reach out as we can guide you through the process.

Here's helpful step-by-step D.I.Y. article on How to drill tiles which I trust you'll find helpful.

Mitchell

Cath_Home_Reno

Hi Mitchell,

I have watched this video and the project looks manageable now.

I feel brave enough to give it a try. What could possibly go wrong?

Many thanks.

Cath

redracer01

Hello @Cath_Home_Reno

You can do it!

Red

Salvo

Hi,

this is video is not available anymore. Do you have a replacement ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=DM98HCBxjRo&feature=emb_logo

I've to do the same replacement except I do not have tiles the wall.

Thanks

EricL

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Salvo. It's great to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about attaching your cistern to the wall.

Are you attaching to a brick or cement wall? Here is a link that should help - How to install masonry fixings. It sounds like an interesting cistern repair job. If you have any questions about your current project, please don't hesitate to post them. Our members would be more than happy to provide advice or information.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Viren

The video comes up as private. Is there another link?

EricL

Hi @Viren

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to have you join us and thank you for sharing your query about the Caroma mini Uniset.

Unfortunately, that video is no longer available. However, if you're planning on replacing your cistern with for example a Stylus WELS 3 Star 4L/min Allegro Plastic Cistern. It comes with an instructional pamphlet on how to attach and mount it to an existing toilet suite. However, it all depends on what kind of cistern you currently have. There are a few things to take into consideration before replacing your cistern. The number of litres the cistern will flush, size and location, mounting holes for the cistern, and overall compatibility to the existing pan.

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your existing toilet? We'll then have a better idea of its condition. Our members can then offer you a comprehensive recommendation on how to replace your cistern. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to post them.

We look forward to seeing the photos.

Eric

Viren

Hi Eric

I think that these are the Caroma Uniset.

MitchellMc

Replacing your cistern is a reasonably straightforward process, which we can guide you through @Viren. Before you start, make sure that you can do such work yourself in your location. Most locations around Australia will require a qualified plumber to install a cistern.

The first step will be isolating the toilet or turning off your mains water supply. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern.

Next, remove the cistern lid by pushing, prying and pulling upwards around its perimeter. You will also need to remove the cover plate, which conceals the flush pipe between the pan and cistern. This should unclip and pull away. With the cover plate removed, you'll have exposed a nut on the underside of the cistern and a rubber boot on the back of the pan. These are used to hold the flush pipe in position. Undo the nut and wriggle the pipe out of the cistern and pan.

Detach the water inlet hose from the bottom of the cistern with an adjustable spanner.

The only thing holding the cistern in position now will be the fixings located on the rear internal wall of the cistern. Undo these, and the cistern will come away from the wall. Installation of the new cistern is the opposite and, as @EricL mentioned, detailed instructions will be included with the product.

Please let us know if you have any questions or get stuck.

Mitchell

Viren

Thanks you for your instructions on how to change the cistern.

Do you know which set will match the Caroma uniset that I am replacing.

EricL

Hi @Viren

The compatible replacement set is the Caroma WELS 3 Star 4L/min White Uniset Il Cistern. This is the updated version of the Caroma Uniset, however, I suggest measuring your old cistern in order to compare it with the new one. The new cistern has a size of 530 (W) x 420 (H) x 190 (D). Please call your local store to make sure that they have it in stock before proceeding. If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. Any updates you can provide would be much appreciated.

Eric

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