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How to remove toilet cistern flush out let valve to change rubber washer 1990 Fowler toilet?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ttpxu. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing an outlet valve.
There isn’t a single universal method for removing outlet valves on older toilets, and especially not on early 1990s Fowler units. These were made in a few different configurations over the years, so there isn’t a guaranteed one-size-fits-all trick that applies to every model.
That said, almost all toilet flush outlet valves are retained in one of a few common ways. They are usually held in place by a bayonet or quarter-turn locking system, a slotted bracket arrangement, or plastic retaining clips at the base. I’d start by gripping the body of the outlet valve and gently trying to rotate it counterclockwise to see if it unlocks with a quarter turn. If it does, the whole assembly should lift straight up and out of the cistern.
If it doesn’t rotate freely, the next step is to visually follow the outlet valve down to where it meets the base of the cistern. Look carefully for any clips, tabs, or locking rings that may be holding the upper section to the lower seat. On some older Fowler designs, you need to partially disassemble the upper parts of the valve before you can access the retaining point lower down. This can mean removing the flush button linkage or separating the top section of the valve to expose the clips underneath.
Unfortunately, with older toilets like this, it often becomes a process of careful inspection rather than following a specific model-based instruction. Take your time, avoid forcing plastic parts, and work methodically down the valve to see how it is being retained. If the plastic feels brittle or you can’t clearly identify the locking method, it’s worth considering replacing the entire outlet valve rather than just the washer, as parts for toilets of that age can be difficult to source and easy to break during removal.
Here's a helpful guide: How to fix a leaking toilet.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
