Ideal Standard Dual Flush System?

I'm not a plumber, but have successfully sorted this problem on my own toilet.

First screw the isolation valve of the water supply shut and flush the toilet empty. You can sponge out any remaining water. You gain access to the cistern by pushing one of the flush buttons down, and while it is in the down position, pull the other up and out. Then release the other and similarly pull it up. Unscrew the plastic screw that you will then see and this releases the cistern lid. Lift it off. You'll see the Torbeck system which connects to the water supply and it will have a plastic screw top which needs to be released to access the probably holed diaphragm. Be careful not to twist the plastic body of the Torbeck bottom valve system as you could cause a leak where it connects to the water supply. The plastic part with the downward tube covered in polythene can be pulled off to get better access. You may need a wrench to loosen the top screw on part, but make sure the plastic mechanism below is also securely held to prevent it twisting and breaking the water supply seal at the bottom and creating a leak. You may need to remove the flush assembly itself to give you room. It should be turned anti-clockwise and lifted out (turn opposite way to refit). Once the screw top is off, the diaphragm is below. Pull it out, noting how it sits in the hole and inspect - any rupture and you need to get a new one. Install a new one (cost about £5-6)and then replace all parts as far as the Torbeck valve is concerned and flush valve if removed for access, finally turning water supply valve back on. REMEMBER TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC PART WITH THE POLYTHENE COVERED DOWNPIPE OR YOU'LL GET SOAKED !!!

Test by using a screwdriver to push the flush mechanism down and flush the toilet. If the water stops running and no overflow into toilet, job done. Check for leaks though. If none, replace the cistern lid and push button mechanisms. Done !

If you're unlucky, there may be a leak at the bottom of the Torbeck valve caused by twisting the Torbeck loose. Turn off the water supply valve again and flush the toilet. If, as I suspect, it's a close-coupled toilet type where the cistern sits right on top of the toilet pan base and you can't access the nuts of the water supply into the cistern, you may need to disconnect the copper pipe from the water supply valve, then the wing nuts connecting the toilet to the cistern and then unscrew the cistern from the wall. Lift up and undo the metal fixing to the plastic of the Torbeck. Then lift away the cistern and pour any water in it into the toilet. Undo the large plastic nut (backnut) and inspect the rubber seal of the Torbeck. If damaged, you'll need a new Torbeck assembly I'd say. If not, clean it and the hole at the bottom of the cistern and refit. Make the backnut tight, but remember it's only plastic so don't overtighten. Then refit the cistern, connect the water supply pipe but not to the water supply valve, refit wingnuts and bolts, refit pipe to water supply, turn it on and test flush. Check for leaks - if none, sorted ! Hope this helps...

Murser
September 2010