Can' get loo cistern off wall

[pandaman]

I needed to replace the flush valve in a 30 yr old toilet.The fixings to the wall are all rusted up. I asked in another post if I could hacksaw the ends off, it was suggested I do that but I cannot get the cistern up, the rest of the screws or whatever they are are still stopping it coming up. Got all the other connectors off ok. Had to put it all back together again. The flush valve still works but is splitting at the base so it may leak at some point. Do plumbers have some kit of some sort that could deal with this problem because I can't?

 

[avonmouth]

Is it a close coupled cistern ?

 

[pandaman]

Yes it is.

 

[CountryFan]

Can you post a photo of the fixings in question?

 

[pandaman]

Bear with me.

 

[pandaman]

Not very clear though. I had to take out the fill valve to work on the one that side.

 

[CountryFan]

Couple of options: use a small slotted screwdriver and hammer on the rusty parts, or gently pull and wiggle the cistern off. If there’s any silicone sealant on it, that could be holding it on too.

 

[pandaman]

Tried both of those options, no luck with bashing, wiggling did loosen the left side but the other side was firmly fixed. Did try with a drill but bit just kept slipping off and was scared I might damage the cistern round the screw holes.

 

[terryplumb]

If you separate the cistern from the pan by removing the bolts / nuts that hold them together ,you should be able to tilt the cistern away from the wall to clear the remains of the screws in the wall.

 

[pandaman]

Already tried that. I'm stumped. Will get the plumber we use to see if he has any ideas. Thanks for your help.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Tried both of those options, no luck with bashing, wiggling did loosen the left side but the other side was firmly fixed. Did try with a drill but bit just kept slipping off and was scared I might damage the cistern round the screw holes.

The cistern will be fixed to the pan, with two bolts, squishing a thick doughnut soft washer seal. You need to release those two bolts as well - usually rusted up. .