VIDEO: How do you open a built-in cistern?

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The concealed cistern

Built-in cisterns, also known as concealed cisterns, are now standard in modern bathrooms. They hide their inner workings behind a fixed, flat actuator plate, which at first glance does not offer any opening option. The built-in cistern is in the wall - in contrast to the conventional cistern, whose water tank is above the toilet. The built-in cistern is opened for maintenance work, for descaling or to insert a water tank tablet.

This is how you open a built-in cistern

A built-in cistern can be opened with a few simple steps:

  1. Get it right. Grasp the side of the cover.
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    © Maria Ponkhoff
  2. Loosen the cover. Gently slide the guard up until it disengages from the latch and then fold it down. This is enough to insert a water box tablet.
    Image 1
    © Maria Ponkhoff
  3. Remove cover. To fully open the built-in cistern, remove the cover by removing it from the bracket.
    Image 1
    © Maria Ponkhoff
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  4. Loosen the screws. Loosen the two screws that connect the carrier plate to the mounting template. Take off the carrier plate. Depending on the model, you may have to unscrew the centrally located plastic lever to operate the toilet flush beforehand.
    Image 1
    © Maria Ponkhoff

You can now access the inside of the cistern, for example to carry out small repairs, Check the seals or the float (valve for level of the water) check. After you have carried out the repair work, reinstall the components in the reverse order.

How to descale a cistern

If the cistern is calcified, the flush no longer works properly. To descale it, open the built-in box as described.

Flush the toilet to remove a quarter of the water from the box. Fill this quarter up with vinegar and wait an hour. Then rinse the vinegar water with the dissolved lime in the toilet.

With a little practice and skill, opening a built-in cistern is just as easy as opening a free cistern. You don't need to call the plumber for descaling or cleaning, you can lend a hand yourself.

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