I've got a close-coupled dual flush cistern which is developing flushing 'issues'. No brand name visible, but got it from B&Q a few years ago. My problem is getting the lid off the cistern to gain access to the working bits. It doesn't just lift off and you don't seem to be able to lift up or screw off the flush button mechanism. The outer ring of the flush buttons rests on the aperture in the ceramic lid, so you obviously have to get the mechanism off before you can release the lid... I don't want to force it, and though a keen DIYer and amateur plumber, this is baffling me. Any ideas?

Iain in Stockport, February 2009

thanks Brian, very kind of you to respond to my plight!

Iain from Stockport, February 2009

I have now done further research... it depends on the make, but you usually either push down the outer ring of the flush biuttons and then turn it anti-clockwise, or, as is the case with my cistern, you hold down the big flush button, this allows you to pull out the smaqll one, revealing a screw that you undo to release the mechanism...

Iain from Stockport (again), February 2009

Hi, to remove the cistern top, try the following: gently push down one of the buttons, then slide the other button out...the buttons lift out revealing a screw head...its simple when you know how.

Brian, February 2009