Our Shanks toilet cistern has an old brass pull-up plunger flush - the plunger is pulled up by a chain on the handle. It's a simple drop-valve, not a siphon. I think it dates from the 1950s but it could be older.

It needs a new rubber washer. The washer is about 60mm across, tapered into a slight cone and fits like a collar around a "Shanks Beta" disk with flanges in the plunger.

Last time I replaced the washer, in the mid-1990s, I got it from a plumbing supplies merchant - they had them in stock. Now I can't find them anywhere. Does anyone know where I can get them?

Steve West, June 2009

Do you have a beta valve washer for brass toilet cistern

Margaret Tough, October 2016

I managed to buy one from The Plumber Merchant on Amazon after trying many plumb centres in Edinburgh with no joy. The product name was "WIRQUIN Outlet Seal Washer FOR ALL FLUSH VALVES M25". Fits and works perfectly.

Greg Milne, December 2013

I tried them today but they don't have any left. Does anyone else know of a supplier?

Thanks

Gordon Dickson, Glasgow, October 2013

Richmonds PLumbing & Heating Glasgow
0141 429 7441
definetely have them

tony, September 2012

I don't know where you live but Graham the plumbers merchant has them. I got mine from the on in Penicuick (Scotland). Could you tell me how to fit one?? I am a complete novice. If you tell me your area I have a ref book as to where the Graham stores are.

Fiona, May 2011

Dear Steve,
i am wondering if you managed to get replacement washer for toilet cistern, have been been trying to get a relacement for some time/ wondering if you can heip

michael lowdon, October 2010

Thanks James!

I contacted them and they have them in stock. It's called an Armitage Shanks "Beta" washer.

I'm going to buy several this time. Anyone have any tips on how to store the spares to stop them perishing?

Steve

Steve West, September 2009

Hi Steven,
I know my local plumbing merchants in Glasgow still stock these washers are i've recently replaced a couple in an old art deco shanks bathroom. I'm sure they'd post one out to you.

http://www.richmonds-phm.co.uk/

cheers James

james wright, August 2009

The new lead didn't come up with anything so I improvised with some washers and o-rings that were nearly the right shape/size and a dollop of rubber solution glue.

Suppose I'll have to replace the mechanism at some point, but it seems a shame as it's such a nice wee bit of brass/copper engineering.

Steve West, June 2009

Thanks Bob. Armitage Shanks couldn't help, but I've got another lead to follow up.

Yes, I'm kicking myself for not buying a few of them when I had the chance.

Steve West, June 2009

WWW.ARMITAGE-SHANKS.CO.UK [I looked them up for you]
You can email them but can't put email address on forum it won't accept email addresses. So either go to the site for email address or phone them.
A shot in the dark but you might be lucky and tell you a retailer who may still have these washers.
pity you didn't get a couple of spares last time.

Armitage Shanks
Address:
Armitage Shanks
Armitage
Rugeley
Staffordshire
WS15 4BT

Tel: 01543 490253
Fax: 01543 491677


Bathroom Brochure Hotline

Freephone: 0800 866 966

Bob, June 2009