When I flush the toilet and the cistern is filling up with water there is a very loud noise. Is this something I can fix myself, or do I need to get a plumber in.
Sorry but I don't know the make and model of the cistern, but it just looks like a normal cistern to me.

Margaret, August 2009

Its called water hammer, a faulty or worn ballvalve or float valve as its called nowadays, there are two types, bottom or side entry, just get a like for like item and replace it, isolate the water supply and read the manufacturers instructions, make sure you adjust the water level correctly after installation, too low means poor flush, too high will mean toilet overflowing. jon

jon wells, August 2009

The noise is caused by high pressure water filling the cistern. The best way to cure this is to cut the inlet copper pipe and insert a 15mm ball-o-fix valve, then you can adjust the water flow rate. Pay attention to the direction of water flow; there is a little arrow on the valve. You will need to remove any paint on the part of the pipe where you fit the valve, and do not over-tighten the compression nuts; hand tighten and then turn about half to three quarters of a turn.

plumber, August 2009