The cistern is leaking underneath, from the outflow pipe I think. The problem is it's an enclosed cistern so I can get my hands underneath.

I was just able to put my hand under to feel the water coming out.

Chris, September 2009

Your description of the repair is fine, But it`s very likely that the cistern leaks after a period of years, and then the butterfly nuts are rusted. Depending on the location of your toilet...in a confined space it will mean that you will need to cut them off with a hacksaw or grind them off with a sidegrinder like I did.It`ll mean lying in a cramped up condition with your head underneathe the cistern. It`s an awkward, difficult and aggravating job. But just at the moment the job is done and there are no leaks. If I had to take it apart now. It would be a 20 minute job, but with the grinding it took me about two hours.

Dave Howells., August 2012

The donut washer is squashed down to form a seal by a flat plate - the plate is pulled down by a bolt/wing nut on each side - at the back underneath the pan.

Sometimes by simply tightening the wing nuts by hand you can stop the leak.

Even though it may appear difficult it's a relatively simple matter (10 mins) to remove the cistern to put in a new donut washer.

Turn off water - remove cistern lid - flush loo - disconnect water inlet pipe - remove two wing nuts (as mentioned) - remove two screws holding cistern against wall - carefully lift cistern away from pan and tip remaining water into the pan.

When reassembling do not screw the cistern too tightly to the wall else it may crack.

Good luck...

Peccavi, September 2009

Between the loo cistern and the pan there is a large spongy washer called a 'doughnut' - because of its shape. It needs replacing, and naturally you have to disconnect the cistern from the pan to do this.

John, September 2009