I have a Grohe concealed cistern located in the loft of a low cottage giving very difficult access. The cistern has started a continuous leak into the toilet and every few minutes the cistern is topped-up. What do I need to effect a repair?

Bill Watton, November 2011

I have carried out my own repair successfully as follows:

1. Because of space restrictions in my loft space I removed the complete cistern

2. The plunger actuator assembly is retained by a plastic frame a the top of the tank and this is held on either side by integral clips

3. The discharge valve is a float mechanism which I removed to expose two flexible plastic washer seals

4. There was no evident wear on either seal so I reassembled the cistern and reinstalled it. There was a marked reduction in the leakage rate but it was not cured.

5. I contacted Grohe for replacement seals but these are not sold separately so I had to purchase a replacement flat assembly which I have now fitted and everyting works fine except for a few days of backache

Bill Watton aged 75 and 6 months, November 2011

try national shower spares, 0845 126 4141 they are Grohe experts or visit www.showerspares.com

GARY, November 2011