I have just this morning replaced the split diaphragm for my Twyford 02 cistern. Its a close coupled loo (which I think means that the cistern bolts on to the toilet and is also bolted on to the wall at the back. I'm a mum, not a plumber, so I'll summarise in plain english, no jargon!! I guessed the diaphragm had gone because the toilet wouldn't flush, despite many repeated pulls on the handle. First, switch off the main water supply at the stop cock (mine's under the kitchen sink). Then flush the loo to try and empty out as much water as poss from the cistern. Then bail the rest of the cistern water out with a cup and mop up any last dregs with a cloth. Disconnect the water inlet pipe from the cistern by undoing the metal bolt from the plastic vertical pipe that leads up into the cistern. You might get a few drips of water from the cistern but nothing much because it is empty. Then undo the two metal bolts underneath the cistern, that secure it to the toilet bowl. Lastly, undo the two bolts that fix the cistern to the wall. The cistern will now lift off. Lay it on its back and unscrew the siphon (the white plastic thing that protrudes through the bottom of the cistern). Take out the siphon and when you turn it upside down you will see the split diaphragm. Buy a new one at a plumbers merchant (I bought a 5 pack for £1.12) and replace the broken one. You may need to trim the new diaphragm to the same size as the old one - I did. Then put the loo back together (remember to replace the spring inside the flushing mechanism, not outside like I did this morning!) It would probably be worth buying some 'plumbers mate' sticky stuff to help seal the bolt threads when you're reassembling your loo - I didn't and will probably have to take it apart again to seal everything properly....but I'm very familiar with my loo now....it's almost like having another baby!!
Debs, September 2009
