Cistern lids (Toilets) -OR- more sturdier Dual-Flush outlet value kits?

[auslan]

hey folks,

I discovered how difficult it is to obtain new cistern lids as 'replacements'. Bunnings and some bathware stores say "You gotta replace the whole cistern and/or the toilet".

Do you know of any places, other than eBay, where one could order cistern lids to fit 'slimline' cisterns of Royal Doulton toilets? It is simply that we want to fit dual-flush outlet values to replace single-flush units to prepare our elderly relative's house for rentals (not auction sale, after all).

The existing cistern lids have 25mm diameter holes and we want 45-50mm holes for dual-flush plunger buttons. We find Fix-A-Loo flush units (designed for 16-50mm holes) not so sturdy. The chrome-plated plastic plunger (2 buttons) are easy to snap off after only 6 months or so, though the internal units still work. We have young kids, so these buttons aren't that robust for family use.

Alternatively, is there a more sturdier after-market "dual flush outlet values" whose plunger buttons will fit within our existing lids' 25mm diameter holes? Where the buttons will not easily break off during a few years' ordinary usage?

thanks

[SilentButDeadly]

All you'll do is annoy your new tenants. Older pans weren't designed for dual flush cisterns. So they don't work well given the low flush volumes. It's a half arsed solution...[pun intended]

A new Caroma dunny suite is recommended instead.

[plum]

Not quite correct SilentButDeadly; it is possible with the right dual flush conversion valve, as the half flush button is for number ones and full flush for number two's, it would still flush the original volume for a full flush and the half flush is plenty for number ones. The problem is sourcing the correct one to fit the lid.
Having said that, if your issue is to save water, it would be wise to change the entire suite over as SilentButDeadly suggests.

[auslan]

Thanks SilentButDeadly & Plum for your thoughts. The Fix-A-Loo adapter does work well in that full & half flushes work as designed in an identical Royal Doulten toilet in the other bathroom. I did had to adjust the output value's settings at time of installation (over a year ago) for both the full and half flushes. No need to reflush for all traces of those floaters to float away.

Anyway, I'll enclose a photo for you to see. In case the text within the photo is difficult to read, it says: "Outlet hole's near edge = 25 cm (1 inch) from wall. Two bolt holes (to secure cistern / outlet value to toilet pan) = 4 inchs apart, aka 100cm. Cistern lid's inside edges (to sit neatly inside the Royal Doulten's cistern tank) = 20" or 51cm long, by 4" / 10cm wide. As noted, flushing button's hole is 1" (25cm) diameter at top of lid." BTW, the floor's dumping pipe's centre is 140mm from the wall, so that's the usual distance.

Already tried Plumber Supplies / Tradelink - no luck as they sell outlet values that fit cistern lids whose holes = minimum of 40mm across. As one expect, the cistern lids are not sold separately. The criteria is not really to save water, but to ensure that my elderly relative's not liable for the rental property's water bills for the next 10~15 years, if all toilets aren't refitted with *sturdy* dual flush units - or replaced entirely ($450+ each).

At a rough glance, I'll reckon that Fowler's Regent cisterns would fit these RoyalD pans, however these cisterns' prices aren't much different from "complete dunny suites" so the latter is a better choice - if we can't find sturdier Dual-Flush O/Vs to fit 25mm dia. holes.

-auslan

88216

[plum]

If the 40mm diametre hole is stopping you, surely the hole in the china lid can be drilled out with a masonary bit but not on the hammer setting.
If you end up having to change the suite. the set out you are looking at for the outlet with your existing pan is about 150mm from the wall to the centre of the outlet but if you change the pan collar to an offset collar you will gain an extra 15mm, so what I am saying is that you are not limited as to a replacement suite and from your photo it is a relatively easy job for a plumber.