Floating/frame hung pan, how to "loosen"

[WaterTight]

Never done/touched one before. Concealed cistern type set up but with pan mounted on a hidden frame within the unit.

The panel behind the pan that you normally slide up to get full access is stuck because the floating pan has been tightened a lot against it.

The top panel (with the button on it) pops out ok and I can reach in a bit but can barely get to anything or see what I'm doing. But I guess I just get in with grips/spanner and loosen a couple of nuts on the frame somewhere until I get a bit of play on the pan and can pop the panel up and away yeah?

Just thought I'd check because new territory. I can feel bolts going into back of pan when I reach inside the unit but can barely see/get to anything.

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I suppose what might be more likely is the moisture from the leak/general bathroom moist air has swollen the panel a bit. Looking at a pic I managed to take I suspect the panel needs to come out before I can loosen any bolts. So catch 22.

 

[SimonG]

Not seen one like that. Is it under the seat fixings?

 

[rpm]

Look under the pan bowl and think the top will have to come off to reveal hidden screws/ bolts for the panel.

 

[Ben-gee]

What are you trying to do? Ie what is the problem?

That is a Dudley niagara cistern and all can be removed through that blue opening - after a bit of swearing....

 

[WaterTight]

Not seen one like that. Is it under the seat fixings?

Couldn't see any?

Look under the pan bowl and think the top will have to come off to reveal hidden screws/ bolts for the panel.

You mean like reach all the way under and up the pan yeah? Didnt think to try that. What do you mean by "the top"?

What are you trying to do? Ie what is the problem?

That is a Dudley niagara cistern and all can be removed through that blue opening - after a bit of swearing..

I tried to ID it and decided it was a Tavistock Vortex but get the feeling it's got a few names as the button is available elsewhere by different name. The whole cistern was installed poorly and has slipped causing leaks on feed pipework and flush pipe. Needs full access to sort.

 

[oz-plumber]

The pan will have locking bolts, accessible from under that pan.
If you can undo them you should be able to remove the pan.
Removing the pan will only give you access to the pan connection outside the wall.
If you have to access inside the wall you will have to remove the panel.
Sounds like a nightmare..........good luck!!!!!

 

[Ben-gee]

Any I’ve seen have had bolts sticking out from the frame, often with an attachment on the end with a concave surface so you can tighten a ‘grub screw’ onto it.
The grub screws may be bolts.
Either bolt from the under side of the pan - not much room to get under - can confirm with camera on your phone...
Or grub screws from above - these are accessible through the mounting holes of the seat , so you have to remove the seat first!
Once undone the pan should slide off - leave the silicone until you’ve undone the bolts- then it shouldn’t fall on you if you’re underneath it!
( I utilise my prodigious belly to support the pan, but you may find timber or cushions etc useful.
Don’t envy you, they can be a pig of a job...😢

 

[mfgs]

What do you need access too? The cistern can be fully stripped and all new internals fitted from the access at the top?

The pan will either be secured from bolts at the bottom, or you will need to remove the toilet seat and there will be big grub screws to undo.

 

[WaterTight]

Thanks for advice all. Your mentions of pig of a job and not envying me made me decide to decline the job.

 

[MOSSEP]

You usually secure the pan from underneath it, often the pan will have a specific securing mechanism that you tigthen using an allen key or socket

 

[Ben-gee]

Mostly mossep yes, but more and more are hiding the fixings under the seat mounting holes - but annoying to be honest, having to remove the p155y old seat first!