Very old high level cistern refurb

[WaterTight]

Anyone had much luck putting new parts into a cistern like this?

Ideally want to take out all the old rusy gumph inside and put in new syphon, inlet and high level chain pack but not sure if it will fit/work.

Customer wants to keep the old cistern and paint the outside when done.

Thanks

 

[WaterTight]

 

[WaterTight]

I'm presuming the nut at the top of the lead flush pipe will be 1.5" and connect to a modern spyhon thread? As don't want to change / alter the flush pipe if poss.

 

[Scott_D]

Not something I would dare touch but would like to see the finished item if you do the job.

 

[WaterTight]

I vaguely remember replacing the lever and arms bits in one before. I seem to remember the bits I had sourced were not a good fit but I rigged something up that just about worked.

 

[snowhead]

You'll probably need to drill the side for a bracket similar to below and use a compact flush.

High level Cistern Lever Arm and Fulcrum Bracket Chrome

High level Cistern Lever Arm and Fulcrum Bracket Chrome This solid chrome metal high level toilet cistern arm comes with a metal bracket and bolt and is a stronger alternative to plastic levers

www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk

Shires Dauntless High Level Toilet Cistern Syphon

Shires Dauntless High Level Toilet Cistern Syphon. A dauntless shires cistern syphon to fit both old style high level rubberwell cisterns as well as modern cisterns

www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk

 

[Keefy]

Takes confidence and courage to play around with ancient plumbing fittings like that. I was once tasked with repairing a high level cistern very similar in the Main Bridewell cells in the old Liverpool Magistrates Court. If I remember correctly they were lead lined wooden boxes. luckily for me they must have been 'updated' at some point because I had the simple job of changing a Part 1 ball valve in it.

Old school plumbing knowledge is as rare as rocking horse poo these days so I'll take my hat off to you if you manage to get it back to its old original self. Just try what you think, hardly likely anyone else is going to come along sucking air through their teeth while shaking their head.

 

[WaterTight]

You'll probably need to drill the side for a bracket similar to below and use a compact flush.

High level Cistern Lever Arm and Fulcrum Bracket Chrome

High level Cistern Lever Arm and Fulcrum Bracket Chrome This solid chrome metal high level toilet cistern arm comes with a metal bracket and bolt and is a stronger alternative to plastic levers

www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk

View attachment 60091

Shires Dauntless High Level Toilet Cistern Syphon

Shires Dauntless High Level Toilet Cistern Syphon. A dauntless shires cistern syphon to fit both old style high level rubberwell cisterns as well as modern cisterns

www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk

View attachment 60092

Thanks, I actually emailed him with some pictures to ask what I might need. He said he couldn't help.

Yes looks like nothing will work without making some adaptions/drilling into the cistern.

Any idea what cistern is likely to be made of/how easy/likely to go off without an issue drilling a small hold for a bolt like that would be?

 

[WaterTight]

View attachment 60124View attachment 60124

Takes confidence and courage to play around with ancient plumbing fittings like that. I was once tasked with repairing a high level cistern very similar in the Main Bridewell cells in the old Liverpool Magistrates Court. If I remember correctly they were lead lined wooden boxes. luckily for me they must have been 'updated' at some point because I had the simple job of changing a Part 1 ball valve in it.

Old school plumbing knowledge is as rare as rocking horse poo these days so I'll take my hat off to you if you manage to get it back to its old original self. Just try what you think, hardly likely anyone else is going to come along sucking air through their teeth while shaking their head.

I was thinking of saying no guarantees but I can take it away with me (it's not plumbed in or in use) and try a few things and no charge if nothing looks like fitting/working but estimate an amount if I can get it working. Was more for the novelty/challenge.

But that's not an arrangement I've ever offered anyone before so I have my doubts.

 

[snowhead]

Any idea what cistern is likely to be made of/how easy/likely to go off without an issue drilling a small hold for a bolt like that would be?

The body is cast iron, as are most of the internals, a sharp drill will go through easy enough.
I'd do as you say, take it away, strip it out and fit new parts, sort out the correct length for the lever.
It would have been nice to keep the existing lever, for looks, but it'll be too heavy for a modern plastic flush without a strong spring to hold it up, unless maybe it could be fixed back in just for looks.

Then take it back and let them get it sand / media blasted or wire brushed, whatever they want to do.

The one on this link is a very similar style inside, so you know what to expect.

The 'Bow' Wilmer & Sons London Cast Iron High Level Toilet Cistern | eBay

Cistern and Lid, one fixing eye on the lid is broken (pictured). Cistern Reads The person removing it also cut the flush pipe in half so will need a coupler brazing on it.

www.ebay.co.uk