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I've noted several post-2000 build apartments that have concealed plastic toilet cisterns that are secured at the rear to dry wall by 4 screws. They are lever-type cisterns, so there is also a toilet lever tube (either metal or rigid plastic) connecting the front-right edge of the cistern to the exterior tiled wall. One side has an inlet for a flexi hose, the other is connected to the overflow.

The screws are arranged horizontally along the upper rear surface of the cistern.

I was reassured by an experienced plumber that these drywall-secured screws don't move and even one screw is enough to hold the cistern in place. I don't have any reason to doubt him given that not one of these cisterns have become loose over 20 years. However, should it come to replacing these cisterns, should we try to secure these cisterns to something other than drywall?

I was wondering how secure such cisterns are, how much weight they can hold and if it's normal practice to secure cisterns this way. Should a timber framework be fitted for replacement cisterns?

Brybeck
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  • Are there wooden supporting studs fitted behind the drywall to add support? this is common. – Solar Mike Feb 06 '20 at 12:08
  • As far as I'm aware, there are timber studs securing the drywall, but I've no way of locating them without a stud finder. Is it reasonable to assume that the screws are secured into studs? – Brybeck Feb 06 '20 at 12:16
  • I would never support that much weight especially since it changes and vibrates when flushed with just drywall. If they have been there for 20 years I would not worry, if the tank or cistern is wider than 16” there will usually be studs to anchor to. (At least on this side of the pond). – Ed Beal Feb 06 '20 at 14:36
  • These are UK builds circa 2000 if that helps re. building regulations. The cisterns are wider than 16". – Brybeck Feb 06 '20 at 15:23
  • securing to drywall seems kind of dodgy. I did a brief search and all the exmples I found wwere fixed to studs or to bricks. – Jasen Feb 07 '20 at 04:19

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