Replace a toilet pan connector

Replace a leaking or worn toilet pan connector safely, checking hidden pipes before refitting the pan to the floor.

PC-01Turn off the water and empty the cisternFind the isolation valve, usually a small slotted valve on the pipe behind or under the cistern, and turn it clockwise to shut. Flush the toilet and hold the lever down to drain as much water as you can. Use a sponge to soak out what's left in the cistern and pan, and keep a bucket handy for drips.

1 each · Sponge

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1 each · Bucket

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2 each · Old towels

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PC-02Disconnect the water supply from the cisternWorking over a towel, undo the nut on the flexible tap connector at the base of the cistern with an adjustable spanner. If the cistern needs to come off to reach the pan connector, undo the two cistern-to-pan fixing bolts and lift the cistern clear.

1 each · Adjustable spanner

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PC-03Undo the pan fixings and lift the pan awayPrise off the small plastic caps at the foot of the pan and undo the fixing screws underneath. Rock the pan gently side to side to break the seal with the old connector, then lift it up and forward to slide it clear of the soil pipe. Get a second pair of hands, the pan is heavy and awkward to hold alone.

1 each · Screwdriver

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1 each · Dust sheet

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PC-04Remove the old pan connectorThe old connector is the rubber or plastic sleeve over the soil pipe stub coming out of the wall or floor. Twist and pull it free. If it's split or stuck fast, cut it away carefully with a utility knife rather than forcing it. Wipe the soil pipe stub clean of old sealant or debris.

1 each · Utility knife

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1 each · Cloth

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PC-05Fit the new pan connectorCheck the size, most UK soil pipes are 100mm, and pick a straight or offset connector to match how your pan lines up. Smear a little washing-up liquid inside the connector to help it slide onto the pipe stub, then push it fully home, square and not twisted. This is a like-for-like repair, so it doesn't need notifying under Building Regulations. If you were moving or re-routing the soil pipe itself, that would fall under Part H of the Building Regulations.

RULES

1 each · Toilet pan connector, 100mm

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1 small squeeze · Washing-up liquid

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KNOW THE RULES

Simple like-for-like connector replacement doesn't need Building Regulations approval. Altering the route or position of the soil pipe would fall under Part H, and may need notifying to your local authority.

PC-06Refit the pan and check the fitWith your helper, line up the pan outlet with the new connector and ease the pan back onto the soil pipe stub, keeping it level. Check the gap between the pan base and the floor is even all the way round before you fix it down. Give the pan a gentle wiggle, it should feel firm and not rock.

PC-07Fix the pan to the floorBefore you drill or screw into the floor, work out what's underneath. Timber floorboards sound hollow when tapped and give sawdust from a small pilot hole; solid concrete feels solid and gives fine grey dust. Cables and pipes can run under floors in places you wouldn't expect, so run a cable and pipe detector over the fixing points and still treat the spot as live until you've proven otherwise. If there's any doubt, isolate the electrics at the consumer unit before drilling, and make sure your stopcock actually turns off before you start, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. On timber floors, use 40mm countersunk wood screws, ideally into a joist rather than just the floorboard. On solid concrete, drill a 6mm hole 40mm deep, insert a wall plug, then drive the fixing screw. Don't overtighten, ceramic cracks easily.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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2 each · Wood screws, 40mm

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2 each · Wall plugs (for concrete floors)

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1 each · Cordless drill

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PC-08Reconnect the water supply and cisternWrap the threads of the flexible tap connector with PTFE tape and reattach it to the base of the cistern. Tighten by hand, then a further quarter turn with a spanner, don't overtighten plastic fittings. Refit the cistern-to-pan bolts if you removed them, tightening evenly on both sides.

1 roll · PTFE tape

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PC-09Turn the water back on and test for leaksOpen the isolation valve slowly and let the cistern fill. Flush several times, checking around the base of the pan, the connector, and the supply fitting each time. Keep an eye on it for a good ten minutes before you call it done, a slow weep can take a while to show.

1 each · Torch

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1 roll · Kitchen roll

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PC-10Tidy up and dispose of the old partsWipe down the pan, floor and cistern with a damp cloth. The old connector can usually go in general waste, or take it to a recycling centre if you'd rather. Keep any spare screws or PTFE tape for next time.

1 each · Cloth

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1 each · Bin bag

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