WC frame replacement

A concealed WC frame is replaced when the cistern in the wall keeps leaking even after new valves, the frame has cracked or the pan has started to move. It is one of the heavier bathroom jobs, because the frame is hidden behind boarding and tiles. To get it out, the wall has to be opened up, and once the new frame is in, rebuilt.

Stages of replacing a WC frame

• removing the pan and flush plate, turning off the water and emptying the cistern;
• opening the boxing: breaking off tiles and cutting out the board in front of the frame;
• disconnecting the old frame from water and waste, lifting it out and checking the pipes;
• fitting the new frame plumb and at the correct height, fixed to wall and floor;
• connecting water and waste and pressure-testing before the wall is closed;
• rebuilding the boxing with boards, then tiling, grouting and fitting the pan and flush plate.

Before you decide to replace it

The most common frame problems, water running constantly and a weak flush, come from a worn fill valve or flush valve. Those parts are swapped through the opening behind the flush plate without taking the wall apart. A full replacement makes sense when the frame is cracked, the cistern itself leaks or spare parts are no longer made for the old model. The handyman checks this through the access opening first.

Tiles and finishing

Restoring the tiling causes the most headaches. If you kept spare tiles from the last renovation, have them ready for the visit. If not, consider a different look straight away, such as contrasting tiles on the boxing only.

Common questions