How to Remove the Lid From a Toilet Cistern Cover

Common toilets have a cistern (water tank) lid that can simply be lifted off. but a close-coupled toilet has a water tank that is directly attached to form a single unit. The close-coupled toilet is becoming more popular, especially low-flush toilets, but repairing can be more challenging if you do not know how to take off the lid. Manufacturers make mounts with screws, buttons and plates and, depending on the style you have, removing the lid requires removing the flush button and mount.

Press down on the outer ring of the flush button and turn counter clockwise. This process can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but usually includes pressing down on the outer ring surrounding the button you push to flush the toilet to remove the mount. Remove button.

Pull out flushing buttons (screw covers) from their recess, if there are any. Some manufacturers have them and some don't. Removing them will expose any screws that need removal.

Remove screws. Some manufacturers will use plastic screws to hold in an assembly. Take the screw out before removing the flush button.

Remove the chamber holding the flushing button. Remove the flush button by gently prying the button up with a screwdriver if it does not lift right out.

Remove chrome plate, if you have one. Some toilets have a chrome plate around the flush button instead of a ring or screws. Simply push the plate to one side and then forward and off. Remove button.

Remove the entire cistern lid once you have the flush button off.