Cistern stuck to pan - removal issues

[Gjp123]

Can anyone advise?

I am trying to remove the cistern from a Bellavista low level close-coupled pair. I have removed all the fixings but I cannot get the cistern to lift. I suspect that it is just a very tight fit in the rubber seal between the cistern and pan but I am afraid to pull too hard for fear of damaging the ceramic.
Is there anything anyone uses to loosen it? Or - as I am replacing the flush valve anyway should I just break it out?

 

[Phil]

A low level close couple? Is there such a thing?

Does sound like a close couple, just give it a twist and ease it off.

 

[leepoll]

I had one a while back, some clown had siliconed the cistern to the pan. Just a lot of twisting and pulling finally freed it.

 

[woodsy]

See it often now - half of england is held up / together with silicone, although to be fair some of the ceramics now are incredibly mishapen.

 

[WaterTight]

If all fixings definetly removed - sit on the toilet the wrong way with your hands on your thighs for leverage and don't just pull up but from side to side and in a twisting motion - you won't damage the ceramic unless they've used superglue, the silicone will give way first.

 

[Gjp123]

Thanks all for the advice.
Sounds like I have some heaving to do.

 

[hiretools]

Close coupled low level that's quality must remember that....:crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy:

 

[WaterTight]

A close-coupled toilet is at low level, a lower level than a low level infact. Low level toilet is a stupid name. It should be high level, mid-high level and close-coupled.

 

[REDSAW]

get a hacksaw blade and roger it between the two surfaces from behind so not to mark it.
oh matron.!.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

it may possibly be siliconed to the wall i had one like that

 

[WHPES]

An old very sharp meat carving knife slid along the back of the cistern and shoved between the pan and cistern. (WATCH YOUR FINGERS!)

 

[Guest123]

Slide a filler knife along it (the type of thin blade used for polyfilla etc), buy some silicone removal liquid from Screw fix, spray it evenly between the gap made by your filler knife, wait ten minutes for it to do it's stuff and voila, one freed up unstuck cistern! This also works for basins that have been stuck to the wall with silicone and helps remove them without pulling off the tiles behind the basin.

Hate the bloody silicone kids that use it on everything, even seen it on compression fittings.

 

[WHPES]

Came across an entire bathroom suite which had been stuck to the floor and walls with silicone. Had to take the basin off and it was touch and go whether I was going to be able to without damaging it as it was stuck on so hard.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

An old very sharp meat carving knife slid along the back of the cistern and shoved between the pan and cistern. (WATCH YOUR FINGERS!)

thats what i use what silicone

 

[Guest123]

Came across an entire bathroom suite which had been stuck to the floor and walls with silicone. Had to take the basin off and it was touch and go whether I was going to be able to without damaging it as it was stuck on so hard.

Had a new tiler that was amazed that I actually screwed down the toilet with screws and not just siliconed it.

 

[Gjp123]

Thanks to all
(apart from those laughing at my incorrect nomenclature)

 

[Best]

Had a new tiler that was amazed that I actually screwed down the toilet with screws and not just siliconed it.

I find it best to fit toilet to the floor dry, then when all working & tested just a very small line of clear silicone around base and clean excess. Very strong, but can be cut easily later. Same with a basin, screw to wall, then tiny bead at top. Saves a fortune in silicone also!