Geberit Aufputz Spülkasten Wassermenge Einstellen Anleitung

Many people moving to Germany encounter Geberit surface-mounted (Aufputz) toilet cisterns. These are reliable and common, but adjusting the flush volume might be necessary to save water or to ensure proper flushing. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation on how to adjust the water volume in your Geberit surface-mounted cistern.

Understanding Geberit Surface-Mounted Cisterns

Before diving into the adjustment process, it's crucial to understand the basic components of a Geberit surface-mounted cistern. Unlike concealed cisterns (Unterputz), surface-mounted ones are visible and typically mounted on the wall above the toilet bowl. They usually feature a dual-flush system, offering a smaller flush for liquid waste and a larger flush for solid waste. The adjustment procedure primarily involves modifying the settings within the cistern to control the amount of water released during each flush.

Important Note: This guide primarily addresses older and common models. Newer models may have slightly different mechanisms, but the underlying principles remain the same. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions if available.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting any adjustments, it’s essential to take some safety precautions:

Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve for the toilet, usually near the floor behind the toilet bowl or near the cistern itself. Turn it clockwise until the water is completely shut off. This prevents accidental flooding during the adjustment process.
Wear gloves: This protects your hands from dirt and potential bacteria.
Be gentle: Avoid using excessive force when handling the components inside the cistern, as they can be fragile.

Tools You May Need

Typically, you won't need any specialized tools to adjust the flush volume. However, having these items handy can be helpful:

Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips head): Depending on the specific model, you might need a screwdriver to loosen or tighten certain screws.
Small pliers: Useful for gripping and maneuvering small parts if necessary.
Towel or cloth: To wipe up any spills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting the Flush Volume

The process of adjusting the water volume involves accessing the internal components of the cistern and modifying the settings on the flush valve mechanism. Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps:

1. Accessing the Inside of the Cistern

The first step is to open the cistern. How you do this depends on the specific model. Most Geberit surface-mounted cisterns have one of the following opening mechanisms:

Push-button models: For models with push buttons on top, gently pry off the button cover. This is usually done by inserting a flathead screwdriver into a small slot (often hidden at the edge) and twisting gently. Once the cover is removed, you'll typically find screws underneath that need to be unscrewed to lift the entire top section of the cistern.
Lever models: Some older models have a lever on the side. In this case, there's usually a screw or clip holding the lever in place. Remove the screw or disengage the clip to detach the lever. Once the lever is removed, you should be able to lift the top section of the cistern.
Lift-off lid models: Some cisterns simply have a lid that lifts off. You might need to wiggle it gently to loosen it, but there are usually no screws or clips involved.

Once you have removed the top of the cistern, carefully set it aside.

2. Identifying the Flush Valve Mechanism

Inside the cistern, you'll see the flush valve mechanism. This is the central component responsible for releasing water when you flush the toilet. It usually consists of a cylinder or a tower-like structure with various levers, floats, and adjustments. Locate the flush valve mechanism. It will often have a marking or label indicating it’s a Geberit product.

3. Locating the Adjustment Settings

The adjustment settings for the flush volume can be found on the flush valve mechanism itself. There are typically two separate adjustments: one for the small flush (liquid waste) and one for the large flush (solid waste). Look for the following:

Adjustable Floats: Some flush valves have floats that can be moved up or down along a rod or track. Moving the float higher increases the water volume, while moving it lower decreases the water volume. These floats are usually color-coded (e.g., blue for the small flush and green for the large flush).
Adjustable Levers: Other flush valves have levers that can be adjusted to change the opening duration of the valve. A longer opening duration releases more water, while a shorter duration releases less water. These levers might have markings or numbers indicating the adjustment level.
Adjustable Screws: Some models utilize screws to fine-tune the water volume. Turning the screw clockwise typically reduces the water volume, while turning it counterclockwise increases it. Be very careful when adjusting screws, as over-tightening can damage the mechanism.

Important: Take a picture of the original settings before making any adjustments. This way, you can easily revert to the previous settings if you're not satisfied with the changes.

4. Adjusting the Small Flush Volume

To adjust the small flush volume, locate the corresponding float, lever, or screw. Follow the instructions below, depending on the type of adjustment:

Adjustable Float: Gently slide the float up or down along the rod. A small adjustment can make a big difference, so start with a minimal change and test the flush.
Adjustable Lever: Move the lever to a different position. Again, start with a small adjustment and test the flush.
Adjustable Screw: Carefully turn the screw clockwise to decrease the water volume or counterclockwise to increase it. Make small adjustments and test the flush.

5. Adjusting the Large Flush Volume

To adjust the large flush volume, repeat the same process as with the small flush, but focus on the corresponding float, lever, or screw for the large flush. Remember to make small adjustments and test the flush after each change.

6. Testing the Flush

After making an adjustment, it’s crucial to test the flush to ensure that the water volume is appropriate. Turn the water supply back on and wait for the cistern to fill. Then, flush the toilet using both the small flush and the large flush. Observe the following:

Does the toilet flush completely and effectively? If not, you might need to increase the water volume slightly.
Does the toilet flush too forcefully, causing splashing or excessive noise? If so, you might need to decrease the water volume.
Is the water level in the bowl correct after flushing? The water level should be at the appropriate level to prevent odors and ensure proper hygiene.

Repeat the adjustment process as needed until you achieve the desired flush volume for both the small flush and the large flush.

7. Reassembling the Cistern

Once you are satisfied with the flush volume, it’s time to reassemble the cistern. Carefully place the top section back onto the cistern, making sure that all the components are properly aligned. Secure the top section by tightening the screws or reattaching the lever or push-button cover.

8. Final Check

After reassembling the cistern, perform a final check to ensure that everything is working correctly. Flush the toilet several times using both the small flush and the large flush. Make sure that there are no leaks and that the water level in the bowl is correct.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems during the adjustment process, here are some common issues and their solutions:

Toilet is not flushing completely: Increase the water volume for the large flush. Check the syphon for any debris or blockages.
Toilet is flushing too forcefully: Decrease the water volume for the large flush.
Cistern is leaking: Check the seals and connections inside the cistern. Replace any worn or damaged seals. Make sure the water inlet valve is functioning correctly.
Cistern is not filling: Check the water supply valve to make sure it's fully open. Clean the filter on the inlet valve. Ensure the float is moving freely and not obstructed.
Difficulty identifying the adjustment settings: Consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Search online for diagrams or videos that illustrate the adjustment process.

Conclusion

Adjusting the water volume in your Geberit surface-mounted cistern is a straightforward process that can help you save water and ensure optimal flushing performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily customize the flush volume to suit your needs. Remember to take safety precautions, make small adjustments, and test the flush thoroughly after each change. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve the perfect flush every time. If you’re uncertain about any step, it's always best to consult a qualified plumber.

By adjusting your Geberit cistern effectively, you contribute to water conservation and a more environmentally friendly household.