spares for Derwent Macdee Metro 3 part syphonic cistern?

Hi, Thank you all for the tips to replace the diaphram, mine had split in two. A bit of dpc membrane worked fine, my only problem being cutting the 2 round holes with a kitchen knife. I'm 66 and if I can do it ..........

Mike Bacon
May 2017

DIAPHRAGM REPLACEMENT : Tried the milk bottle trick but provided a poor flush. Too much water resistance in the chamber. Then tried the CD case and that was perfect! Good as new.

MarkD
September 2016

Brilliant worked a treat, I was going to buy a new valve so saved £5. If I'd not attempted that and got a plumber in it would have costed me £100+

Debbie Mees
July 2016

Found an Internet site selling new diagrams for 1.40 didn't like the 3.50 delivery charge so got out the scissors and the old cd sleeve - fixed!,

Peter Hayling Island
December 2015

Thank you so much for the fix. Like others, was searching for complete diaphragm unit but despite being usually useless at DIY, managed to make this with plastic CD cover. Can cut shape roughly by cutting around original diaphragm held onto new plastic and trim when fitted to plastic wheel. Thanks again

Malc
January 2015

Thank you, saved money by accidently coming across this site whilst looking how to replace diaphragm in syphon! We used a plastic CD wallet as suggested and it worked, again thanks

jillbo
October 2014

So glad I found this forum! Diaphragm in my syphon was wrecked, so made a new one out of plastic 4 pint milk container. Easy to do & flushing better than ever. Sorted!

Gill
August 2014

Thanks for the tips on here I now have a flushing toilet again at a cost of £0.00 as used an empty plastic milk bottle and the old plastic thing as a template. Easy peasy lemon squeezy
Thanks again

Maureen
July 2014

Used a plastic wallet from a CD.. Worked a treat !!!

Ray B
March 2014

Thanks everyone - ripped diaphram and used a plastic wallet - fixed in 30 mins - who knew WH Smith sold parts for a cistern!!

Russell
August 2013

Just fixed my broken black pull rod by drilling the centre with a 3mm drill bit and then cutting the head off a self tapping screw. Threaded both parts of the black pull rod on to the self tapping screw and refitted.

Magic fix and thanks very much.

Saved me £22

Alan McBryde
June 2013

Fab! Thanks for the advice. I too almost paid out for the part and would have been waiting near on a week to get it. But with your advice it was fixed in no time at all and for free, bonus! Thanks.

Happy 'young lady' diyer
May 2013

just cut a new diaphragm from a sheet of plastic and fitted it in less than a minute, was seconds from spending about £7 for a spare, then i found this page, brilliant - made my day

David Ross
April 2013

Dude! You are the man! When it comes to DIY I am mentally deficient but thanks to you, I was the man and fixed my toilet in 20 minutes! A bit of plastic and I was away. Thanks a million

Havelock Vetinari
April 2013

Any advice about how to get at the damaged diaphram?

Jane Jones
March 2013

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have just replaced the diaphragm with a piece of plastic and my loo now works perfectly! I am so grateful for the advice given. As a 51 year old widow with no money to spare and having used a bucket to flush my toilet for the last week it is good to know that these seemingly complicated jobs can be done cheaply at home. :)

diy lady
February 2013

Brill. I used damp course for my diaphragm and it worked a treat. I was only looking on the internet to find a shop that sold parts locally and came across this web site. Brill thanks. ps the wife is mighty releaved :>)

Brian Barber
January 2013

The rod, typically, broke 7pm new years eve. Attempted superglue without success, then, without dowel screws, used a self taper into one half, cut the head off and screwed the other part onto it then ground the rough parts smooth with a modeling rotary tool. Worked very well but then hit by an inspiration, a 10mm bolt, the hex head fits the diaphram shoe exactly if a little proud. I used mild steel rather than stainless simply because it was easier ti drill the hole but I would still expect it to last a considerable time.

Isle of Wight
December 2012

I found our milk bottle plastic a bit too thick and syphon didnt work. However read Ian McPherson's reply, used an ASDA plastic wallet, worked a treat. Thanks.

sparky
November 2012

Same problem (split diaphragm) same fix (milk bottle) - works fine, many thanks!!!

Stewart Mann
November 2012

The diaphragm had compleatly split in my macdee metro 3 part syphon, I used the plastic milk bottle trick and it worked a treat and saved a fortune.
MANY THANKS, It took me longer to find this link than it did to fix. TWO tips: 1. cut the new diaphragm too big and then trim to fit AFTER attaching to the plunger base, much easier to ensure it fits; 2. remove the retaining washer (8-shaped) very carefully as you will need it to retain your replacment milk bottle diaphragm.

Grateful Fred
November 2012

I also did the 4 pint plastic milk carton trick. Easy!
Use a scalpel or very sharp modelling knife the cut the template out

C Marks
June 2012

The diaphragm had compleatly split in my macdee metro 3 part syphon, I used the plastic milk bottle trick and it worked a treat and saved a fortune.

Ian McPherson
May 2012

Great advice. I used a stationery folder and cut it using the old diaphragm as a template. Works perfectly. A tribute to Derwent / CME that you can repair their kit with DIY.

Wish I'd read the advice before ordering a replacement for £6 on line.

Southsea
April 2012

Hi all, thanks for all the great info above.
I have bought a replacement diaphragm from tarpan online for 99p...but i have not figured out how to get the old diaphragm out.
I can take apart the syphon into 3 parts, so i can look into the syphon but not sure how i access the black spring hinge mechanism to take out the old broken diaphragm - any ideas please?

shamique
February 2012

hi i was after a Macdee derwent round syphon diaphragm
the blue plastic sheet at bottom tried the damp proof membrain trick cut it into the right shape popped some holes in. 12 mins start to finish works a treat.
stuart crawford
gateshead.

stuart crawford
January 2012

awesome! - fixed mine using the ol' plastic bag diaphram trick - thanks gang!

Mike
September 2011

Same problem with membrane, tried B&Q for a new syphon, no luck, then found this post, sorted in about 1/2 hour thanks!

Roger from Weymouth
June 2011

Hi all my diaphragm went on my derwent macdee 3 part metro.........flush not working correctly...............solution cut a template out of some damp proof membrane i had lying around from a previous building project put holes as and where required put back together and HEY presto works perfectly

Tooty
May 2011

The black plastic rod on mine had snapped at the bottom, so I simply used the screw method found on this site and it worked a treat. Not much clearance though, had to take the cistern off the wall to gain access. Many thanks everyone!!!!

David -Norwich.
May 2011

fantastic just used the milk bottle idea really works well!!

nigelb
March 2011

If the rod breaks in the syphon use superglue and when that bonds put a layer of silicone sealant around the join, this stops the wet condition affecting the properties of the superglue. Wait until this dries before refitting. Shimples

spena
February 2011

The membrane had gone on mine too.

I followed the advice above and made a new one out of a 4 pint milk plastic bottle.

Working like a dream.

Thank you.

Weeing For Fun
January 2011

Diaphragm for metro 3 completely split. Using the figure of 8 washer, cut a piece from a 4pt plastic milk bottle. Working fine for the moment! Took a bit longer than someone else's 10 mins!

Jim'll fix it
December 2010

Called CME on 01302-312202 ordered parts today

Terry
October 2010

Derwent Macdee are now called CME Sanitary Systems. Phone
01709 770 990 (or 08444 122 029 if that doesn't work). They sell spares for all the shapes of Metro 3 syphons but beware their postage charges. If you intend to keep the toilet for a long time, buy several diaphragms for your syphon at the same time.

Paveway Plumbing
April 2010

thanks to you all, i've just fixed my diaphram with a piece of plastic ha ha . no trip to b&q for me.
thanks again

steve liverpool
April 2010

Broken piston. I had the same problem. I was about to buy a whole new unit, but decided to try and fix the piston. Super glue wasn't strong enough, and broke again after a few flushes. Then I remembered i had some double ended screws (called "Dowel screws") that are used for fixing two curtain rods together. I some left over that I had got from B&Q in November 2009. I had to drill out pilot holes in the two halves of the piston at the break and insert the screw into each half. First attempt, the piston's two parts were solidly joined, but the piston as a whole wasn't straight enough. I re-drilled a lightly wider hole in the top section, and the piston went together fine. However, at the join, there was a bit of friction against the syphon unit when trying to move the piston up and down, so I sanded it down to a smooth finnish. I've just installed the whole thing back together and it's working fine. The dowel screws are zinc plated, but I don't know how long the fix will last. If they rust in water then probably not long... however, it was a free fix and will do fine for now.

Rohan.
January 2010

I just got a plastic diaphram for a metro from Diamonds Plumbers merchants, Acre Lane, Brixton, cost me 50p. However they dont have the 'diaphram return spring' which I need as well and CME only sell them in boxes of 12. Any idea's anyone? Anyone buy a box and now have 11 spare?

Keith Hallam
November 2009

I went to
http://www.macdee-systems.com/flushing-systems/content.aspx AT id=15.htm
(NB the " AT " above is a single symbol - this site thought it was an email address)
And contacted Macdee from there
They charged me about GBP13 for a new set delivered first class

SurreyShorts
November 2009

after searching and trying numerous syphons from B&Q and other diy stores...plumbing outlets etc... (as the metro 3 is now extinct).. all of which were no good.. i tried making the diaphragm out of an A4 plastic folder as suggested by another person that had the same problem.... and Hey Presto it works... no expensive plumber to call out... or new toilet to purchase.... Thanks a million for the tip... if i can do it at 62 years old and im female.... anyone can.

JD
November 2009

Thank you Valley Commando. I've made my diaphragm from a plastic dog food sack, it's now so perfect it wants to flush itself at the hint of touching the handle and I've reduced the amount of water in the cistern.

Andrew
October 2009

http://www.celmac-system.com/content.aspx?id=4 I called 01302 792 115. (not a trade customer) am waiting to see if the correct syphon is being sent, 8 1/2 inch circular syphon. The black plastic rod broke and was told I have to order the complete replacement and can use the parts I need from that. £12.21 is cheaper than a plumber call out.

Fiona Gibbs
August 2009

Thanks to the suggestions on this thread I have mended my siphon by replacing the diaphram on it by cutting out a new one from the cover of a plastic A4 folder, and I now have a flushing cloakroom toilet again! So many thanks to all those who contributed to the solution.

Karen
August 2009

Sounds silly but the black plastic rod on my derwent magee metro syphon has broken 3 times in the last 5 years, and each time I simply use super glue .... lasts for 18 months every time. Suppose I'd better get a new one sometime ....

Tony
June 2009

Only needed the diaphragm as well. Used the old split diaphragm as a template to cut a new one from the flexible plastic packaging used for co-op cocktail sausages. Worked a treat.

Cost nothing and fixed in 10 minutes

Cheers Valley Commando for the inspiration

Simon
June 2009

I called www.cmesansys.com on 01709 770990 they phoned me back and had the part Bottom entry B/Valve 9.5 crank arm send it out first class item was £5.62 +vat and postage £5 but hay I was not gonna drive from London to Doncaster and back for it

Billy the kid
June 2009

The diaphragm in my Derwent MacDee syphon had pretty much disintegrated. Had problems finding a replacement.

B&Q, Homebase etc - they don't know what you're talking about!!

Derwent MacDee are now owned by CME Sanitary Systems (www.cmesansys.com). I contacted them, got put on hold, then got told to leave a message... they got back to me promptly but I had sorted the problem by then.

Some people advise on other internet blogs to contact PTS (www.ptsplumbing.co.uk). Dealt with them before (good firm imo) but they didn't have anything for a Derwent MacDee Metro 3 part syphon (despite others on other blogs saying so).

Other blogs also advise Lunns (www.lunns.net). They had the whole Derwent MacDee 3 part syphon series/different sizes in stock - they call it 'METRO' (fyi).

Considering my problem, I did not need a whole new syphon - they seem expensive new and accounting for delivery you're looking at the best part of £40. So... I pulled my Derwent apart, found the disintegrated diaphragm and made a new one from similar type (thickness etc.) plastic from the recycle box in my workshop.

Cost £0, does it work - YES!!, will it last... DON'T KNOW - but I'll KNOW how to fix it next time for nothing!!

Valley Commando
April 2009

Contact Derwent MacDee and they will send you a new piston. Sometimes they charge but it's a very modest fee.

Leo
March 2009

Derwent MacDee are now called CME Sanitary Systems. Website: www.cmesansys.com

Phone 01709 770990

They'll sell you parts by mail order (including the elusive diaphragms for the round and rectangular Metro 3 syphons).

Joe the Plumber
February 2009

I have the same problem. i drilled a hole up the middle of the black plastic rod and a crearance hole for a self tapping screw in teh diaphram plate, the stuck in a 25mm self-tapping screw. It is holding for now till I can replace the whole syphon, but that needs time to tack the cysten off to get to the nut holding the syphon. Am considereing a push button flapper valve one if I can see it fits. Try http://www.bes.co.uk/
Good luck

David
August 2008

Try www.bes.co.uk - they stock a full range of accessories for Derwent Macdee

Julian Hodges
July 2008