Mechanical plates use a push button connected directly to a spring-loaded valve inside the cistern by a rigid linkage - simple, reliable, and unaffected by power cuts. Pneumatic plates operate the same valve via a sealed air-pressure tube rather than a rigid link, which is useful when the button needs to sit some distance from the cistern. Electronic (sensor) plates use an infrared sensor or touch pad to trigger a solenoid valve, and need a mains or battery power supply to work.

Flush plates are generally brand- and range-specific, not universal. A Geberit plate is designed for a Geberit Sigma/Omega frame, an Ideal Standard ProSys plate for a ProSys frame, and a Grohe plate for a Grohe/Uniset frame - they are not usually interchangeable between brands. Check the access panel inside the cistern for a brand name or model reference, or check any original installation literature, before ordering a replacement. If you're not sure, contact us via our Contact page with your cistern/frame details and we'll help you match it.

A dual-flush plate has two buttons or a split paddle offering two flush volumes - typically a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste - to reduce water use compared with a single fixed-volume flush.

In most cases you only need to replace the flush plate itself. Flush plates are designed as a separate, serviceable part from the concealed cistern body, so as long as the replacement is compatible with your existing frame/cistern's actuation mechanism (see above), the cistern itself does not need to be replaced.

Mechanical and pneumatic flush plates will keep working in a power cut, since neither relies on electricity. Electronic/sensor flush plates need power to operate and will stop working without it, unless the specific model has a battery backup - check the individual product's specification to confirm.

Guarantee terms are set by each manufacturer and vary by product range.

Ideal Standard: 2-year manufacturer's guarantee on flush plates (see Ideal Standard's official guarantee terms).

Geberit: cisterns and flush plate working parts are backed by Geberit's 25-year spare-parts availability commitment (see Geberit's official product warranty page).

Grohe: guarantee length depends on the specific product and range (2, 5 or 10 years) - check the individual product page or Grohe's official guarantee terms for the exact duration that applies to your model.

Always check the specific product page on our site or the manufacturer's own guarantee documentation for the figure that applies to your exact model.

Most modern mechanical flush plates are designed for tool-free access - the plate lifts or unclips to reach the cistern for basic cleaning, descaling or adjustment. For anything beyond routine cleaning, always follow the manufacturer's specific installation and service instructions for your exact model.