Broken Toilet? Calling all plumbers!?

Question

Here's the problem - you have to pump the handle to flush the toilet. The cistern's filling - in fact we part fixed the problem by adjusting the ball **** so it over fills... This is obviously a bit crap as it's constantly overflowing into the pan.

The o-ring/seal on the joint where the mains pressure water enters the system is leaking very slightly but apart from that there is no visual damage.

Please help as it's driving me crazy!

Answer 1

It sound to me that the diaphragm in the syphon needs replacing.
You can do this your self, but it will take some time. first you need to turn the water off to the toilet cistern. Then disconnect the pipe that connects to the ball-valve. Then you have to empty the water out of the cistern, then remove the screws that keep the cistern fix in place. Then you will be able to remove the cistern from it's position, then you have to undo the large retaining nut that holds the syphon in place. once the syphon is removed, turn it up so that the bottom is uppermost. You will see a thin plastic diaphragm. then you remove the link to the flush handle this re lease's the diaphragm. Take this to a plumbers merchants for a replacement one then just do the dismantle in reverse. The replacement diaphragm should only cost a matter of pence. Sound more difficult than it is. Oh by the way I would replace the fibre washer (o ring) to stop any more leakage. last of all you will need to re-adjust the ball valve (ball ****)

Answer 2

Pretty good. Not a single answer has answered your question. The reason your cistern won't flush is that the plastic diaphragm in the syphon pot, the bit in the middle that the handle is connected to, will have split. You will need to turn off the water, drain the cistern, remove it from the back of the toilet, remove the syphon pot and either replace the syphon with a Turboflush version that can be disassembled from within the toilet. or just replace the diaphragm washer in the existing one. If you can't find one that fits, make one from an old fertiliser bag. It sounds simple but there are a few pitfalls along the way, like reseating the cistern, (get a new donut washer), undoing the bolts, normally rusty, but not beyond the means of a competent DIYer.

Answer 3

If your ball valve is constantly leaking into the cistern then replace it. It will cost less than £5 for a good one and its worth getting a good one. The cause may be the build-up of limescale. If you are pumping the handle to get the system to flush then the membrane that acts as the valve and you will need to replace it. I just bought one from B&Q for £10. Ypu'll need to be a bit practical to replace it just make sure you switch the water off properly before attempting anything. There may be an in-loie tap on the pipe some only have a screwdriver point to turn it off.

Answer 4

It sounds as though you need a new set of works. There are washers in various parts of the mechanism and these have probably become clogged with limescale. You could strip it down and replace them, but it's cheaper and easier to replace everything.

You can buy the whole mechanism in Homebase. Since it's all plastic, fitting is quite easy. You just do everything up finger tight then give it an extra push with a spanner.

Putting in a completely new cistern is even easier although a bit more expensive.

Answer 5

Replace the cistern. It's not a job that requires a plumber. Plastic one's are cheap enough from a plumbing suppliers. Instructions to install are in the box.

Answer 6

Your syphon inside the cistern is knackered and is not lifting the water. Suggest you replace a new syphon complete. you have to drain the cistern to do this.

Answer 7

You don't need a plumber, just a little inititive. Shut off the wter and simply remove the fill valve. Go to HD or your local hardware staore and they will help you. It's quite simple. Replace the ball **** while your at it. Should cost you around $15.00, and your effort.

Answer 8

Lift up the lid of the cistern and drop in 2 aspirin. Call me again in 4 hours if it isn't any better.

Dr Plumber

Answer 9

How about replacing the inside unit with a new unit that does not use the old style ball unit. Just pick one up from the hard ware store, if you can fix it, or call the professional. Good luck.

www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10110.shtml

Answer 10

you need a complete inner guts flushing mechanism that should take about 1 hour to replace, the bits cost arounf £30-£45 but get it done professionally