STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to fix a loo flush

You will need:

Basin spanner
Grips
Small Phillips screwdriver
Flat-headed screwdriver
Linkage
Replacement inlet valve
Plastic cup

A toilet that doesn't flush properly is a common problem, especially on the older models most of us have in our homes. If your handle is loose or needs to be jiggled before it flushes properly, it's probably just a loose screw or bent linkage. If the cistern takes ages to fill up then you may have a faulty pump. Whatever your toilet troubles, there are a few easy fixes and maintenance tricks that should get things flushing freely.

Time to complete the job: Up to 1 hour

Step 1: Tighten the grub screw

Remove the lid from the toilet cistern.

Find the small screw that holds the plastic arm of the flush to the metal handle. This is the grub screw. It should be tightened to hold the arm firmly in place.

Tip: Once every six months tighten the grub screw to prevent further trouble with your flush.
Step 2: Check the linkage

The linkage is the metal hook that connects the handle to the pump mechanism. Check to see if it's bent or twisted. If it is, it could snap with use, so it needs to be replaced.

To change it, pull up the plastic arm below the linkage and work the linkage out of place. Make sure you hold on to the plastic arm, or it will disappear into cistern and be lost forever! You'll then need to replace the whole pump, which is a much bigger job!

Work the new linkage into place.
Step 3: Drain the cistern

The inlet valve can either be a bottom-entry valve or a side-entry valve. If it is in bad shape or not working properly, then it needs to be replaced with a new one.

The first step is to drain the system. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and then use the flush handle to drain the cistern as much as you can.

Scoop out the remaining water with the plastic cup. The water level needs to be below the bottom of the inlet valve.
Step 4: Remove the inlet valve

To remove the old valve, loosen the nuts holding the inlet valve in place. The set-up varies from system to system, but usually there are two nuts underneath the cistern that need to be loosened.

Unscrew the nuts and pull out the old valve.
Step 5: Replace the inlet valve

Fit the new valve into position. Use the basin spanner to tighten nuts firmly. Switch the water on and let the system refill. Replace the cistern lid and give the toilet a flush.

Tip: Make sure the rubber washer on the inlet valve is in place properly. The concave side should face-up to make the correct seal.

COMMENTS

See all comments
Track comments
Add comment

Rosier Says:

Posted on 24 of October 2008

"If the cistern takes ages to fill up then you may have a faulty pump"..............I've never heard of a cistern with a pump! Is this right?