low level wc cistern failing to flush

Hornblower · 26 Jan 2007

I have a low level wc and have recently found that the handle has to be pumped several times before the system flushes. I have checked the water level in the cistern and that's perfectly alright. I am not a plumber, but looking inside the cistern everything looks clean and appears to be operating correctly. Help please!!!

Slugbabydotcom · 26 Jan 2007

The diaphragm has gone in your syphon. Simply a piece of plastic that lifts the water over the top of the syphon when you lift the plunger, costs about a quid usually, or you can make one out of a thick plastic sack

Hornblower · 26 Jan 2007

Sorry to be a pest, but how do I get at the diaphragm.

Slugbabydotcom · 26 Jan 2007

Hornblower said:
Sorry to be a pest, but how do I get at the diaphragm.

The syphon has to come out! unless you are lucky then its possible you have the type of syphon that can be worked on without having to strip the wc down.

Post a pic or two for precise instructions

Hornblower · 26 Jan 2007

I have taken a couple of pictures, but it looks as though I need to email them to [email protected]. I'll give it a go and see what happens.

Slugbabydotcom · 28 Jan 2007

Try uploading them to www.photobucket.com

Hornblower · 28 Jan 2007

Slugbabydotcom - I have loaded the pics on photobucket, but how do you access?

Softus · 28 Jan 2007

Just post the image URL here, inserted between an

tag.

Slugbabydotcom · 28 Jan 2007

On photobucket Click on the bit that says IMG code. The address is automatically copied just as if you had right clicked and selected copy.

Then click on the diynot typing window then press Ctrl + V [or right click and paste] to post it in here.

The address should appear something like the following http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/Hornblower/Hornblowerspicture.jpg[/ IMG]

When you preview or submit you will see the picture

Hornblower · 28 Jan 2007

Hornblower · 28 Jan 2007

Wow!! It works. Thanks for the tip.

jgk_lpl · 28 Jan 2007

Same happened to me but i replaced it with one of those pushbutton kits from B+Q etc for about £19 works a treat and flushes much better. Only takes an hour at the most to fit.

Softus · 28 Jan 2007

That's a single-part siphon, which means that you need to remove it from the cistern in order to gain access to the diaphragm washer.

1. Isolate the cold supply to the cistern.
2. Flush the WC.
3. Sponge (or wet vac) out the remaining water.
4. If close coupled then remove cistern from pan and wall.
5. If not close coupled then detach flush pipe from siphon.
6. Unscrew backnut and remove siphon.
7. Either replace entire siphon with a two-piece (to ease future maintenance), or replace just the washer.
8. Install siphon. Consider using silicone sealant (belt and braces).
9. If close coupled then ensure that you use brass screws when reattaching the cistern to the wall, and consider using a new doughnut washer.
10. If not close coupled then reattach flush pipe.
11. Reinstate cold supply and test.

Hornblower · 30 Jan 2007

Thanks guys for your help!! The job was quite easy in the end - but I would have struggled without your help.

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low level wc cistern failing to flush

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