Fix a toilet that won't flush

There's nothing worse than finding that your toilet won't flush, but there's no need to panic as you can sort it out yourself. Fixing a toilet that won't flush is not a difficult do-it-yourself project and we show you how below...

 

 

 

 

Step1: Ballcock

First off, lift the cistern lid and check that it is full of water. If it isn't, check the float ball (ballcock), the big plastic ball in the cistern which controls the level of water in the tank. Make sure the float isn't touching the side of the tank and stopping it from rising. If it is, gently bend the flat rod to stop it from doing this. At the same time check that the float rod isn't broken and that the float itself isn't leaking. If so, it'll need replacing and you will find a replacement at your local Builders Warehouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Flapper Valve

The location of the flapper valve will depend on your toilet. If you have a siphon toilet, like this one, the flapper valve is actually found in the siphon. You will need to remove the complete siphon if you need to replace the valve.

This will lift open to let the water through into the toilet bowl. Yank this up to let the water flow out. If it doesn't, the flapper valve will need to be replaced. If you have a flapper toilet, it can be found right at the bottom of the tank. Again, you will find a replacement flapper valve at your local Builders Warehouse.

 

Step 3: Handle

Is it too loose or too tight? Try flushing and adjust the mounting nut if needed. It may also have become stiff with lime scale so give it a clean. If it's completely broken you can change it.