How to fix a toilet that won’t flush

My toilet won’t flush

If the water in the toilet bowl is at its usual level, but water doesn’t flow down from the cistern into it, then the problem lies in the cistern flush mechanism rather than drainage. This means you may have one of the following common issues:

• A low water level in the tank
• Faulty flushing mechanism
• Broken handle
• Flush link is not properly connected

Top tip: Start by confirming your home’s internal plumbing supply is working as it should. Is water running as usual from your taps? Do your neighbours have running water? If not, it may be an issue for your utility supplier.

Drainage issues

If the water levels in the bowl are higher than usual and the waste isn’t going down, then the problem is in your drainage and not the flushing cistern.

Drainage problems are usually caused by a blockage in the toilet. Blockages can occur when too much toilet paper is used. Or items that are unsuitable to be flushed, such as sanitary products or baby wipes, are put down the toilet.

If drainage is your issue, read our guide for simple instructions on how to unblock a toilet.

Check the water level in the tank

First off, lift the cistern lid to check whether there’s enough water in the tank. Not all cistern lids lift straight off, so be careful when removing yours.

The water level should be approximately one inch below the overflow tube. If it’s lower, check the cistern inlet valve. This is the mechanism that controls the level of water in the tank. The cistern inlet valve could have one of the following problems:

• The mechanism is touching the side of the tank, preventing it from rising
• The mechanism is poorly adjusted
• The mechanism is faulty.

Top Tip: If you don’t hear the sound of running water when you flush, it’s likely that the mechanism is the root of the problem.

How to fix a toilet flushing mechanism

There are many reasons why your toilet flushing mechanism may not be working. One of the most common problems is the cistern inlet valve. Discover how to replace a cistern inlet valve, also known as a toilet ball valve.

A traditional toilet

In a traditional toilet, the flushing mechanism is visible in the cistern. It’s attached to a metal link that’s connected by a trip lever to the flush handle.

A syphon toilet

In a syphon toilet, there is a diaphragm located inside the syphon. To check if this is the problem you’ll need to inspect it; on some models, you can simply remove the locator pin and pull up the top section of the syphon. This will give you access to the diaphragm for inspection and replacement.

Replacing a syphon can be a reasonably big job. If you’d like to learn how to do it yourself, follow the instructions below. Alternatively, contact HomeServe and we will put you in touch with a professional.

Fixing a flushing mechanism

You will need:

• A flat-head screwdriver
• A sponge and bucket
• A replacement flushing mechanism or diaphragm

Top tip: If your flushing mechanism needs replacing, start by removing it and taking it with you to the DIY store, to allow you to match the size correctly. Or, if you’re tech savvy, you could use platforms such as Google Lens to identify your flushing mechanism.

1. Take the lid off the toilet cistern.
2. Turn off the isolation valve to shut off the water. The isolation valve is located on the water pipe that leads into the cistern. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the screw a quarter turn clockwise.
3. Drain the cistern. To do this, siphon any water from the cistern and then mop up any remaining water using a sponge and bucket.
4. Disconnect the link from the trip lever (the rod that connects to the flush handle). The mechanism will be attached via a large plastic nut under the base of the cistern, this will need to be removed to remove the flushing mechanism.
5. Take the flushing mechanism to a DIY store to get a new one.
6. Put your new flushing mechanism in place, and hook the end of the chain to a trip lever.
7. Check that the tension feels just right by working the handle or button a few times – not too slack and not too tight.
8. Turn the isolation valve back on.
9. Replace the cistern lid.

Check for a broken toilet flush handle

The toilet flush handle is the lever on the outside of the cistern that you press to flush the toilet. Inside the cistern, it’s connected to a trip lever and link that operates the flushing mechanism when you press the flush handle down.

A faulty or broken flush handle is probably the easiest problem to diagnose. The handle becomes either too loose or too tight, which stops it from connecting with the link and flushing mechanism. Sometimes, it can be fixed by simply tightening the mounting nut at the back of the handle.

The handle may also have become stiff due to a build-up of limescale. If this is the case, it just needs a good clean. But if the handle is completely broken it will need to be replaced.

Watch our video to learn how to replace a broken flush handle or read on for instructions.

How to fix a toilet flush handle

You will need:

• An adjustable wrench
• A replacement flush handle

Top tip: Take your old flush handle with you to the DIY store when purchasing a replacement so you can make sure to get the right size.

1. Take the lid off the toilet cistern.
2. Unhook and remove the trip lever. This is the bit that connects the handle to the other parts inside the cistern.
3. Unscrew the nut that holds the handle in place. It can be tricky as it’s reverse-threaded. This means you need to turn it clockwise to undo it.
4. Remove the handle.
5. Take the handle to a DIY store to get a new one.
6. Slot the new handle into position. Slide on the nut and screw it on firmly. Tighten it with an adjustable wrench but take care not to over-tighten it, so it doesn’t crack. Don’t forget it’s reverse-threaded, so turn it anti-clockwise.
7. Slide the trip lever onto the end of the handle and re-hook it. It can be tricky getting this into the right position for the flush mechanism to work so flush the toilet to check it works and adjust its position if necessary.
8. Replace the cistern lid.

Check if the link is connected

The link runs from the trip lever (connected to the flush handle) to the bottom of the cistern where it’s attached to the flushing mechanism. When it’s working correctly, the link pulls the flushing mechanism open when the flush handle is pressed, allowing water to flow from the cistern into the toilet bowl.

We know it’s inconvenient when your toilet flush is broken, but as you can see, the most common problems can be easily fixed, and reasonably inexpensively. All you need is a little know-how and a spare hour.

My toilet still won’t flush

If you find that your toilet still isn’t flushing, contact HomeServe for assistance.

Don’t let a burst pipe or blocked drain slow you down. Take out plumbing and drainage cover and get access to a nationwide network of trusted engineers.

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