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Loo not flushing

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Eve | 18:41 Wed 26th Jan 2011 | Home & Garden
39 Answers
I have a loo which has a push flush in the top (not a handle) and it flushed earlier then after I'd used some more tissue to blow my nose I tried to flush it again and it wouldn't and hasn't since.

I've neverhad a problem before in it flushing soon after. I managed to get the top off and there are two separate parts inside, one where water seems to be hissing out of one part - looks like the wrong place to me like something was loose but can't find anything I can tighten.

The other bit is connected to the flush itself (it screws onto it).

As there is no set up like the usually ballcock etc... I haven't a clue what to do to fix it.

There was very little water in there either so I'm guessing that may be why it's not flushing.

If anyone has any ideas what might be wrong and how I can fix it I'd be very grateful. I only have one loo so am panicking a bit!

Thank you :)
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Jenna......... my little skinny latte .............. difficult to figure out what system you have. Could you message me a pic or two?
What have we said about you and you toilet picture fetish :)
Sounds like this is going to be a bucket job.
The dual button flush unit sounds like it's broken.
Can you get a local handyman to look .. as explaining what may be/is broken is going to take all night.
You will get a replacement button flush unit at a local builders/plumbers merchants.
Have a look here at results .. and then pick n' click and post back the link to the picture like yours! ...
http://www.google.co....=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
Is there a blockage in you u-bend?
Question Author
Thank you all. I have taken a pic of the inside:

http://tinypic.com/r/20q11sy/7

There is water spraying out of the back of the cog wheel like bit on the far left of the photo (back being the bit coming out the back of it), not loads but I've noticed the loo seems to be making a noise longer than usual after flushing.

It just flushed when I tried it now, wondering if it's not filling with water enough?

Really hope there is an easier (and cheap) solution as I am ridiculously tight on money at the moment.

Hope that helps :)
Jenna ........ the chunk on the left is the inlet valve assembly with a bottom entry (oo-er) for the mains to comein. The square boxy bit is probably the float. This rises with the water level, then hits the valve and shuts it off when the level is right.
As you know ......... the assembly on the right is the flush system. You push the button, it lifts something and the water flushes out ...... simple as that.
If it sounds different when it's filling, I guess the inlet valve has gone faulty. Not enough water, so no flush.
The inlet assembly can be dismantled. Often, it's just a piece of dirt that's obstructing the valve. Also, if I've identified the float correctly (they keep coming up with different designs ....... very confusing) then it shouldn't be so high if there's no water in the cistern. Maybe it's stuck?
All you can do is dismantle the inlet bit and fiddle with it. Otherwise it would have to be replaced. Simple 10 minute job to fit, but could take all day trying to find a replacement.
Note the brand name of the WC, and maybe show the pic to a good plumbers merchants to see if they can supply one.
Question Author
Thank you my lovely! That's a big help.

I've been keeping an eye and I think you're right about the water level thing, I think it is filling slowly so it will flush (and has been since) but only if sufficient time to fill up again (I know, that's how it works haha, just taking longer hence why I couldn't reflush so quickly yesterday).

I will have a fiddle and see if I can get it to behave first. Is it meant to spray the water out in a way which looks like it's broken? At least there is water coming out to fill it I guess.

I will let it fill a bit then try to flush when I can see inside to see what it is (or isn't) doing which might make things a little clearer.
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Hi Jenna
It normally shouldn't spray all over the place. It's usually directed downwards for obvious reasons. Length of time to fill is the key. You'll know if it's taking much longer than usual. If it is, it's like putting your finger over the end of a hosepipe. Very little water, and it sprays out under pressure.
Turn off the supply to the WC, undo the inlet valve at the top of the assembly, and have a look. There maybe a rubber washer. It might have become unseated, or distrted by a piece of dirt. Even simpler, a speck might be partially bunging up the outlet hole.
I'll FB you my home number just in case you panic!
Ha ................. Cavalry's here ............... Doc's on the case. lol
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Question Author
Thank you both :) I'm so glad you said that about turning the water supply off as that wouldn't actually have occurred to me!

Erm...how do I turn the water supply to the loo off...

I so need a man lol :)
i dont suppose you have it plumbed to recycled rainwater system or such, if so your tank in the loft could be empty, or is for some reason this toliet run off a different tank or supply than other items in the house.
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These are things you learn only after a lifetime of hanging around toilets ... priceless !
Question Author
Don't think there is any recycling tank. There is a loft but I've never been in it.

I rent and can't see my landlords doing any recycling in that way.
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Question Author
I will go check it out in a bit. I'm not sure about pipes.

Will see if I can find out where to turn the water off too.

There is a big water tank in a cupboard in my bedroom, assuming this is the hot water tank.

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