Non-motoring > Weak toilet flush Miscellaneous
Thread Author: smokie Replies: 8
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 08:26 
 Weak toilet flush - smokie
When you flush them, some loos let go a mighty scoosh of water which clears everything in its path. My daughter's has a rather pathetic output which sometimes can't even manage to flush a solitary piece of loo paper.

Is that something to do with the cistern or the shape of the loo? (It feels more like the former). Is it something which can be adjusted (maybe by an expert)?
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 08:55 
 Weak toilet flush - smokie
Having now read around a bit, and being able to rule out blockages and other suggested causes, I'm more or less left with the tank may not be sufficiently full. I'm surprised as it seem to flush a reasonable quantity, just doesn't come out very quickly. Unfortunately it's all built-in so not something I can easily access, I think.
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 09:00 
 Weak toilet flush - sherlock47
Most modern toilets have a dual flush capability - are you sure you using the greatest volumetric flush?

It may also be that he float valve is set very low - reducing the maximium volume of flush.

And check that a previous owner has not reduced the volume of flush by using a water saving device (aka a brick) in the cistern.
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 09:07 
 Weak toilet flush - CGNorwich
Probably the fill valve. The tend to get blocked with crud over the years. They can be adjusted easily by turning a small screw or knob. Google for You tube video. Plenty on line.
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 09:43 
 Weak toilet flush - martin aston
There are some things to check if you haven't already done so. All cisterns are simple in principle but can be devilish in the detail.
First is it filling up enough. If not can you get access to top it up with a jug. If it then works it’s probably, as other have said, either a setting issue or something interfering with the float setting. What used to be a ball valve but often now some sort of cartridge assembly that has an internal float. It might be limescale build up restricting the float.
If it’s full but not flushing well that’s probably the diaphragm at the water releasing end of things. These are a cheap flexible plastic thingy that is in theory replaceable. They create the flush and if they leak they don’t pick up enough. Again some can be accessed but others are concealed in a cartridge assembly. It might be easier to replace the whole syphon mechanism. Unfortunately replacing most of these mean taking off the bottom drain from the cistern. Messy for us amateurs. If your lucky it might be a Dudley or similar which can be replaced without disconnecting the bottom pipe
Finally if you have an air press flush button these can leak and not give enough oomph.

If you can see a trade name in any of the fittings there are good YouTube videos. Most parts are readily available online or B&Q.

Of course being concealed can add considerable access issues. I have had some success over the years with the points I’ve suggested but the last one defeated me as I didn’t want to disconnect the bottom pipe and a plumber was duly paid.
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 09:49 
 Weak toilet flush - smokie
OK thanks. It's not slow filling CGN, it's slow flushing - I know think it's called lazy.

As I said, it's built-in so might be hard to access to fiddle with. It's all fairly new so I'd be surprised if it's crud causing it. I think I'd soon be outside my comfort zone more due to accessing it rather than swapping bits but I'll have a closer look. I know the surrounding unit was not at all cheap and I wouldn't want to damage it.

I suspect a plumber may be the answer (though one did glance at it a whole back when there for another purpose and said he didn't think there was much wrong with the flush, thus disagreeing with just about everyone!!).
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 10:03 
 Weak toilet flush - Terry
If the units concealing the cistern are effectively foil covered MDF (or similar) they are usually constructed to allow later access.

It may not be immediately obvious from the outside - eg: if the push button flush is on a separate panel at the front it may simply be retained by spring clips behind it. Possibly the top is held in position by internal clips, not permanent fixings.

I would guess the problem is with the bits of plastic inside the system - no point guessing, just needs inspection.

A little care in levering out with a screwdriver may be all that is needed.
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 10:27 
 Weak toilet flush - tyrednemotional
If it's a pneumatically operated dual flush system, the small dual exit air valve behind the button is prone to problems which can lead to only the small/short flush functioning.

Again, for pneumatic it's just also about possible that one of the tubes has detached.

Conventionally, the panel with the button mounted is a clip fit, which will pull forwards for removal if you get a thin object under each side.(Test one side carefully for movement).
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New Wed 18 Sep 24 11:14 
 Weak toilet flush - smokie
Thanks, will have a look when I'm next there...
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