guide
Toilet not flushing
Diagnose a toilet that will not flush: cistern faults versus blockages, and safe checks to try first.
Cistern versus drain
If the handle moves but little water enters the bowl, the fault is often in the cistern (link, flush valve, or empty cistern). If the cistern empties but the bowl rises or clears slowly, treat it as a blockage.
Checks inside many modern cisterns
- Lift the lid carefully — ceramic lids chip easily.
- Confirm the cistern fills to the marked waterline; adjust or replace the fill valve if it never fills.
- Check the flush button or lever still lifts the valve — broken links are common.
- For syphon-style older cisterns, worn washers cause weak flushes.
- Isolate the cistern supply before replacing parts; use the service valve if fitted.
Safety notes
- Turn off water before removing valves; have a sponge ready for residual water.
- Dual-flush valves vary by brand — match parts rather than forcing incompatible kits.
- Continuous running can waste hundreds of litres; isolate if you cannot stop the flow.
When to call a professional
Book toilet repair when parts are obsolete, the pan connection leaks, or you prefer a full toilet installation. Call 01332 314146 if the only toilet is out of use — that is treated as a priority plumbing fault.