Should you ever have a problem with the flushing action of your toilet, then you should firstly check the inside of the cylinder for anything that looks wrong. Look at the lever and handle and check that non of the linkage has malfunctioned. If they are ok then it will probably be a valve washer issue, as there are not that many moving parts on the toilet as it stands. The washer is called a diaphragm washer. To remove this, first isolate the water feed to the cylinder and then flush the water away so the cylinder is empty, which will allow you to work. Use sponges and towels or cloths to wipe the cylinder out. SW1 Plumbers can replace diaphragm washers.

Cylinders that have a flush pipe, you need to unwind and a large nut securing it to the siphon. Then, unwind the big nut securing the siphon to the cylinder. The siphon can now be lifted from the cylinder body. You will need to unhook the linkage to the lever arm, if the arm of the float operated valve gets in the way, you may need to remove this as well. Now the siphon is out you can now see beneath the base and the location of the old perished diaphragm washer. Remove the hook attached to the top of the shaft that pulls on the diaphragm, this will allow the diaphragm housing to drop from the bottom of the siphon so you can remove the washer. With the defective washer out, the replacement washer can be fitted, these are readily available. An SW1 Plumber can fit diaphragm washers. Once the new washer is fitted, re-fit the components in reverse order. You should check all joint washers for damage, and fit new if needed or use PTFE tape to help seal. Switch the water back on, allow the cylinder to fill, flush and test for action and leaks.


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