my toilet cistern never flush first time. it take several attempts to complete the flush. i have a close couple wc. is this a job i can do myself,or need to find a qualified plumber?? thnx for any answers.

bazza, April 2008

the cistern takes a long time to fill after each flush

jacqueline, May 2009

The simple answer is that the polythene diaphragm in the syphon unit has split...unless the water level in the cistern is very low of course! The good news is that they are cheap( the complete syphon that is)...the bad news is that the cistern has to come off from the loo pan itself to replace it - which means water off etc. Its an easy job - problems being the wing nuts that secure the cistern to the pan can rust and be bl**dy stiff....you have to disconnect the water feed pipe (and overflow if there is one) to the cistern....and you must replace the large rubber doughnut washer that lives between the cistern and the pan too - and seal it with silicone - if you want to avoid a flood. See? No probs and save a fortune. Enjoy!

John, April 2008