THE OVERFLOW FROM THE TOILET IS ALWAYS DRIPPING ,PLUS WHEN I TRY TO FLUSH THE LOO IT WONT FLUSH I HAVE TO PUT IN WATTER FROM A JUG TO MAKE IT FLUSH , WHICH SOMETIMES IT DOESNT, OR IT MAY TAKE UPTO A FEW HOURS BEFORE IT WILL FLUSH??

JOANNE, April 2008

I'm probably too late but here goes anyway.

Although John is correct his assumption is you have a close coupled toilet ie: cistern sits on the back section of the pan.
As you say the overflow is dripping I'm assuming its a the low flush type with an external overflow going through the wall to the outside and with a flush pipe leading from the cistern to the rear of the pan in which case removing the syphone is easier.

First on both types get all the water out of the cistern.
Remove the flush pipe then holding the syphon remove the large [usually plastic] nut underneath the cistern and remove the syphone unit. I do believe all syphons now have the overflow built in so it overflows into the toilet bowl so preventing flooding the toilet/bathroom. The water stop valve can be the barrel type valve unit or the large diaphram washer. So you'll have to take it apart and show the plumbing shop the washer you require assuming of course your going to do the job yourself.

Charlie, April 2008

Two separate faults here...the fact that the loo is overflowing means that the float fill valve isn't doing its job due to washer failure...its best to fit a complete new unit. The flushing problem isn't connected to this --its due to the syphon unit having a split plastic diaphragm, more than likely. Again,a new syphon is needed, about £10. The float valve can be fitted with the loo largely undisturbed, but to replace the syphon means that the cistern has to be taken off the toilet pan to get access.

John, April 2008