we have a problem with a SHANKS wc (not Armitage)
It has coming out of flush pipe at high level a smaller chrome pipe approx 10 -12 mm which goes into the back of the pan below the flush pipe . the pan has an ID of ILFORD-55/15
Pan will fill up but does not flush.My plumber thinks it may be an early syphonic toilet????
Any help please

sarah kelly, December 2009

This does sound like an early type of siphonic pan. Syphonic pans have two traps (water seals) with an air space between them. When the cistern is flushed water travels down the flush pipe and as it does sucks air out of the air space causing a slight vacuum. When this vacuum is created the pan's contents disharge. If there is an air leak between the traps this vacuum cannot be created. It may be a simple matter of resealing the small tube to stop any air being drawn into the system other than from the trap air space.

BarryF, December 2009