Toilet Won't Flush

[rosyposy]

We had a friend of a friend to fix it, he replaced the diaphragm but it still doesn't always flush. I don't like to ask him again so wondered if anyone could help on AB. The float seems to be too near the cistern wall now, yet it is the same one, and seems to catch it quite often so it won't fill up. Can Mr posy shorten the metal rod which connects the float to the valve? If he can, how does he get it out and cut it please, it would have to be at the valve end as the other end has a curve in it to fit into the float. Or should we get a plumber to do it. Hope this makes sense -(nice but dim :o)

[The Builder]

Just hold the arm at the valve end (inlet) and bend the rod so that the float doesn't touch the sides.

To flush properly, replace syphon with one of these...........

http://www.screwfix.com/p/fluidmaster-toilet-flush-valve-conversion-kit/38533

[needawin]

Builder is right as usual. Got one of these on his recommendation. Simple diy job to change. Great stuff.

[whiskeryron]

I have always found 2 adjustable spanners quite useful for bending the float arm without removing it from cistern. Clamp them to the rod & the rod will bend easily.

[rosyposy]

Thank you all for your replies. Will try to bend the rod first then look at what you suggested Builder, but HOW easy is easy please. Do we have to remove stuff to install the conversion. The friend took the cistern off the wall, it wasn't screwed in, just mastic, bit of a mess I'm afraid, so wary about doing jobs ourselves :0( thanks again rosy

[The Builder]

Rosy ........... is it a "close-coupled" cistern? That is..... one that sits directly on the WC pan?
If so, cistern and pan will have to be separated. Pan stays where it is, but cistern is lifted off. Simple job to remove the old syphon and fit the new one. There are usually 2 wingnuts under the cistern, holding it to the pan.

If it's the older type where the cistern is connected to the pan with a plastic flush-pipe .... much easier. Unscrew flush-pipe to get at the old syphon and replace it.

[rosyposy]

Ho Ho -easy for you to say Builder :0) It is a close coupled one and when he took the cistern off last week the mastic pulled the wallpaper off around it, so nervous to disturb it all again, so hope bending the rod will see us thro' for a while, but will definately get one of those fluidmasters, they look great, never heard of them before. Thank you for your advice, good as always, -rosy