Help! My Toilet won't flush correctly

[specialbeat]

Well basically, I have to flush my toilet by grabbing the handle and give it some welly by flushing 5-10 times in quick succession. Someone please tell me how to fix it!
Is it an easy job?
Will I have to switch the whole water supply off to change/replace something?

Thank you kindly everyone.

Specialbeat

 

[IanDB]

Sounds like the diaphram in the syphon has gone. Simplest way to fix this is to replace the syphon.

You don't have to turn the water off as you may be able to get away with tying the ball cock up. If you're lucky you might have an in-line tap that allows you to isolate the cistern.

However, you may get to the point where it's easiest and safest to turn the water off just in case something goes wrong.

Have a look at the existing syphon (it's the plastic lump in the middle of the system that is connected to the handle) and then go down to your local plumbing supply shop and get a new one. They will be able to advise on what you have to do.

It's all pretty straightforward.

 

[specialbeat]

Thanks for the advice, I will check it out.

 

[MANDATE]

Hi! I've solved a few flushing problems and I agree the diaphram is the basic cause.
Now you can buy a new diaphram (circular or rounded rectangular) but fitting it is the problem. Only once have I managed to remove a pin from the piston rod and remove the piston (with diaphram) and replace (with new diaphram). The problem is usually a lack of space, as the open end of the syphon sits about 1 in up from the bottom of the cistern. If you do manage it this way, make sure there is a rubber sleeve on the piston rod. This sleeve ensures the diaphram sits close to the top side of the piston on its way downwards and ensures there is no other route for the water when the piston is lifted up other than up and over the top of the syphon.
If you have a close coupled toilet then the cistern has to be removed to fit a new syphon, so water and overflow have to be disconnected.
It's a lot easier if it is a low level system.
You can or you could buy 2 part syphons, so that if you needed to replace diaphrams in future you only need to remove 1 part which was simple.
Also remember the higher the water level in the cistern means it is easier to get the syphoning started and there more water used in every flush.