Toilet won’t flush

Causes

Cistern tap has been turned off

No water supply

Flush mechanism broken

Flush mechanism jammed – hard water deposits

Filter in flush mechanism blocked

Cassette-type flush unit not working – plunger not lifted by push button

Common

Listed under: Interior, fixtures and fittings, plumbing, Services, toilets

Cause

Cistern tap has been turned off

Repair

  • turn the tap back on

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Cause

No water supply

Repair

  • pour a bucket of water into toilet to flush
  • wait for mains supply to recommence or order water delivery if supply tank is empty

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Cause

Flush mechanism broken

Repair

  • pour a bucket of water into toilet to flush
  • call registered plumber to repair mechanism 

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Cause

Flush mechanism jammed – hard water deposits

Repair

  • pour a bucket of water into toilet to flush
  • call registered plumber to repair mechanism 

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Cause

Filter in flush mechanism blocked

Repair

  • pour a bucket of water into toilet to flush
  • to check and repair cistern:
    • turn off water to cistern
    • lift cistern lid
    • locate fault
    • drain cistern
    • take flush mechanism apart
    • clean components/filter as necessary
    • reassemble flushing valves 

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Cause

Cassette-type flush unit not working – plunger not lifted by push button

Repair

  • pour a bucket of water into toilet to flush
  • call registered plumber to repair mechanism

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