Weak Toilet Flush...do I just need a better toilet?

[LondonBuyer]

This may seem like an obvious question - but all the toilets in the house currently seem to have rather weak flushes - that is it's not uncommon that they don't seem to get everything down first or second time round which is not ideal.

I can't help but think this is due to some very cheap toilets having been installed in the first place. Otherwise water pressure in the house is good though not sure this matters as would only impact when toilet is being refilled.

Is the obvious solution to this to either:

a) Just buy a better quality toilet?
b) Perhaps even a large "American" style toilet with lots of water in the tank for flushing?

Has anyone been through this journey and was the solution as obvious as I assume?

Thanks in advance for your toilet advice!

I have found this problem with various toilets I’ve encountered, and while my one at home was fine flushwise (1970s toilet!), I made sure when we replaced it that I tried to the model I was buying first (I looked on YouTube to try to “see” but also they happened to have installed in the showroom) to see how the flush was.

It was relatively expensive, I think that has some bearing, but also my plumber recommended getting the tank high as obviously gravity helps, and we were having a hidden cistern so that was doable.

Thanks ThirdAidKit - that's actually very good advice. I have to say I don't really understand why gravity has an impact as the water from the tank just fills the cistern and then the pressure of the flush actually comes from what is in the cistern and how this flows down into the bowl - do I have this right?

Could it be something simple like a previous owner has put a water saving device the cistern? Worth having a look in the cistern before you take other action. Some put a brick in there or a pack from the water board.

I think the gravity thing is just if the cistern is higher, the flush has more force when it flows down...?

Most toilets are now “eco flush” which has less water than older models, and which I completely agree with, but like you, if I’m having to flush it twice the water saving capability is eliminated!

Could it be the mechanism inside the cistern is old and limescaled up, therefore releasing the tank of water less fast than it should.
Either way, yes, mains water pressure makes no difference as it only feeds the cistern and not the flush.
However having moved recently to a bungalow with newer toilets, it seems modern designed cisterns and pans are far more efficient at achieving a good flush result whilst using less water whilst not being particularly expensive to buy.
Though if you really want to go for it financially, whilst recently wandering round a builders / plumbers merchants we encountered a toilet that plays music when a person sits on it. Sadly, tempting though it was, we resisted this obvious bargain.

Good luck.

lease open the lid of the cistern and take a photo of what's inside. Make sure the water level is visible. There will probably be a mark on the back wall of the cistern showing where the level should be. This might or might not be where it actually is.

Can you see a brand name on the WC? How old do you think it is?

I mean cistern higher not tank. Sorry misused the words!