Decent Toilet That Won't Cost a Fortune!

[Ilovefluffysheep]

Looking to replace our downstairs toilet when we get tiling done. Want one with a push button flush (don't know if there is a technical name for this!). Our current toilets are all Ideal Standard, and the flush has gone in every single one of them (4 toilets, 3 year old new build house), so wouldn't want to go with that brand again.

Any recommendations?

the flush valve is a service part and can easaily be replaced.

Fluidmaster is a very reputable brand

Geberit also seem good.

If you are goingto the trouble of changing them, I would fit a new fill valve as well.

If your flush is weak, the Flapper valve is the simplest and most powerful flush valve I know. It is basically a trapdoor in the bottom of the cistern, which opens, and all the water falls out.

If your flush is weak (common in modern low-water pans) ask the plumber to adjust the fill valve to the maximum possible water height.

If you really want a new WC, I recommend Twyfords.

Thank you Piglet John. We did have a plumber look at one (he was here for something else) and a new part was bought and fitted, but it didn't seem to help much.

Based on that, I thought it might just be easier to replace the whole thing seeing as it has to be removed for tiling to be done!

Open the cistern lid and take some pics please.

I bet this will give a better flush.

www.screwfix.com/p/fluidmaster-toilet-flush-valve-handle-kit/50692?tc=RA6&ds_kid=92700055281954514&ds_rl=1249404&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiZ6Ap4Tf7gIVsmDmCh2H5AEKEAQYASABEgJ7R_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

No idea if these will help or not @PigletJohn!

the water level is far too low.

It should be up to that line on the back wall of the cistern.

You will adjust it by moving the float up, I think by turning the threaded rod on on the left. If you flush it with the lid open, you will see the float rising, and shutting off the water by pressing upwards on the arm. If you press the arm down with your finger, more water will flow in.

the nut is a locknut to prevent it coming loose

Sometimes, if the flush is poor, you can improve it by adjusting the water level a bit higher than the line, but not so far that it overtflows.

Ok, will give it a try, thank you. Will also check the levels in all the toilets in the house (4) and see if they're similar.

Basically they're ok for a while, but then start no re-filling after flushing. If we give everything a scrub with an old toothbrush they're fine again for a few weeks, then same thing happens.

We don't have any problem with the power of the flush, just that it doesn't fill up sometimes (we know how to get it to fill manually by pushing the mechanism down, but unless we scrub it all, it just keep having a problem).

Thanks again for the advice.

Might be clogging with limescale.

I suppose you could try a traditional brass ballcock (preferably a Pegler Part 2,) if it will fit in the cistern.

p.s.

it sounds to me like the problem is not your WCs, but your fill valves.

do the WCs flush properly when the cistern is full to its level?

I have known Torbecks clog easily with grit or scale (they have a gauze filter), but it's not generally a problem. I don't know how (if?) your existing valves can be cleaned out.

A more conventional ball-valve does not usually clog.

Yes, they flush absolutely fine. The only problem with them is when they don't refill after flushing sometimes.

We do live in a hard water area, so I guess that doesn't help. My husband takes out the mechanism and gives it a good scrub every few weeks, and that helps for a while.

save up for a water softener?

you will be amazed how good they are.

Will have a little google about them. Thanks for all the advice.