Is mending a toilet flushing mechanism a DIY job?

[Patriciastaser]

The loo keeps flushing itself and there is water running intermittently somewhere in the cistern. Youtube suggests this is a reasonably easy fix. Is it, for someone who isn't very clued-up DIY-wise? Thanks.
(Obviously I'd turn the water off before I did anything...)

Yes. I did it for my friend as hers had completely stopped flushing. Just make sure if it's an old toilet you buy the rubber seal between the bottom of the cistern and the base again.

we didn't as never considered it. Replaced the syphon bit as needed but then the rubber seal had perished and wouldn't fit back again. Cue an emergency screw fix run on a Friday night.

Yes, I would watch the relevant you tube videos for your cistern type and give it a try.
Take your time and make sure you have whatever you need to hand before you start.

It’s definitely within basic diy maintenance skill set. I say that as some one who has fixed a toilet flush using fuse wire, no instructions and a lot of finger crossing and hoping for the best not knowing where the stopcock was located.

Probably not. Remove lid from cistern. See what moves. Look on YouTube, try and find a reel with the same type.
See what you can do.
Phone plumber, or ask on local Facebook for handy person who can fix it.
Often you have to buy new unit, the cheap plastic box in the cistern. It is very difficult to get spares.

It sounds like it's a worn out / limescaled-up washer seal on the inlet valve. If it's a cheap plastic unit, it's usually better to replace the whole valve. The necessary washer seals usually are included. Not a difficult job if you're confident and have the right tools.

Depends if it's a fix or needs the whole siphon replaced? I got a couple more years out if mine by cleaning/adjusting it etc but eventually got a plumber to replace it. He said with the older cisterns they often crack when unmounting them - mine didn't luckily but not sure it would have been such as easy fix it if had so was glad to have a professional doing it.

There are only two working parts in a cistern, and they are both replaceable parts.

Take the lid off and take some photos. Also look at the water supply pipe, which will come in from either the side or the bottom. It may have an isolating valve on it.

Do you have another WC in the house, in case it takes longer than expected?

You can flush it with a bucket while the cistern is being worked on.

Get in touch with water company, mine comes out for free when there is water wastage. Welsh Water

@Cholm

"It is very difficult to get spares."

No it isn't.

Thanks everyone.

Indeed. I’ve fixed toilet cisterns numerous times over the years. It’s always been very easy to go on E bay and find the exact part i need within a couple of minutes.

A few photos will easily help us identify what's needed..

Chili can do it 🤷‍♀️

Well, thanks for everyone's input. I did some research, watched some Youtube videos, went to B&Q and got very confused. So I called the plumber and he has fixed it.