Why don't plumbers want to fix my toilet?

Redlander

I put a request for a plumber on Checkatrade. This s the text of my request:

Our bathroom was refitted in 2019 and the toilet (brand Saneux) has never been satisfactory: it often fails to flush away solid waste and it is neccessary to dump a bucket of water down the pan to clear it.
I need a plumber to:
(1) examine the toilet and waste pipe to determine if there are any faults or blockages, and if so fix them
(2) Otherwise: recommend a replacement model of toilet that will flush effectively, and install it.
Note: the waste pipe discharges sideways.

Not one business has accepted this job; three have explicitly rejected it; two have made contact but dropped out without explanation at an early stage of discussions; one has just ignored the request.

It seems a straightforward enough job; so why does no plumber seem to want to take it on?

I posted these 3 photos.

400ixl

Has the cistern flush got an adjuster on it. Many do and it may be set to too low a flow rate.

The only other real cause is the waste pipe has some sort of blockage, often solidification on where the toilet fits into the soil pipe, creating a lip that the flush does not have the power to lift the solids over.

All easily DIY jobs to do as a first investigation.

Not in the slightest bit profitable for the plumber really which is why most won't do it. Too small a job.

Maybe worth a post on a local Facebook group to see if there is a local handyman who will do it if you aren't able.

daveyjp

If the cistern filled to the correct level?  Clean the black staining and see if there is a level marker on the inside of the cistern.

You can adjust the level by using a crossheaded screwdriver to adjust the sliding valve on the water infill, plastic component on the right hand side.

Section62

Redlander said:

I put a request for a plumber on Checkatrade. This s the text of my request:

Our bathroom was refitted in 2019 and the toilet (brand Saneux) has never been satisfactory: it often fails to flush away solid waste and it is neccessary to dump a bucket of water down the pan to clear it.
I need a plumber to:
(1) examine the toilet and waste pipe to determine if there are any faults or blockages, and if so fix them
(2) Otherwise: recommend a replacement model of toilet that will flush effectively, and install it.
Note: the waste pipe discharges sideways.

Not one business has accepted this job; three have explicitly rejected it; two have made contact but dropped out without explanation at an early stage of discussions; one has just ignored the request.

It seems a straightforward enough job; so why does no plumber seem to want to take it on?

I posted these 3 photos.

Not wanting to get involved in a 'problem' which may end up with multiple (unpaid) repeat callouts and possibly a bad review (or multiple bad reviews).

Obviously you won't necessarily need them to come out multiple times and might give them a glowing review.... but they don't know that, so while there is easier and cleaner work to do they will do that instead of picking up your job.

If you post "We need a new close-coupled WC installed" or "We need the flush in our Saneux WC replaced" you might get more interest.

When you pour the bucket of water in the pan does it flow away quickly, or does it only drain slowly?

grumpy_codger

Yes, if the level in the photo is the highest one, it seems to be too low and has to be as high as possible "to flush away solid waste" without problems.

If so, you need to adjust the float position.

FreeBear

daveyjp said:

If the cistern filled to the correct level?  Clean the black staining and see if there is a level marker on the inside of the cistern.

Used to suffer from poor flushing with a close coupled toilet here - Never liked the darned thing, and replaced it last year (the glaze in the trap had degraded, and it was looking real nasty in there...). Put in a low level pan & cistern and spent a bit of time adjusting fill levels and the flush mechanism to get a decent flush.

@Redlander should be able to adjust the fill valve to get more water in the cistern, the overflow may need adjusting too. It doesn't look as if the flush mechanism is adjustable (very few are).. No need to call out a plumber to make the adjustments.

grumpy_codger

FreeBear said:

daveyjp said:

If the cistern filled to the correct level?  Clean the black staining and see if there is a level marker on the inside of the cistern.

... (very few are)..

I think many have it for small flash, some have both.

ThisIsWeird

Redlander said:

I put a request for a plumber on Checkatrade. This s the text of my request:

Our bathroom was refitted in 2019 and the toilet (brand Saneux) has never been satisfactory: it often fails to flush away solid waste and it is neccessary to dump a bucket of water down the pan to clear it.
I need a plumber to:
(1) examine the toilet and waste pipe to determine if there are any faults or blockages, and if so fix them
(2) Otherwise: recommend a replacement model of toilet that will flush effectively, and install it.
Note: the waste pipe discharges sideways.

Not one business has accepted this job; three have explicitly rejected it; two have made contact but dropped out without explanation at an early stage of discussions; one has just ignored the request.

It seems a straightforward enough job; so why does no plumber seem to want to take it on?

I posted these 3 photos.

Hi Red.
Two observations from that middle photo - one is that the water is still, so I guess it isn't filling? Ie, that's as full as it gets?
And the other is that the water level looks to be pretty low, so that will only give you a weak flush - 3 or so litres. Hence the remaining turds.
Oh, a third obs - the float looks to be adjusted low, and that means there's a very good chance you can sort this yourself, with a screwdriver or yer fingertips.
In essence, you turn that screw slot clockwise in order to lift the float upwards - vid below. As you turn it, and the float lifts up, the inlet valve will open and allow more water in until it reaches the new level, so anticipate this happening; turn...turn...whooosh-stop...turn...turn...whoooosh-stop again.
Looks like you need to raise that level a good two inches or more. In the middle, near the front, you'll see an open pipe pointing upwards? That's the 'overflow', and you need to ensure you keep the final level nicely below that point.
Give it a bash :-)
https://youtu.be/4kJT7Pkm5xE?feature=shared