This is old style slimline plastic cistern that replaced a high level unit in the 60s or 70s. It has a plunger on the top rather than a lever on the side or a button.
the cistern packed up so I bought a new syphon unit, so far so easy, the new unit is stiffer than the old, probably because the seal is better? But I must say, the action does not seem that good to me, needing a very positive firm push.
So now she can't make it flush because she cannot master pushing it "properly", (she is 90 with serious memory loss). She uses both hands and it goes down too slowly to "kick in".
My initial though, rip the whole thing out and fit modern kit, but there isnt room to move the pan forward as the door opens inwards, so it would be new door frame, new loo, might as well retile while at it, big job and she hates builders in or disruption. so not a fantastic option especially as no other loo.
One thing I did wonder about was the replacement syphon had a small hole in the side and there was a plastic plug to block it with, I put this in as there was no hole in the old one, I will now go and see what happens if I remove it, it might make the thing work less well but at lower pressure?
In meantime any thoughts on the possible ways forward? Are there other old fashioned slimline models still out there somewhere with a modern button operated system or even one with a lever might be better than the top plunger?
She says "its OK, dont worry, I will just use a bucket of water" I said "don't worry, I dont know what to do next but I know some men who might"......