Q: My cistern had been operating normally but suddenly the input flow became tiny and it now takes at least 20 minutes to refill. As a complete novice what sort of problem is it? Where do i start to try and put it right? Is it something for a non DIY man to take on? Many thanks Geoff

A: The first thing to check is any valve entering your cistern - make sure that this is fully open and hasnt accidentally closed up. Secondly you need to check your ballcock - this is some kind of floating mechanism inside the cistern either on an arm, or on modern toilets hugging the inlet valve. Make sure than this isn't stuck, see if moving it around changes. You may also want to check your inlet valve for obvious damage or blockage. Anything beyond that you probably want to get a plumber out.

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