1. Your handle is not connected to the flushing mechanism in the cistern.

2. The flush diaphragm is split.

A cistern allows water in through a valve located just inside the cistern. There are two main types of valve. One, the most common, is the Ball Valve. You can get a ball valve repair kit here. The second, ever more widely used is the quieter Torbeck valve. Both operate on the same principle. The water inlet is controlled by a valve which is opened and closed by a lever. The lever or