Toilet inlet valve only spraying

scarletjim

A few weeks ago to push-button flush toilet in my en suite started taking ages to refill after being flushed (maybe 10 mins). Today I worked out how to open it up and take the top off, and what I found is that the section that refills the cistern is just spraying water sideways, which eventually does the job, but takes ages. Hopefully this picture link works:


https://dumpyourphoto.com/album/photo/Pigs7h51h5


The bit on the right is the bit I'm talking about. You see the little wheel facing upwards on the far right? Then below that is what looks like a big wheel with grooves for it to be turned (though it doesn't feel like it would easily turn if I wanted it to). Then 'south west' of that in the pic is a little almost square bit (is that the inlet valve?). It is from there that there is a jet spraying sideways each time I flush - there is no 'solid' stream of water.


1. Does anyone have any advice on what the problem might be?
2. I'm pretty useless at DIY, is it likely to be easy or difficult to fix? If I need a plumber, can I do anything to keep cost down?
3. If I need a new part, how do I know what 'model' I have, I can't see any info anywhere? And then what is the part called? Where would I get it?
4. If I need to turn off the water, most Youtube vids show a screw on side of toilet, I don't have one, would I just turn it off at the mains?


Thanks in advance - I know how great this place is for such things, it's more of a helpful community than a pure money-saving forum.

cyclonebri1

You need to take it apart and clean it. Then adjust it for a decent flow.

Isolate it first, then take the valve apart and carefully give it a blast at full pressure from the isolation valve. You will have to shield this with a cup or pan etc, to control the water.

If you get a good flow that excludes faults elsewhere

scarletjim

Thanks - do you know of any good online guides or videos to do this? I've looked at many Youtube vids, but none of them look like mine. And I wouldn't have a clue to start without a step-by-step guide. I can't see any screw to isolate the water, and I wouldn't even know how to remove that whole section from the cistern, nevermind take the whole thing apart. And obviously I don't want break it.


Another thought - are they inexpensive and easily available? If so, would replacing it be easier than taking it apart and cleaning it?

cyclonebri1

scarletjim wrote: »

Thanks - do you know of any good online guides or videos to do this? I've looked at many Youtube vids, but none of them look like mine. And I wouldn't have a clue to start without a step-by-step guide. I can't see any screw to isolate the water, and I wouldn't even know how to remove that whole section from the cistern, nevermind take the whole thing apart. And obviously I don't want break it.


Another thought - are they inexpensive and easily available? If so, would replacing it be easier than taking it apart and cleaning it?

You will likely find 1 for £10 to £15 from BarQ or similar, but without offence if you can't strip it down, fitting a replacement may be beyond you.

Yo could always buy a new valve from BQ and take it back for refund unused if your repair attempts fail, just keep your legs crossed, :D

scarletjim

Would it be a quick simple job for a plumber to strip and clean, or are they likely to say it needs to be replaced, meaning a second visit, presumably a mark-up on the item when they order it, and hence a lot of money?


Or if I'm not eager to do it myself, perhaps I could buy the part then just ask a plumber to come and fit it. If I do that, is it just a case of walking in to B&Q and looking for one that looks the same, or will I be able to identify a part number somehow?

cyclonebri1

It would be cheaper for a plumber just to change it, they would have 1 in the van.


What would I do if I were you.


Visit the toilet.


Isolate and remove the inlet valve.


Take it to a plumbers merchants or barbyQ and ask for the similar item.


Take the whole thing with the ball and arm complete, to ensure they interchange.


You disconnect the cold water feed from the valve below the cistern.


You then undo the nut below the cistern that releases the valve and the lot should lift out

nwc389

Hi we had a similar problem a few weeks ago , google search led me to replace siamp float valve - the valve splits so that causes the spray and slowness .
The valve cost me a couple of pounds from amazon or ebay and my husband found a you tube video which showed how to change it.
In the end I changed it over as my hands were smaller and more able to get into the rediculously tight space - you will need to turn the water off first.

jblack_2

Go to your merchants and buy a Torbeck valve. Isolate the water supply to the cistern. If you hold the large, circular bit in the middle of the cistern and give it a twist it should come out easily giving you more room to work. Flush the toilet then use a sponge to remove any water left. Undo the nut connecting the water supply pipe to the base of the plastic inlet valve then undo the plastic nut holding it to the cistern and lift out. Refit your new valve, replacing the fibre washer on the inlet pipework.

scarletjim

Ok I think I might be able to have a go at this. Just a few more questions:

1. When I look at my cistern, there is no screw like the ones in the Youtube videos to isolate it - presumably it is hidden somewhere, does anyone know how I'm likely to get to it?

https://dumpyourphoto.com/album/photo/dIzNhfPM89

2. I notice above that one of you talks about your own Siamp valve, another says buy a Torbeck one - can I just use any manufacturer, or do I need to have the same as the one I've already got? Does it matter? If I can choose, is any one thought to be better or worse than others?

3. In the last 'guide' above, the last sentence is 'Refit your new valve, replacing the fibre washer on the inlet pipework.' If I buy a new whole unit, won't it all come together? Why will I also need to replace the 'fibre washer' - will that come with the unit?

rustyboy21

OP.


It sounds as if the Diaphragm has gone, a very easy and cheap thing to sort out. My upstairs one did this a few months ago.

Isolate the water feed to the toilet ( should have isolator on the pipe going into the toilet) Should look like this


http://www.static-caravan-spares.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1320258-15mm-Isolating-Valve.html


Unscrew the the plastic nut which is on its side in your photo ( 2nd from right in pic) Inside you will find a small disc with a rubber diaphragm inside with a small plastic X too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/190994710938?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&chn=ps&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0


Go to your local merchant and they will have them, most likely around £1-£2 each.

Pop it back in, screw the nut back on, open the water up and it will be sorted.

Simple as anything, must be if I can do it !

scarletjim

Thanks, I think I can manage that, except I'm stuck at the very first step as I don't know how to get to the isolation valve - please see my pic in '1' in my last post immediately above yours.