toilet overflow pipe

jollyanna

The overflow (external) of my first floor loo periodically gushes water out. It seems to happen when it hasn't been flushed for around 12 hours and is sorted once I go up and flush it. Am I right in thinking there could be some underlying problem with it if it is doing this.? I don't want any floods through the ceiling because something is wrong in the loft! any suggestions as to what may be wrong and what I can do please?

HugoSP

The toilet cistern is overfilling, hence the overflow is doing its job.

This could be one of two reasons, either the ballvalve/floatvalve is set to shut off too late or, more likely the ballvalve/floatvalve is not working correctly.

If the valve is not working correctly you could either have a leaky valve or a float that sinks.

real1314

erm , why would a 1st floor loo affect the loft?

when you say that water "gushes" out of the overflow, are we talking about a sudden flow of water that comes out and then stops?

if it's an old "ball" type valve (a plastic ball on the end of an arm), you could try unscrewing it and making sure it's not got water in and then putting it back. You could also try beding the metal arm downwards to shut off the water earlier.

jonnyd281

Sounds like the ball valve that fills the toilet cistern is leaking/Dripping.
It shouldn't be a big job to fix.

jblack_2

Diaphragm washer in the valve has probably perished. I have been called to the same problem you have many times and it's nearly always that. Pence to fix yourself and takes 2 minutes.


J

weekendwarrior

Not sure which type you have, but this might help- http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/ball_valves/index.htm

jollyanna

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to look inside the cistern today and check out all your suggestions. The cistern takes ages to fill after a flush so something is out of line somewhere.