Toilet Water Keep Running

tristanjourney

Hi all,

I noticed that the toilet is keep running. I checked a few Youtube videos but unfortunately none of those videos seem have the same setup as my toilet.

In the last few days, I can kind of fix the water flowing issue by pushing the flush button a few more times and the toilet water will stop flowing. But from today, the trick not work anymore. I opened the toilet up and found the problem might be that the refilled water level is too high. When the water is fully refilled, a small amount of water will just continuously flowing into the toilet.

I've uploaded the picture of the toilet in case that helps (sorry about the gross water build up and mould inside - I just moved in this property and not sure how old the toilet is).

Pictures:

Dazed_and_C0nfused

I have no idea how to fix this but do know one thing.

If you are on a water meter you definitely need to get it fixed asap.

It's surprising just how much water is used by issues like this and your next water bill would be a big one!

tacpot12

I think the problem can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the internals of the valve. You might find that the flexible (diaphram) seal inside has a split or hole and it is this that it letting water through the valve. Alternatively, some grit might have got under the valve seal. If you undo the large knurled nut that is next to the two red pivots, you should be able to withdraw the valve and examine it. You will need to turn the cold water supply off to the toilet when you do this. I beleive repair kits are available that give you a new diaphram. 

tristanjourney

Would it be easier if I call a plumber to fix this for me?  I am not very good at DIY, and don’t want to make this a bigger problem when trying DIY.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

tristanjourney said:

Would it be easier if I call a plumber to fix this for me?  I am not very good at DIY, and don’t want to make this a bigger problem when trying DIY.

Probably.  But try and get one a friend/relative recommends.

Rodders53

If the water level is too high and running down the overflow pipe adjust the fill valve float and check for it sticking so not shutting off correctly.
Suspect that the fill valve washer/diaphragm washer is faulty and needs replacing.
Behind the screw cap with red arms.
Turn off the toilet cold water feed first!

The other one to cause a constant flow is the flush valve diaphragm washer.  Dirt or hardening.  Again a replace job.  Usually can be removed by a bayonet fitting under water after the 'cage' over the central flush mechanism is released/removed.
That type is typically one that a repeated 'flush' will fix by re-seating the washer.

BTW.  Owner or Tenant? 
May be Landlord's job to fix?

Both types are diy possible -  You Tube videos often show how.

Calling a Plumber out over a Bank Holiday Weekend is not going to be cheap. (Not cheap even in the week day time).

BUFF

As others have said it is probably the valve not reseating properly. Could be something as simple as grit (so clean) or a replacement diaphragm needed.

Nearlyold

If water is running into the toilet and there is no external overflow pipe it can be one of two things- either the inlet valve is not shutting off properly causing water to flow down the internal overflow to the toilet bowl or the flush mechanism is not shutting off properly allowing water to carry on flowing into the toilet bowl after flushing. 

If there is an external overflow pipe (and it's not blocked) the fault is almost certainly the flush mechanism not shutting off properly after flushing.

Either should be fixable by a reasonably competent DIYer if you can identify the brand/type of cistern fittigs you have and an Internet search on how to fix them.

tightauldgit

If you take the top off the cistern and the water level is low then that suggests the flush valve isn't reseating properly (usually by build up of limescale or other gunk) and the water is flowing into the bowl instead of staying in the cistern. If the cistern is overfilled then that suggests your inlet valve isn't shutting off properly (probably due to a build up of limescale or gunk) so water keeps flowing in. Are you in a hard water area? Limescale kills these things pretty quick.

If they're not too bad then sometimes you can get a temporary fix by just pushing them up and down manually a few times to clear away anything that's sticking them.  

Long term solution is replace them - they're cheap. Difficulty level depends on the setup of your toilet and cistern and how easy it is to get access to the fittings. Yours looks not too bad as it appears  to be a totally separate cistern and a side entry inlet. I'd say it's a DIY job for someone semi competent (can you turn the water inlet off and use a spanner?) or £100 for a plumber.

Depending on what flush valve you have if you can find the exact same one sometimes you don't even need to replace the fittings but can just switch out the valve body for a new one.  

trix-a-belle

Nearlyold said:

If water is running into the toilet and there is no external overflow pipe it can be one of two things- either the inlet valve is not shutting off properly causing water to flow down the internal overflow to the toilet bowl or the flush mechanism is not shutting off properly allowing water to carry on flowing into the toilet bowl after flushing. 

If there is an external overflow pipe (and it's not blocked) the fault is almost certainly the flush mechanism not shutting off properly after flushing.

Either should be fixable by a reasonably competent DIYer if you can identify the brand/type of cistern fittigs you have and an Internet search on how to fix them.

An extra to add to these possible solutions, the rubber doughnut between the cistern and the pan has deteriorated and needs replacing. This is what it was on my toilet which was running into the pan, having fully checked & replaced the inlet valve and flush mechanism. & bizarrely the only place I could get the correct size replacement was B&Q, all usual trade type options didn't stock it.

plumb1_2

trix-a-belle said:

An extra to add to these possible solutions, the rubber doughnut between the cistern and the pan has deteriorated and needs replacing. This is what it was on my toilet which was running into the pan, having fully checked & replaced the inlet valve and flush mechanism. & bizarrely the only place I could get the correct size replacement was B&Q, all usual trade type options didn't stock it.

A donut washer will not cause this issue. The rubber washer under the flush valve might.