Toilet continually running

Posted 29th May 2022
Just moved house and noticed the toilet keeps trickling water in. The blue ball cock type bit seems to be up against the side of the cistern. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to stop it continually running. Thanks
3941646_1.jpg
Community Updates
New Comment

40 Comments

sorted by
's avatar
  1. jaketheplumber's avatar
    jaketheplumber
    You need to stop it rubbing against the side. There should be something you can loosen so you can swivel the thin white arm attached to the ballcock to the right a bit.
  2. K_Mj's avatar
    K_Mj
    You need to spin it clockwise slightly to stop it rubbing the cistern. Sometimes it can be done from the top by gripping it hard and forcing it around. But if it doesn't twist around then you have to loose the nut below.
    47527138-epv19.jpg (edited)
  3. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 17:31

    Thanks! Where is the cistern inlet valve washer in this setup?


    You'll need to drain the tank, but it is between the white thing in the centre of your photo and the cistern outlet. Mine takes about a half a turn to unlock and lift out. On the bottom of it is a black rubber washer. That's what wears out in mine. Sometimes you can just take them off and turn them the other way up and that will seal everything again, but they aren't dear to replace.
  4. melted's avatar
    melted
    habiby29/05/2022 17:47

    [Image] I'm going to replace the whole thing with this as I don't trust …[Image] I'm going to replace the whole thing with this as I don't trust myself!



    You original is likely to be quieter, modern ones don't have the polyethene silencer tube (unless yours doesn't either).

    Changing a diaphragm is easy once you work out the correct make to order, except possibly on an old style torbek (which yours isn't - one of mine is ) where there's a thin metal pin in the fitting you need to line up with the off centre hole in the diaphragm (stops it blocking with limescale fur etc). (edited)
  5. ifixit's avatar
    ifixit
    habiby29/05/2022 16:43

    [Image] My setup is a bit different. I'm trying the bleach method because …[Image] My setup is a bit different. I'm trying the bleach method because in any case, it could do with a clean.


    Dont use bleach in the tank its no good for the soft rubber seal on the flush valve.
    47528513-wjOou.jpg
  6. Qesharak's avatar
    Qesharak
    I had exactly the same problem. Put about 1/4 cup of bleach in the cistern and fill with water. Leave for about an hour and it should dissolve the grime that has built up.
  7. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    if that doesn't fix it, there is a sealing washer underneath the cistern valve (the white bit) That's what goes on mine about every three years. Easy fix.. (edited)
  8. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 16:43

    [Image] My setup is a bit different. I'm trying the bleach method because …[Image] My setup is a bit different. I'm trying the bleach method because in any case, it could do with a clean.


    Your setup is very similar to mine. Check the cistern inlet valve washer.
  9. melted's avatar
    melted
    habiby29/05/2022 17:31

    Thanks! Where is the cistern inlet valve washer in this setup?



    Under the white top I think.

    Looks like it might be armitage shanks /Ideal Standard

    (edited)
  10. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 17:47

    [Image] I'm going to replace the whole thing with this as I don't trust mys …[Image] I'm going to replace the whole thing with this as I don't trust myself!


    About seven minutes in to the video just posted. That's what the issue is always with mine. That's all you need to do.
  11. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    If you find it is the washer, I think the replacement part is armitage sv01967 flushvalve seal. That's what it is on mine, and it looks the same
  12. Qesharak's avatar
    Qesharak
    Pilsbury1229/05/2022 14:23

    Will do that but the grime isn’t stopping the ball cock. Grime is a lot h …Will do that but the grime isn’t stopping the ball cock. Grime is a lot higher up that the water level


    Sometimes it gets into the main section and stops the valve shutting properly. Sorry, I don’t know the terms for this, but like yourself, when we moved in here I found that the toilet had a slight trickle leak. The bleach did work, and I still add it to the water periodically. Might not work for you, but at least it will be clean
  13. melted's avatar
    melted
    Looks like the OP's might be a Thomas Dudley Ltd Hydroflo Fill Valve

  14. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 17:40

    Thank you!


    Hope it works for you. You would be able to find a video on YouTube. Dead easy fix if that's the problem. You'll be able to tell if it is, because the surface of the washer will be worn.
  15. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 17:51

    About seven minutes in to the video @melted just posted. That's what the …About seven minutes in to the video @melted just posted. That's what the issue is always with mine. That's all you need to do.


    You guys are amazing. I totally get it now. Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼
  16. Pilsbury12's avatar
    Pilsbury12 Author
    melted29/05/2022 17:33

    Looks like the OP's might be a Thomas Dudley Ltd Hydroflo Fill Valve[Video]


    That looks exactly the same as mine. Watched the video but it will have to wait until I find where the removal people put all my tools. (edited)
  17. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 18:02

    If you find it is the washer, I think the replacement part is armitage …If you find it is the washer, I think the replacement part is armitage sv01967 flushvalve seal. That's what it is on mine, and it looks the same


    Just ordered from Amazon, nice job waiting for me tomorrow
  18. melted's avatar
    melted
    Pilsbury1229/05/2022 18:27

    That looks exactly the same as mine. Watched the video but it will have to …That looks exactly the same as mine. Watched the video but it will have to wait until I find where the removal people put all my tools.


    I don't suppose it is the adjustable telescopic stem version shown in the video that would be easy to rotate it away from the side of the tank.
  19. deleted126783's avatar
    Anonymous User
    habiby29/05/2022 17:40

    Thank you!


    You wont need to replace the cistern valve unless water is leaking into the toilet pan. You said if you hold the inlet valve up, then the incoming water to the cistern stops so you just need to replace that whole valve with the one you posted earlier

    Or one for £8.98


    toolstation.com/viv…993

    Pilsbury1229/05/2022 19:15

    It won’t budge an inch. Think personally it’s probably going to have to be …It won’t budge an inch. Think personally it’s probably going to have to be replaced.


    You could try undoing the bottom entry valve bolt underneath the cistern slightly. Then the whole thing might be able to be rotated clockwise. Then do the bolt up again (edited)
  20. chrb's avatar
    chrb
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 14:25

    if that doesn't fix it, there is a sealing washer underneath the cistern …if that doesn't fix it, there is a sealing washer underneath the cistern valve (the white bit) That's what goes on mine about every three years. Easy fix..


    I have to do the same
  21. Rmcstar's avatar
    Rmcstar
    jaketheplumber29/05/2022 14:17

    You need to stop it rubbing against the side. There should be something …You need to stop it rubbing against the side. There should be something you can loosen so you can swivel the thin white arm attached to the ballcock to the right a bit.


    Expert advice from the plumber
  22. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 17:54

    You guys are amazing. I totally get it now. Thank you ????


    Do hope it works for you. Such a simple fix when you know how. Think a replacement washer costs about £3, and if I can do it, anyone can
  23. Bob24601's avatar
    Bob24601
    If you lift the blue ball, does it stop filling up?

    If so, then it could be that it's rubbing against the side of the cistern, stopping it from raising.
  24. Pilsbury12's avatar
    Pilsbury12 Author
    Bob2460129/05/2022 14:16

    If you lift the blue ball, does it stop filling up?If so, then it could be …If you lift the blue ball, does it stop filling up?If so, then it could be that it's rubbing against the side of the cistern, stopping it from raising.


    Yes. It stops filling if I lift the blue ball. Is there anyway to adjust it so that it isn’t rubbing against side of cistern?
  25. Pilsbury12's avatar
    Pilsbury12 Author
    Qesharak29/05/2022 14:19

    I had exactly the same problem. Put about 1/4 cup of bleach in the cistern …I had exactly the same problem. Put about 1/4 cup of bleach in the cistern and fill with water. Leave for about an hour and it should dissolve the grime that has built up.


    Will do that but the grime isn’t stopping the ball cock. Grime is a lot higher up that the water level
  26. ccnp's avatar
    ccnp
    This isn’t difficult to fix. Use YouTube to identify the exact problem and solution.
  27. Pilsbury12's avatar
    Pilsbury12 Author
    ccnp29/05/2022 14:56

    This isn’t difficult to fix. Use YouTube to identify the exact problem a …This isn’t difficult to fix. Use YouTube to identify the exact problem and solution.


    Would help if there was any make etc on it. Already tried.
  28. ytfc_nick's avatar
    ytfc_nick
    This happened at my old house and a few hard and fast presses of the flush cured it
  29. melted's avatar
    melted
    If it is a one piece stem and you need to rotate it, you'll need to turn off the water, drain the tank, loosen the nut on the copper feed pipe, then loosen the plastic nut under the tank that secures it to the cistern.
  30. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    I have the exact same issue. Started about 2 months ago and some days it's worse than others, but it's just a trickle. Going to give these tips a try, thanks!
  31. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    K_Mj29/05/2022 15:17

    You need to spin it clockwise slightly to stop it rubbing the cistern. …You need to spin it clockwise slightly to stop it rubbing the cistern. Sometimes it can be done from the top by gripping it hard and forcing it around. But if it doesn't twist around then you have to loose the nut below. [Video] [Image]


    47527485-VncNK.jpgMy setup is a bit different. I'm trying the bleach method because in any case, it could do with a clean.
  32. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 17:14

    Your setup is very similar to mine. Check the cistern inlet valve washer.


    Thanks! Where is the cistern inlet valve washer in this setup?
  33. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 17:36

    You'll need to drain the tank, but it is between the white thing in the …You'll need to drain the tank, but it is between the white thing in the centre of your photo and the cistern outlet. Mine takes about a half a turn to unlock and lift out. On the bottom of it is a black rubber washer. That's what wears out in mine. Sometimes you can just take them off and turn them the other way up and that will seal everything again, but they aren't dear to replace.


    Thank you!
  34. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    psychobitchfromhell29/05/2022 17:45

    Hope it works for you. You would be able to find a video on YouTube. Dead …Hope it works for you. You would be able to find a video on YouTube. Dead easy fix if that's the problem. You'll be able to tell if it is, because the surface of the washer will be worn.


    47527732-DuQQI.jpgI'm going to replace the whole thing with this as I don't trust myself!
  35. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    psychobitchfromhell
    habiby29/05/2022 18:34

    Just ordered from Amazon, nice job waiting for me tomorrow


    Five minute job, I assure you. Easy peasy. Hope it solves the issue
  36. Pilsbury12's avatar
    Pilsbury12 Author
    melted29/05/2022 19:14

    I don't suppose it is the adjustable telescopic stem version shown in the …I don't suppose it is the adjustable telescopic stem version shown in the video that would be easy to rotate it away from the side of the tank.


    It won’t budge an inch. Think personally it’s probably going to have to be replaced.
  37. habiby's avatar
    habiby
    deleted12678329/05/2022 20:49

    You wont need to replace the cistern valve unless water is leaking into …You wont need to replace the cistern valve unless water is leaking into the toilet pan. You said if you hold the inlet valve up, then the incoming water to the cistern stops so you just need to replace that whole valve with the one you posted earlierOr one for £8.98https://www.toolstation.com/viva-skylo-bottom-entry-fill-valve/p35993You could try undoing the bottom entry valve bolt underneath the cistern slightly. Then the whole thing might be able to be rotated clockwise. Then do the bolt up again


    I actually have water trickling after the flush. Just little drops. When I hold up the inlet valve is still drips
  38. deleted126783's avatar
    Anonymous User
    habiby29/05/2022 21:06

    I actually have water trickling after the flush. Just little drops. When I …I actually have water trickling after the flush. Just little drops. When I hold up the inlet valve is still drips


    In that case, the washer does need replacing

    Could still try rotating the inlet valve after slackening the cistern bolt
  39. melted's avatar
    melted
    The adjustment nut might be furred up, I would turn the isolation valve off, flush it and put some limescale remover over the plastic nuts and leave it to work for a while.
  40. charleaward81's avatar
    charleaward81
    Happens to ours a lot, its a rubber seal that's all.

    Don't use cistern toilet blocks as it degrades the seal.

    Hopefully you got it sorted, and didn't resort to a plumber or replacing whole cistern
's avatar
Discussions
Top Merchants