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Plumbing

How to mend a constantly trickling toilet

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.32 PM

Flapper sticking so stays up and water constantly trickling into toilet bowl. I know i need to replace toilet cistern dual flush cable valve (and have bought one). I have lifted the lid to the water tank and it looks simple enough to do but toilet is boxed in in such a way that I cannot access under the tank to tighten the lock nut on the other side of the outlet hole! Does that mean I have to smash in all the tiling to access under the tank? I have noticed the top part (with flapper) twists out of the holding so could I simple replace just that bit? It looks slightly different to the one I bought. Are they standard sizings such that the one I bought will fit the housing of the old one? Or are there different types that won't slot together?? Do I need to turn the water off to do this??? The stopcock is located behind my heavy freezer than I cannot move! have never done had a go at anything like this before so sorry to sound dumb! Thanks.

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

A toilet tank that trickles water slowly not only can create an annoying sound, but it also wastes water and increases your monthly water bill. Usually the cause of a toilet that has a constant trickle is a worn-out flapper valve, which is the large rubber cap that sits over the pipe that leads to the toilet's bowl. Sometimes the chain/float valve that connects the flapper valve to the toilet's handle can become kinked or is adjusted so it is too short, not allowing the flapper valve to sit down tightly over the pipe below. If the cistern is enclosed there “should” be an access panel at the top, depending on the design and the way it has been built in. If it has been completely tilted over with no access then yes, you will have to remove tiles to gain access, which can be a real pain. Hope this helps. 👍🏻

Answered25 July 2020

Plumbing

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Southgate, London

In order to access the bottom of the cistern/flush pipe , remove the toilet . Usually it should be cut slightly less than the toilet itself, so it would be covered. If it’s got just 2 holes, for pan and flush , you can mark around the toilet, than cut 20 mm smaller behind the toilet, and you’ll gain access.

Answered20 August 2020