A leaking toilet wastes hundreds of liters of water a day with serious repercussions on the bill; this is a problem that needs to be solved quickly and this article is the solution! After some research it has been found that the best way to proceed is to perform a first inspection of the check valve, as the malfunction of this component is one of the main problems of water leaks. However, if the valve appears to be in good condition, you can change the water level in the tank, and if you can't fix the problem, you need to replace the flush inlet valve.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dealing with Check Valve Problems
Step 1. Close the water inlet tap and flush the toilet
Before checking the check valve, make sure that no more water can enter the tank. Flush the toilet to empty the toilet; by doing so, you can check the components and prevent the water from continuing to flow.
- The check valve is a round rubber gasket that prevents water from flowing from the cassette to the bowl; when you flush the toilet, the chain lifts the valve so the water can flush the toilet.
- Problems with this element are the most common cause of leaks.
Step 2. Lift the cassette lid and look inside
Spread a tarp in a safe place away from the work area, such as in a corner. Hold both ends of the lid firmly and lift it up to detach it from the tablet; place it on the cloth to prevent it from being scratched.
The toilet lids are made of heavy ceramic, so don't put yours somewhere where it can get bumped
Step 3. If necessary, adjust the length of the chain
This lifts the check valve upward and could be the source of the problem if it is too long or short. An excessively short chain allows the water to flow continuously; when it is too long it can get stuck under the gasket and prevent it from closing watertight.
- If there is too much tension on the chain, unhook it from the toilet flush lever; move the hook a mesh or two to allow more play and finally connect it to the lever again.
- If the chain is so long that it gets stuck under the valve, use a metal wire cutter and remove a couple of links; attach the hook again and secure everything to the toilet flush lever.
Step 4. Inspect the valve
Disassemble it by unhooking the sides from the clips on the base of the overflow tube (the tube in the center of the cistern). Look for limescale deposits, deformations, breaks or other anomalies.
- You can clean it of limescale deposits.
- A valve with obvious signs of wear and breakage must be replaced.
Step 5. Clean it
Limescale deposits accumulate on the gasket and prevent it from closing correctly; by eliminating them, the water can flow freely from the cassette to the cup. To proceed with cleaning, soak the valve in a bowl of vinegar for half an hour; after this time, scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove dirt and encrustations.
- Once clean, put it back in place and secure the side hooks to the overflow pipe clips.
- Open the inlet valve and let the tank fill with water.
- Listen to the sound of the water to see if you have solved the problem.
Step 6. Replace the worn gasket
Take it to the hardware store and buy an identical replacement with the same dimensions; you can also buy a universal seal that fits any type of toilet.
- To fit the new valve, slide it into place and attach its side hooks to the clips on the overflow pipe.
- Open the inlet valve and test the new gasket to make sure it works properly without leaking.
Part 2 of 3: Adjust the Water Level
Step 1. Check the water level
When the problem is not due to the retaining gasket, the second most common cause of water leaks is an excessive level which causes the liquid to constantly drain down the overflow pipe.
- Observe the hose while the cassette is full of water and the inlet valve is open. The overflow pipe is the central cylindrical element that connects the cistern to the toilet bowl.
- Inspect it to make sure that the water continues to flow into the pipe; in that case, you have to change its level by lowering the float.
Step 2. Determine the type of float installed in the toilet
The water reaches the cassette through the inlet valve; this is equipped with a float that raises or lowers according to the level of the liquid. The height of this element is the factor that determines the closure of the valve when the box is full; consequently, by changing it you can lower the water level. There are two main models of float:
- The ball one has a long arm connected to the inlet valve at the end of which there is a rubber ball;
- The cup model has a small cylinder wrapped around the inlet valve. The cylinder (or cup) runs up or down along the valve stem and its height determines the water level.
Step 3. Lower the height of a ball float
On the top of the element there should be a screw that connects the arm to the filling valve; turn it to adjust the height of the float. Use a screwdriver and unscrew it for a quarter turn to lower the rubber ball.
- Activate the toilet and let the tank fill up again; check the water level.
- Ideally, it should be 2-4 cm below the edge of the overflow pipe; keep adjusting the screw a quarter turn at a time until the water reaches the ideal level.
Step 4. Adjust the height of a cup float
The process is similar to that described above. There should be an adjustment screw on top of the inlet valve; when you turn it, you change the height of the float. Unscrew it a quarter of a turn to reduce the height of the cylindrical element.
- Flush the toilet and wait for the tank to fill up again.
- Check the height of the water.
- Make another adjustment (always a quarter turn), if necessary, until the water level is 2-4 cm from the top edge of the overflow pipe.
Step 5. If the toilet is leaking intermittently, check the fill tube
This is the tube connected to the inlet valve that fills the box after each discharge. It should always be above the water level, otherwise it can cause intermittent leaks; when the cassette is full, check that it is not submerged.
To prevent the hose from being in the water, simply cut a piece off the end
Part 3 of 3: Replace the Inlet Valve
Step 1. Close the water valve and empty the cassette
When interventions on the check valve and water level do not solve the problem, you need to focus on the inlet valve. The solution in this case is to replace the piece and you must therefore work on an empty cassette:
- Close the filler valve to the box;
- Activate the toilet;
- Use a sponge to absorb any remaining water inside the box. Let the sponge soak and squeeze it into the sink; continue like this until you have eliminated all the moisture.
Step 2. Disconnect the water supply line
On the outside of the toilet there should be a pipe that takes the water from the system to the cistern. To detach it you have to unscrew the safety nut that holds it in place; turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Pliers may be needed to loosen the nut
Step 3. Remove the original fill valve
Once the filler hose is disconnected, you should see a safety nut on the outside wall of the toilet connecting the valve mechanism to the cistern. Remove it with the help of an adjustable wrench and unscrewing it counterclockwise; once the nut is removed, you can lift the old valve.
- Bring it to the hardware store when you buy the replacement part, so you can make sure you buy the right model and the correct size for your toilet.
- You can take advantage of the situation to change the ball float for a modern cup float.
Step 4. Install the new fill valve and restore the connection to the water system
Insert the spare part in the same place where the old part was housed, taking care to align it with the hole where you have to pass the water supply pipe; connect the water inlet hose and tighten the safety nut by turning it clockwise.
Once the nut is screwed in by hand, use the pliers for a final quarter turn
Step 5. Connect the supply hose
Connect it to the inlet nozzle located at the top of the valve. Make sure it drains into the overflow pipe; if the latter has a clip, use it to lock the feed tube.
Step 6. Adjust the float
Consult the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct element height based on the valve model you purchased. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the bottom of the cassette and calibrate the inlet valve by turning the adjustment screw.
Step 7. Give it a try
Activate the water flow again and let the tank fill; check the water level making sure that the fill tube is not submerged. Pay attention to the noises to make sure there are no leaks; if necessary, change the height of the float. Test the mechanism by draining the water and letting the tank fill again.
