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How to stop water leaking into the toilet bowl?

Neo19

Hi everyone,

I've noticed a leak in my toilet bowl, and now the tank isn't filling up.

I opened it up and saw a broken disk-shaped part (see photos). Any idea how to fix this or what part I need to replace?

Community manager's note: Check out How to fix a leaking toilet for expert advice.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Neo19,

Is the toilet not filling up due to the water being released directly into the bowl, or is there no water entering the cistern at all? I'm not sure where that broken part comes from, but I can see that you're outlet valve washer is no longer positioned correctly, so I suspect this piece helped retain it. It looks like you'll need to replace the whole outlet flush valve mechanism. If that doesn't resolve the issue with water entering the cistern, you'd be looking to install a new inlet valve, too.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Neo19

Hi Mitchell, Thanks for your quick response.

Water entering the cisterns is going directly into the bowl. As far as I can see, the inlet system is working properly.

Thanks for providing link to the outlet flush valve mechanism. Are they universal? Do I need to get from the brand?

Regards,

MitchellMc

The outlet valve I've linked to looks very similar to your current model, and it would likely be a direct swap @Neo19. Taking the outlet valve with you into a store would be a good idea so the team can match it up with the correct unit.

Mitchell

Neo19

I've got the outlet valve you linked to @MitchellMc.

Could you please guide me about how to remove the flush tank from the toildet so I can install the valve.

please see attached photos.

There are no access to the underside of the tank. But it looks like there are two

It looks like there are two screws and two twist knobs. I have tried with different screw heads without any success.

What tool do I require?

I believe brand is stylus banksia.

MitchellMc

Hi @Neo19,

What is preventing you from installing the flush valve? Could you please provide a picture of it next to the old one? Given the similarity between it and the old unit, I would think it would fit directly into the attachment already in the toilet. Does the new flush valve look the same as the old one? Is there a part you can remove off the bottom of the new one so it looks identical to the old one?

Mitchell

Neo19

Hi @MitchellMc

Sorry for the delay in responding. We were all sick with Covid.. Finally Covid19 came to our house for the first time!

I've attached side by side pictures of the old flush valve that's removable and that of the new valve.

You can see the flush valve attaching clips on the bottom are different.

I could see replacing the whole valve as the only option and that requires the part circled in red to be attached from the underneath the flush tank. So I asked aboutnew valve with botton ringNew and (removable part of) old side by sideIf you detach the top of new valvebottom of the old which in insitu removing flush tank.

What would you advice?

MitchellMc

That's unfortunate, @Neo19. The flush valves are almost identical, apart from how they clip into the lower section. I hoped you could just clip the new unit into the existing base. Since that doesn't seem to be an option now, the only way to resolve the issue is to replace the bottom fitting. See the two white plastic fingers turn nuts in the bottom of the cistern? They need to be undone, allowing you to remove the cistern. Check for fixings at the back of the cistern that connect it to the wall and undo those too. Once you've removed the cistern, you'll have access to the nut underneath it. Undo the large nut and replace the old bottom section with the new one. Reinstall the cistern and connect your outlet valve.

Mitchell

Neo19

Thanks @MitchellMc

I easily undid the finger turn nuts. Fortunately, the cistern was not connected to the wall.

Now two challanges in front of me are -

1. The plastic but that is screwed from underneath the cistern is very tight and due to the large black washer that's fixed to the bottom of the cistern, there is limited access. How can I could loosen this?

2. One of the plastic clips disintegrated, and the left side rectangular metal thread fell into the cavity. I tried to remove the right side clip to inspect it, but it broke. What replacement parts do I need?stubborn ringbroken clip

EricL

Hello @Neo19

You've done excellent work in getting that cistern off. For the broken plastic clip, I suggest using the Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt. I recommend bringing the broken one with you so that you can compare it to the new one to make sure that they are the same size.

To remove the plastic nut at the bottom of the cistern, I suggest using a Trojan 300mm Multigrip Plier. The tool is capable of opening to larger diameter. Please take care not to accidentally crush the fitting fitting.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Neo19

Thanks @EricL & @MitchellMc

I've finally finished the job. The multigrip was godsend as I wouldn't have been able to remove the old valve without it.

For the broken plastic clip, I've foun an exact replacement - https://www.bunnings.com.au/fix-a-loo-toilet-seat-blind-fixing-kit_p0018498

It was very easy to use this!

Everything is working now although there is only one concern remaining. The old flush outlet valve had an attachment at the top which had a clip sort of thing that used to keep the inlet valve mechanism in place.

The old mechanism doesn't fit the new valve. Now my water inlet valve is just propped on top of the new outlet valve mechanism, there is nothing to hold it in place. See attached photos. Eventually, at somepoint it might slip off without me knowing and the inlet water stopping mechanism might fail, I'm afraid.

Any suggestions?

Water inlet valve propped up aganist new flush valve ventOld flush valve with clip holding inletOld flush valve with clip holding inlet - top view

MitchellMc

I see the new valve has a fitting on the top of that vertical pipe where the fixing mechanism was positioned on the old valve, @Neo19. Can that be pulled off the pipe and the old clip mechanism be installed?

Mitchell

Neo19

Thanks @MitchellMc I've tried doing that. it was very tight and the old one has groves inside while the new one seems smooth. What if I gently cut the fitting of the new vertical pipe with a stanley knife? Do you think it serves any critical function, just in case I'm unable to fit the old one then!

MitchellMc

I believe the vertical pipe would be an overflow preventer @Neo19. If, for some reason, the inlet valve fails, the height of the water in the cistern is controlled by allowing it to run into the top of the pipe and then into the pan instead of overflowing out of the cistern. How close is the old fitting to being pushed onto the new upright pipe? Would sanding the grooves on the inside of it allow it to be pushed on? It would be good if we didn't have to modify the top of the new vertical pipe by cutting it.

Mitchell

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