How to fix constantly running Caroma Slimline toilet?

I assume a seal has deteriorated od something on this Caroma Slimline toilet.

What can we get to at Bunnings to fix it?

We just moved into this place so I would also be happy to replace the toilet if need be. Suggestions welcome on replacement models.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Shane,

You might like to read through this helpful step-by-step guide: How to fix a leaking toilet. It will show you how to identify the issue and what needs replacing.

Once you've gone through the article, please let me know if you have questions.

Mitchell

Shane

Thank you.

The toilet is constantly running but stops when I turn the cistern tap off, so presumably I need to replace the inlet valve seal. Not really sure how to do that as it looks totally different to the photos in that guide. Any clues?

MitchellMc

When you turn the cistern tap off, is the water still running into the pan, @Shane? If not, it sounds like the inlet valve seal is the culprit. To access the inlet valve, you'd undo the white nut I've marked in your image below.

Take the valve washer to your closest Bunnings store, and a helpful team member can help you find a replacement. If a replacement is hard to come by, I recommend replacing the whole inlet valve for one of these Fluidmaster Bottom Entry Toilet Inlet Valves.

Mitchell

Shane

Great, thank you. No water runs into the bowl when the cistern tap is turned off so I will order one of those Fluidmaster kits.

Shane

Scratch that. The cistern does eventually empty with the tap off if you haven't flushed the toilet so there must be multiple leaks.

I think we should just replace the whole thing and get a new toilet. How do we ensure that what we buy at Bunnings will fit the existing plumbing?

Shane

We would need a model with a bottom inlet and accomodate an S trap that is 120mm from the skirting board.

"Set out" to the middle of the S trap is 200mm and we have another 20mm if we remove the skirting board.

Would this one work?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/caroma-luna-wels-4-star-4-5-l-full-cleanflush-toilet-suite_p0088812

EricL

Hello @Shane

Thanks for sharing your question about your Caroma slimline toilet. My apologies for the late reply. The Caroma Luna WELS 4 Star 4.5 L/full Cleanflush Toilet Suite is within the limits of the set out. But if you remove the skirting board it won't work.

One important item you'll need to take into consideration is the cistern tap outlet. It has to be outside the boundary of the skirt of the pan, otherwise it will get trapped inside the pan and you'll not be able to access it. You also have the option of relocating the tap inside the cistern as a back entry system. I suggest speaking to your plumber and showing them them the toilet, you want to put in.

Just in case you were curious about the parts you need to repair your toilet. They are the Assorted Ballcock Washers to suit Caroma Cisterns for the cistern inlet and the Kinetic Seating Washers for the flushing valve.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Shane

Thank you.

I think these kind of toilets are designed to be against a wall - that it might look strange if it was only against the skirting board, and be hard to clean.

Could you please suggest another suite that would be more suitable for this space?

We are happy to replace rather than repair as it's a currently a plastic toilet and is a little stained.

MitchellMc

Hi @Shane,

Have you considered just replacing the cistern and keeping the pan?

Mitchell

Shane

It's stained. We're on bore water here and it's probably been leaking for a while so it has a stain we can't remove. We think we might as well replace the lot and have booked a plumber for next week to do it for us - just need the right replacement!

EricL

Hello @Shane

I suggest having a look at the Stylus Allegro Link Toilet Suite WELS 3 Star 6 L/full it is one of the most versatile retrofittable toilet suite available at the store. It has a set out that goes from 150mm to 250mm which makes it very capable of fitting into your set out.

It is very similar to the pan and cistern layout of your Caroma Slimline suite, plus there is no need to worry about the cistern tap as this toilet will not interfere with its location. Another great feature is that the inlet valve can be relocated to the other side without the need for special tools.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Shane

Thank you but my wife and I were hoping for a more modern toilet suite. Any other options that would fit that are back to wall?

MitchellMc

Not in our current range @Shane. You'd likely have to speak with a plumber to determine whether they can remove the current waste collar and replace it with an offset version that changes the set out to one that suits back-to-wall suites like the Caroma Luna WELS 4 Star 4.5 L/full Cleanflush Toilet Suite

Mitchell

Shane

Thanks again.

Plumber said yes they can remove the current waste collar and replace it.

We bought this https://www.bunnings.com.au/caroma-luna-back-to-wall-toilet-suite-wels-4-star-4-5-l-full_p0088813 as it was a little cheaper - I assume the older model.

Could you please clarify what exact collar I need to buy to suit this toilet? There are a few different ones on the link you provided and I want to ensure we have everything that the plumber needs so we don't have to pay for another call-out or him venturing off to get parts as it is a remote property.

Thanks again for your help.

EricL

Hi @Shane

A standard adjustable pan collar should suffice, but it is difficult to second guess what the plumber might need. I therefore suggest getting the following:

These are the three most common adjustable pan collars available at the store. It's probable that the plumber will be using one of these. The Luna comes with a universal adjustable bend that will provide a measure of adjustment, but it will probably need to combine with one of the pan collars I mentioned.

Hopefully the plumber will have spare PVC pipe in their ute and that should give them all the parts they will need to install your toilet.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Shane

Thanks again for all your help. Installed now.

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