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How to fix water dripping in cistern and toilet bowl?

I am currently using a cistern and toilet bowl in my bathroom that are approximately 20 years old. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a continuous water leak from the cistern into the toilet bowl, which is accompanied by a noticeable sound. Despite turning the cistern tap fully clockwise, water continues to flow into the cistern, fills up, and then slightly leaks into the bowl. I believe the cistern tap may not be functioning properly.

To assist in diagnosing the issue, I’ve attached some photos of the inside of the cistern. I made two video recordings of the water noise that is continuously occurring. First video is when cistern is filled with water and second video is when cistern is filling with water after flushing. Un. Top view of inside Cistern.jpg Top view of inside Cistern (another view).jpg Bowl-tap and Cistern.JPG

I would greatly appreciate your guidance on the following questions:

- Is it necessary to replace the cistern tap and the flush mechanism?

- What steps can I take to stop the water leaking into the toilet bowl and reduce the dripping noise from the cistern?

- Could you advise me on how to locate and replace the flushing valve or inlet valve (if required) in my cistern?

- Should I consider hiring a plumber for this work?

Your assistance in resolving this issue would be highly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and support.

Kind regards,

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EricL

Hello @smhasnain

Thanks for sharing your question about your toilet cistern. Generally, the testing method would be to turn the cistern tap off so that you can identify where the leak is coming from. When you get a continuous flow of water that is finding its way to the pan it can be the the inlet valve seal has failed and water is flowing out through the overflow spout of the flushing valve. If the inlet valve was off and water still continues to flow into the pan, then it's safe to say that the flushing valve seal has failed.

Since the cistern tap is broken that will be your first port of call. I propose using Brasshards Easy 1/4 Turn Mini Cistern Tap 15mm Lead Free. Aceramic tap will in theory last longer even when left alone for several years as there are no rubber components that will deteriorate. The next one to repair is the inlet valve, I suggest using Fluidmaster Bottom Entry Toilet Inlet Valve. It's relatively easy to install and very reliable.

The last part to repair is the sealing washer of the flushing valve. I recommend using the FIX-A-LOO Seating Washer - Suits Caroma Duoflo And Thunderflush. Because this is a replacement piece it is critical that it's installed perfectly center to the flushing arm. I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to replace a Caroma dual flush square outlet valve? by @enzo60. In this discussion you'll get a good idea of how to remove the flushing mechanism of your cistern.

If you feel that it is too hard to attempt the repair yourself, I suggest engaging the services of a licensed plumber to repair your cistern.

here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to fix a leaking toilet.

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

Eric

smhasnain

Thank you for your comprehensive response.

As a first step I have replaced the cistern tap. I have noticed that a continuous flow of water is also coming from through cap (side walls) of the inlet vale and this make cis-cis noise from cistern. This noise has stopped as soon as I turn off the cistern tap. Water is still leaking from the cistern to pan when I closed the tap. Does this mean that I do not need to change inlet valve but inlet valve top seal (perhaps to stop the cis-cis noise), through which water is also flowing outside the top cap when cistern tap is on. Please advise. Thanks

EricL

Hello @smhasnain

If water continues to flow from the inlet valve that will need to be repaired or replaced. I suggest using the Fix-A-Loo ballcock washer replacement kit, this will need to be ordered at the special orders desk. There is also the option of replacing the inlet valve with something modern such as the Fluidmaster Bottom Entry Toilet Inlet Valve. Just to be sure that everything is fixed, I also suggest replacing the seating washer of the flush valve.

I've placed an image below so that you can show it to the team at the special orders desk.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

smhasnain

Hi,

Thank you so much for your prompt response.

After testing to ensure there’s no leakage from the inlet valve to the pan, I successfully replaced the seating washer with the orange kinetic washer. However, I’m still experiencing water dripping into the pan.

I found it quite challenging to remove the flush assembly from the cistern, and it was also difficult to insert the seating washer into the flushing arm. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the following:

1. Is there an easier way to remove the flushing mechanism?

2. Should I consider replacing the seating washer with another new one? If so, do you recommend using the white washer that comes with the orange kinetic washer pack?

3. Could you provide any tips on correctly positioning the seating washer into the flushing arm? Would using a butter knife or another tool be advisable for inserting the washer? Any relevant video would be very helpful.

Thank you again for your assistance.

MitchellMc

Hi @smhasnain,

Can we run another test here, please? Turn the cistern tap off at the wall. Is water still continuously flowing into the pan? If so, the outlet valve seating washer is not functioning. Can you please show us the original washer you removed from it before replacing it with the orange one?

Seating washers can be particularly difficult to install. If it is the correct one, then you should be able to get one side on and stretch it over the fitting. Check that your replacement washer looks similar to the older one. An old washer typically can be a bit squashed. If you can take a picture of the old washer and the orange one side-by-side, that will help us determine if you've installed the correct replacement.

Mitchell

smhasnain

Hi,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Even after turning off the cistern tap, water continues to drip into the pan. It seems that the outlet valve seating washer (the orange one) might not have been positioned correctly.

I’ve attached images of the original seating washer (black in color) that I removed yesterday for the first time in 24 years, before replacing it with the new orange one.

Unfortunately, I am unable to place the orange washer next to the black one for comparison, as the orange washer is still inside the flushing mechanism.

Could you kindly provide any tips on how to correctly position the seating washer into the flushing arm? Would using a butter knife or another tool be advisable for this task? Any relevant video or additional guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Much appreciated.

JacobZ

Hi @smhasnain,

Is it possible for you to remove the flushing arm and take some photos of the new seating washer installed? It's very hard to say what could have happened without seeing it.

It should be a simple case of stretching the seating washer over the locator. Was there a particular issue you had when installing?

Having a read through Solved: How do you replace a seat washer on a Caroma toilet may also offer some assistance.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

JacobZ

Hi @smhasnain,

You might also like to have a look at this video How to change toilet cistern seat washer Caroma dual flush as it appears to be the same cistern as you have.

Jacob

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