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How to fix leaking toilet cistern?

Hi team!

Been trying to troubleshoot a leaking toilet and I think I have narrowed it down, but unsure. It could be the inlet valve as when I move the dipstick(notsure what its called) upwards its stops overflowing down the toilet bowl. When I turn off the water valve it stops leaking into the toilet bowl, which is why i think the inlet valve is the problem here?

The toilet brand is an older model Caroma

Would it be best to try out replacing the seal, and if so which one would be best?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/fluidmaster-toilet-inlet-valve-replacement-seal_p4926915 -> would this be best for type I need?

Thanks!

seal 1.jpg seal 2.jpg toilet 1.jpg

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JacobZ

Hi @Andyyy,

Thank you for your question.

It does sound like the issue is with the inlet valve, especially if moving the float (what you referred to as the "dipstick") stops the water flow. If the inlet valve is shutting the water off when lifted, it sounds like it's still functioning, and you need to adjust the level of the float on it to shut the water off sooner.

Start by adjusting this and see how you go. If this fixes the issue, there is no reason to replace anything. If it doesn't start by replacing the seal.

Replacing the seal in the inlet valve is a great first step. The Fluidmaster Toilet Inlet Valve Replacement Seal you've linked is a good option, but it's only compatible with Fluidmaster valves. Since you mentioned this is an older Caroma toilet, it's worth checking if the existing inlet valve is Fluidmaster or another brand.

To check, look at the top of the valve or float mechanism for branding, if it's Fluidmaster, the seal you linked should work, if it's not Fluidmaster, you might need an inlet valve seal designed for Caroma inlet valves, such as this FIX-A-LOO Inlet Valve Headseal Washer.

It is also worth taking the old seal in-store with you for comparison purposes.

If replacing the seal doesn't resolve the issue, the entire inlet valve might need replacing. This Caroma Quietflow 2 Bottom Inlet Valve is likely an option, but we'd need to confirm compatibility with your specific cistern.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Andyyy

Hello JacobZ,

Thanks for the tips and information.

After trying to replace the seal with the Fuildmaster, it was not the correct size, so I opted to put the old one back on. While I was there, I was readjusting the float level and it seems to be playing nicely now, after a few full flushes, it seems to be shutting the water off just under the max water level and does not leak into the bowl.

i'll keep an eye on it and we'll see how long it goes before needing to completely replacing things.

Thanks for the help!

MitchellMc

That's great to hear @Andyyy.

Many thanks for the update.

Mitchell

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