identifying the issue with this toilet and how to fix?

[SuperNovice]

<bottom> Hello,

My toilet is running. The water continues to come in after the fill line and then through the overflow into the bowl.

The float seems to correctly stop the main flow, but the hissing sound continues and the water keeps increasing.

I notice that when I apply pressure to the float/inlet tower the hissing stops and seemingly the water doesn’t keep coming so that’s my leading theory.

Another issue is the tap on the side of the toilet doesn’t seem to actually stop the water. I think the cap of the tap is just a plastic cap that is spinning but not actually turning anything. So I have to turn the water main off to the whole property to work on this. Otherwise I’d just turn this off as we don’t really use this toilet much.

Lastly, from my readings online, if I want to replace the inlet/float device I would have to disconnect it from the pipe, which is usually at the base, but as this toilet is flush against the wall I’m not sure how I can get to that connection? 

Im a total noob and not against paying a plumber, just wanting to learn and increase my knowledge on it all. From what I understand the water leaves the outlet/flush tower, so I would’ve thought the leak may be there, but as I say when I put pressure on the inlet/float tower it seems to stop.

Hope I’m making some sense and thanks for any help. I’ve added a video link that showcases it.

https://streamable.com/qu81nz

[J-P]

Not sure if this would require a services of a plumber (I will let you do that call). The inlet is bottom type that directly screws on to inlet. You need to stop the mains and replace the inlet valve

[JacobZ]

Hi @SuperNovice,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The issue is almost certainly a faulty inlet valve, as @J-P has already mentioned, and the next step is to replace it. The key signs are the rising water level, hissing sound, overflow into the bowl, and the fact that pressing on the inlet tower stops the noise and rising water level. The fact that it stops when you press on it indicates the internal seal in the inlet valve is worn or contaminated and not shutting off fully without pressure from above.

The isolation valve that does not shut off appears to be spinning without engaging the valve stem. This means the tap is non-functional and should be replaced. Until then, turning off the mains is the only way to isolate the toilet. With this being said, it is likely best that you have a plumber attend the site to replace the isolation valve, as this is plumbing work that would require a licence.

As you have a bottom entry inlet valve and a back-to-wall toilet suite, unfortunately, replacing the whole inlet valve would also require the assistance of a plumber, as you will have to disconnect the whole toilet suite to get access to the retaining nut on the underside of the cistern.

You could try replacing the inlet valve headseal, which wouldn't require you to disconnect the whole toilet suite. I can't identify the specific inlet valve from your video to point you towards specific instructions, but there is often a retaining pin or clip that releases a cap on the top of the inlet valve. Once the top of the inlet valve is open, you can remove the valve headseal and take it with you in store to find a replacement. Unfortunately, if this doesn't fix the issue, then you'll have to contact a plumber for assistance as the inlet valve will have to be replaced.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob