Fix for water leaking into toilet pan (push-button flush), by Artexic on YouTube. 10 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water supply to the cistern, usually a screw valve on the pipe below or a stopcock. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern, then sponge out the last of the water.
Check the three likely causes: a worn flush valve seal, a faulty fill valve letting water trickle down the overflow, or a misaligned overflow. Watch where the water enters the pan.
Lift the cistern lid and identify the parts: the fill valve on the inlet side, the flush valve in the middle, and the overflow. Note how each one is fitted.
Twist or unclip the flush valve body and lift it out of the cistern. Inspect the rubber seal at the base for grit, wear or a bad seat, then clean or replace it.
Refit the flush valve, line up the seal flat on the outlet and press it down until it clicks or locks. Refill and test before moving on.
If the leak continues, remove the fill valve. Undo the inlet nut underneath, disconnect the arm and lift the unit out. Check the small washer inside for damage.
Replace the washer or fit a new fill valve of the same type. Set the float height so the water stops about 25 mm below the overflow.
Reconnect the inlet, tighten the nut by hand then a quarter turn with the spanner, and turn the water back on. Let the cistern fill and check for drips.
Flush several times and watch the pan. If water still runs, recheck the flush valve seal seating and the fill valve float setting.
Tips and common mistakes
Shut off the water and empty the cistern before removing any valve to avoid a flood.
Take the old washer or valve to the shop so you buy an exact match for your model.
Do not overtighten plastic nuts, as they crack easily. Hand tight plus a small nip is enough.
If the leak returns quickly, the valve seat may be scaled or warped and the whole unit needs replacing.
Questions
How do I know if the flush valve or fill valve is leaking?
Dry the pan, then watch where the water appears. Water running down the back of the pan usually points to the fill valve or overflow, while water rising from the flush outlet points to the flush valve seal.
Can I fix this without draining the cistern?
No. You need to isolate the water and empty the cistern so you can lift out the valves without water pouring out.
Do I need to replace the whole valve?
Often not. A new rubber seal or washer is cheap and usually solves the leak, but replace the full valve if the plastic body or seat is damaged.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
