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How do I stop my cistern from running water?

Published in Toilet Repair 2 mins read

If your toilet cistern is constantly running water, it's usually due to a problem with one of the internal components. Here's how to troubleshoot and fix the issue based on common causes.

Steps to Fix a Running Cistern

Troubleshooting a running toilet tank involves checking a few key parts. Start with the basics and work your way through these steps:

  1. Turn Off the Water Supply
    Before doing any work inside the tank, it's crucial to stop the flow of water. The shut-off valve is typically located on the wall or floor near the toilet base. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.

  2. Check the Fill Valve
    The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush. If it's faulty or incorrectly adjusted, it might be causing the water to keep running. Inspect the fill valve for any visible damage or misalignment.

  3. Check the Lift Rods and the Float Arm
    These parts connect the flush lever to the flapper (or flush valve). Ensure the lift rod isn't bent and the float arm (if your toilet has one, typically on older models with a ball float) isn't sticking or rubbing against the tank sides.

  4. Set the Fill Height by Examining the Float
    The float controls the water level in the tank. If the float is set too high, the water will overflow into the overflow pipe, causing the toilet to run continuously. Adjust the float so that the water level stops below the top of the overflow pipe, usually marked by a line inside the tank.

  5. Check the Toilet Flapper
    The flapper is a rubber or plastic seal at the bottom of the tank that covers the flush valve opening. If the flapper is old, worn, warped, or doesn't create a tight seal, water will leak into the toilet bowl, causing the fill valve to turn on repeatedly to refill the tank. This is a very common cause of running toilets.

By checking these components – the water supply, fill valve, lift mechanism, float height, and the flapper – you can identify and often fix the reason your cistern is running water.