If you notice that water is constantly leaking from the tank into the toilet, you need to immediately find a solution to this problem, since the noise will interfere with sleep at night, and rust will soon form on the toilet itself. In addition, the readings of the water meter will also not be particularly encouraging.

Let's try to figure out the reasons why the water flows, because further actions depend on it. After we consider several possible options for how to fix a leak in the toilet with your own hands.

Breakdown detection

Experts do not dare to say for sure that the toilet is leaking for one reason and the solution to the problem is also the same. Each reason may have its own characteristics depending on the design. However, the “classical” construction is still the most widespread, so it is better to consider the definition of the current problem on it.

The first place without a doubt can be assigned to the overflow of the toilet, which is due to the fact that excess water leaves through the overflow. The problem in this case is the following:

1. Over time, the rubber gasket can deform, that is, the rubber loses its former elasticity, due to which there is a loose overlap and the toilet bowl leaks.
2. Poorly pressed gasket to the outlet of the drain valve also does not hold water. It is not necessary that the gasket is deformed or has lost its elasticity - it just does not press enough against the toilet part - that is why water flows.
3. The pin that holds the float in the valve body can rust or wear out.
4. The tank often leaks due to a crack in the body.

If the toilet cistern does not flow, but the problem still occurs, it may be the bolts that hold the cistern and the toilet directly. During the operation of the structure, quite often the bolts rust, and the plastic ones burst, which is why water leaks.

In third place in terms of prevalence is the cause associated with a rubber pear. The problem is that over time, this part of the toilet may lose its elasticity, becoming more rigid. As a result, the pear cannot take the necessary shape to retain water after flushing.

Another problem may lie in the malfunction of the drain tank itself due to the displacement of the float lever or its skew. The reasons for these factors are as follows:

• a hole has formed through which water flows into the float;
• after a long use of the toilet, the lever itself may shift;
• Repairs were made with low quality parts.

The reasons for the constant flow of water in the toilet can be eliminated with some effort.

Fixing toilet overflow and bolt problems

The most common problem that causes water to flow in the toilet is overflowing the tank. So let's start with a simple experiment.

We remove the cover. After that, you should slightly raise the float. If this helped and the tank bowl does not overflow, then the search for the problem at this stage is completed. It is enough to pull the float lever a little so that the water stops flowing earlier.

Another option is that the water continues to leak. Perhaps the problem is in the valve, so it should be carefully examined. Initially, spend time on the pin that secures the float lever in the valve - it should be in place and solid. Otherwise, you will have to replace it with a piece of thick copper wire. At this stage, you need to inspect the hole into which it is attached, because with an increase in its size, you will have to completely change the entire valve.

And the last possible option, when, after the above inspections and even actions, water still flows in the toilet, this is a worn valve gasket. It will not be possible to purchase it separately, so the question regarding the culpability of a cracked valve or gasket loses its practical value.

But what if the water in the tank is less than the overflow level, but the toilet itself is leaking? Quite often, such a description has the problem of the unfitness of the bolt, which tightens the shelf and the toilet. This, as a rule, is inherent in older models of structures, where manufacturers still used steel bolts. Of course, over time, the bolts deteriorate under the influence of water, so they should be replaced periodically.

The process itself implies the following:

1. Shutting off the water supply.
2. Removing the cover.
3. Tank emptying.
4. Disconnecting the flexible hose.
5. Loosening bolts.
6. Tilt the tank to remove the shelf from the cuff.
7. We eliminate excess liquid and lay the tank on a flat surface.

Upon completion of the repair, the structure must be reassembled. It is important to tighten the new bolts not tight, since the material of the toilet bowl is quite fragile.

Replacement or repair of a pear or float

If the toilet is leaking due to the loss of elasticity of the rubber pear, which regulates the water supply with the button, it should either be replaced or repaired. To do this, you first need to unscrew this part (counterclockwise, but when viewed from above, the position changes to the opposite) and disconnect from the stem. When buying a new such part, you should choose the softest one, otherwise this problem will arise again, and quite soon.

If it is not possible to buy a new rubber bulb, it can be repaired for a while. To do this, simply attach a small weight to the rod, which will pull the pear to the saddle, respectively, after flushing, the water will not drain. Any weighty nut or washer is suitable as a load.

When water constantly drains due to a malfunction of the float in the tank, it can also be replaced with a new one. If a small hole is found in the float that is leaking liquid, an alternative, more economical option is to plug the hole with polyethylene or fused plastic. It should be borne in mind that such repair work will not eliminate the breakdown itself, but only postpone its solution for a while. Therefore, it is better to do everything right right away.

If the toilet cistern starts to leak, it always causes a lot of inconvenience. In addition to the fact that the sound of constantly flowing water is annoying, and stains form on the toilet itself, the bills for the used water also increase. It is not difficult to figure out why the toilet cistern is leaking, and in most cases it is within the power of anyone, even a completely inexperienced master, to fix it with your own hands: the only exceptions are those plumbing products that have additional electronically controlled functions.

• The device of standard tanks
• Types of tank malfunctions
  • Helpful Hints

The device of standard tanks

Any toilet bowl is a product consisting of a seat and a tank connected to each other with a built-in mechanism for draining water. It is noticed that the drain mechanism fails more often than all other parts. In order to determine what disrupts the operation of the device and correctly eliminate it, it is necessary to understand the basics of the design of the system for draining water.

Drain tank device

A typical drain device is equipped with two mechanical units: one of them accumulates water, and the other drains. The first of them ensures the retention of water in the tank, the amount of which should subsequently be enough to drain. This device is a system of a float and a closing valve. If the tank is empty, the float falls down and moves the lever system so that they open the valve, and when it begins to fill with water, the float rises and the levers move so that the valve is closed. The device closes completely when the float reaches its highest point.

The second part of the system is responsible for ensuring that at the right time all the accumulated water is drained into the place intended for this. In various models of plumbing devices, you can see a variety of drain systems, but the principle of operation for all is almost the same. There is a drain hole in the tank, which is closed with a sealed siphon. The siphon in many models resembles the shape of an ordinary plunger, but does not have a handle, and in the newest devices it is designed in the form of a button, which is considered more aesthetic. This detail is connected with the trigger device by means of a reinforcing lever system.

Many do not know what to do if the toilet bowl is leaking and the first thing they tend to think about is calling a plumber so that the problem is solved as soon as possible. However, do not be too hasty to call the service departments, since this task is available to any home master who knows how to properly handle the wrench, and problems that occur in the drain device are in most cases not too serious and can be fixed by hand.

However, you should not delay the repair of the drain device too much, since this directly affects the final amount of payment for the use of water (if the apartment has a cold faucet meter), and the sound of running water can irritate the residents of the apartment, especially at night. In recent years, many new plumbing devices have appeared, but the principle of operation of drain tanks has not changed for several decades: water, filling the internal reservoir, raises the float. The system of seals, float and fittings releases all the accumulated water into the toilet, and then the water begins to accumulate again and, raising the float, closes the system.

Some, thinking about how to fix a toilet bowl if it is leaking, remember that plumbers always have professional tools with them. In fact, to remove such a malfunction, you only need wire cutters, rubber gloves and pliers. Experienced craftsmen are also advised to look in advance at the nearest store for a new plumbing drain unit.

Types of tank malfunctions

Before starting repairs, you should determine what exactly is causing the leak and needs to be adjusted. A leak in the drain system can occur for several reasons:

1. If water flows into the tank without stopping, this may be due to a slight misalignment of the lever or damage to the float valve. There are also cases when the valve does not work quite correctly, but at the same time remains intact. It is quite easy to solve such a problem: the float lever should be aligned horizontally, and the faulty valve or float should be replaced with a serviceable one.

In the case when the float can only be replaced later, you just need to protect it from the water in the tank by wrapping it in a plastic bag or sealing it with heated plastic.

1. If water flows from the tank into the toilet all day and night, this is most likely caused by a rupture of the membrane inside the siphon, which is enough to be replaced with a whole one. To do this, a lever attached to the float is attached to the top bar, allowing you to unscrew the nut that secures the flush pipe and connects it to the drain system. When the siphon is disconnected, the damaged membrane should be removed and replaced with a similar one that fits in size. After that, the fittings are assembled and installed in the reverse order.
2. Sometimes it happens that the tank passes water because the rubber constipation has lost its original elasticity. With rubber "pears" this happens often: they become similar to the touch of wood and completely lose the elasticity inherent in rubber. In this case, the aged constipation should simply be replaced with a new one.

A constipation holds water when it is firmly seated in its recess. If limescale appears on the saddle, the base of the constipation does not adhere to its walls with the required density and, as a result, the toilet bowl does not hold water. In such a case, the constipation must be temporarily removed, and then the surface of the saddle should be cleaned with a hard brush or sandpaper and replaced. Experienced craftsmen also advise tightening all saddle fasteners during this operation.

Drain tank device

1. If the nut securing the base at the overflow point is loose, you need to temporarily remove the tank and tighten the nut located in its lower part.
2. In the case when the connecting cuff between the toilet and the tank is leaking, you can tighten it with a clamp or try to install it back into place. The cuff that is stuck should simply be replaced with a new one.
3. Another cause of leakage can be a rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet. These gaskets may rot, or they may simply be installed incorrectly. Plumbers call such gaskets "bitten".
4. If during the check it turned out that the gasket is installed normally, the leak may be caused by a crack formed in the tank. Repairing a cracked tank is also not at all difficult: you need to remove it, dry it and fill the crack with sealant.
5. Sometimes the toilet cistern begins to leak when the shutoff valve is not holding water. It is very easy to detect a valve defect: if you press the valve with your hand, the water flow should stop. If this does not happen, then the gasket in the valve needs to be changed.
6. When the button height adjuster moves for some reason, the tank can also leak. The gap through which water flows is formed when the valve is higher than the water drain hole. To fix this problem, you just need to adjust the height of the button.
7. The problem of water flow can also occur in the place where the drain hose is connected to the tank. A cracked nut will need to be replaced, and if it is not damaged, tighten it well enough.
8. Sometimes the operation of the tank is disrupted due to breakage of the reinforcement. To cope with this malfunction, the easiest way is to change the entire armature.

Currently, old models of toilet bowls are often replaced with modern ones, which have a more aesthetic appearance and are noticeably more convenient to use. So, for example, one of the advantages of the new toilet bowls is the absence of water splashing and splashing during the drain. However, it should be understood that new tanks break just as often as it was with the old ones. At the same time, it should be noted that new models of tanks are much easier to repair, and spare parts for them are made of durable plastic and are relatively inexpensive.

If you are going to change plumbing, you should decide on the desired toilet model and pay attention to how the outlet pipe is installed, which can be horizontal or directed to the floor. Most often today there are toilets of the “compact” type with a drain in a horizontal plane, as well as “monoblocks”, in which the drain tank and the toilet are one.

Before buying and installing a new toilet bowl, you should check whether the installation instructions are included in the kit and carefully study it.

It is important to immediately deal with the device of the tank, so that later you can clearly understand why a problem could occur. Plumbing with a simpler cistern design usually lasts much longer and is more reliable.

Most often, spare tank mechanisms are sold as a set, but if necessary, individual parts can also be purchased. If a rare and expensive tank is installed in the apartment, then it will be much more profitable to look for individual spare parts, and in simpler models it is often easier to immediately replace the entire tank. Some time ago, it was customary to install the toilet seat on a small elevation of cement screed or to mount it on wooden rails. Now the toilet is installed after the wall and floor tiles are laid in the room. Before installing the toilet, the tile is marked with a felt-tip pen, and then it is fastened according to the marking.

Drain tank device

What to do if the toilet bowl is leaking

Drain tank device

Replacing fittings in the drain tank

Do-it-yourself replacement of the mechanism in the tank

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When the toilet bowl is constantly flowing, nervous irritations are provided to you:

• at night you will hear the water flowing;
• leaving the house to worry about whether it will flood the apartment and the neighbors from below;
• the appearance of rust in the toilet;
• condensation on the pipes, then mold in the toilet;
• the counter increases.

To avoid such troubles, initially entrust the installation and connection of plumbing to specialists. Eliminate all subsequent breakdowns by studying the causes of the problem in advance.

A cistern leak is one of the most common toilet problems.

What is the reason?

Like any problem, a toilet leak must be fixed by determining the source of the problem.

Reasons for a leaking toilet:

• if the plumbing is new and recently installed, the reasons lie in improper installation and connection; the mechanism for filling the tank with water and its drain is incorrectly installed;
• if your toilet is at least six months old, the cause of the tank leak may be poor-quality materials or fittings;
• obvious mechanical problems of the toilet occur after three years of operation: polymer materials become brittle and can break with a sharp pressure drop in the pipes.

If you want to fix the leak yourself, the true problem can be determined by disassembling the tank and inspecting it for damage, cracks and checking the shut-off water tap. In this case, you have two options:

1. Shut off the water supply and watch for water leaks. If the water does not flow, but it remains in the drain tank itself, then the cause of the breakdown lies in an incorrectly adjusted or clogged system for automatically supplying water to the tank (we call it a float).
2. If water flows until the drain tank is completely empty, the cause of the breakdown lies in the drain valve. It can easily get clogged and simply break.

In the first case, the “float” broke, it is enough just to adjust the pressure of the water that passes through the filler valve, and complete disassembly of the drain tank is not needed.

If you find that the cause of the water leak is the drain valve, you will have to disassemble the tank. But before that, it is better to drain the water several times while pressing the drain button with a little effort.

Most often, small but hard salt deposits are the cause of the mechanism jamming. Having done a similar forced flushing of the tank, you may be able to get rid of debris.

Problem variants

No matter how sad it sounds, but the drain tank can flow in different ways. Therefore, before disassembling the mechanism, you need to determine exactly how the water flows.

Water from the tank can leak for various reasons.

Breakage of the drain tank in several variations:

• water flows out through the overflow;
• water begins to flow before reaching the overflow;
• leaks between the toilet bowl and the cistern;
• flows at the same time as the drain.

Of course, the plumber's phone is always at hand, but such problems are quite easy to fix on your own, just by studying the mechanism.

overflow

The essence of the problem: the tank overflows with water, and it simply exits through the overflow.

Why is the tank overflowing with water:

• the gasket in the valve was deformed: over time, the rubber part lost its elasticity and stopped tightly closing the water;
• the gasket is not pressed firmly enough: the element itself is not broken, it is simply weakly pressed against the drain valve hole;
• the pin that holds the float lever in the valve body is rusted or lost;
• the float lever has shifted;
• the valve could simply crack if it is plastic; if the device is made of brass, a similar reason is not possible.

The most common problem is a misaligned lever. To correct this situation, it is enough to return the lever to its place: it must lie horizontally, lower than the pipe inlet.

Elimination of continuous leakage through the overflow:

1. Remove the top cover of the drain tank.
2. Raise the float one centimeter: if the leak has stopped and it didn't take you much effort to do it, your search is over.
3. Turn the float lever a little so that it closes the water earlier.
4. If water continues to flow when the float is raised, it is likely that the valve needs attention. The design of the valve itself has a stud that fixes the lever, make sure it is intact and intact.
5. A broken stud can be replaced with a piece of copper wire.
6. Also, there should be no holes in the place where the stud is attached. If it is still there, you have to buy a new valve. Be sure to take a sample of the old mechanism with you.
7. If water is constantly flowing, despite the tightly pressed gasket to the valve hole, the problem can only be solved by purchasing a new device.

We examined an example of a classic toilet bowl, but if you have a modern device, look for the origins of problems and their solutions by studying your toilet model individually.

If the plumbing is new, the cause of the leaks may be improper installation.

Water begins to flow before reaching the overflow

The essence of the problem: water constantly flows, regardless of whether the overflow liquid level is reached or not.

The reasons for the leak may be in the bolt that holds the toilet and the shelf together, it is either rusted (if it is steel) or cracked (if it is plastic).

Solution to the problem:

1. Make sure the water only flows up to the overflow level.
2. Turn off the water and flush the tank.
3. Dismantle the flexible hose coming from the tank.
4. Remove the bolts that secure the shelf to the toilet. Inspect the armature: if it is in good condition, it is enough to replace just a couple of bolts, or buy a new set of armature.
5. Rusty bolts must be cut with a hacksaw.
6. Remove the shelf from the cuff, drain the remaining water and place the mechanism on a flat surface.
7. Assemble the tank with new bolts, preferably brass. Repeat all steps in reverse order.
8. Experts recommend in any case to replace the rubber gaskets.

If necessary, tighten the cuff with an aluminum tie or copper wire.

Leak between toilet bowl and cistern

Option number 1: you can easily solve the problem: just tighten or just fix the part.

Causes of the problem: a cuff malfunction is most often the cause of water leakage.

Regardless of what material the cuff is made of, there are clamps for both plastic and metal. Pull up the cuff with clamps carefully, not too tightening, but not loosening either.

If the cuff device is corrugated, then it can simply move. In this case, simply return the part to its place and fix it.

Option number 2: replacing rubber gaskets, tightening bolts and nuts.

Causes of the problem: too weak fixation of the shelf to the tank.

It is enough just to tighten the fasteners. Metal bolts rust and deform over time, this does not threaten brass bolts.

If tightening the bolts and nuts does not help, check the rubber gaskets. They must either be completely replaced or repaired (dry, apply sealant, dry and reinstall, bolted).

Option number 3: replacing the drain tank.

Cause of the problem: Water flowing between the tank and the shelf can be a sign of a complete breakage of the shelf.

This problem is very serious. You better consult a specialist, because a breakdown often requires a complete replacement of the toilet bowl or even a drain tank.

Plumbing products should be regularly inspected for cracks, including cuff and pipes.

Toilet design for a better understanding of the problem

Leak at the same time as drain

The essence of the problem: every time you press the drain, water starts to flow from under the tank.

Option number 1:

1. Check the operation of the drain mechanism inside the tank. Take the valve with your hand and lightly press it. If the leak stopped, then the reason was hidden in a loose fit of the valve in the center of the tank.
2. In this case, you just need to replace the gasket in the valve.

But this reason is far from the only one.

Option #2:

1. The next reason for the tank to leak may be a displaced drain button.
2. If the height adjuster has moved and the valve is higher than the drain hole, then there is a gap between the drain and the shut-off valve.
3. You only need to return the water height control to its original position.

Breakdown is quite simple and not at all expensive.

Option number 3:

1. A loose nut on the outside can cause water seepage.
2. You need to carefully and carefully tighten the nut and check all the fasteners that fix the cistern to the toilet.

Minor damage can be repaired and eliminated with sealant, while serious damage must be completely replaced.

In our article today, we will talk about the main causes of a toilet cistern leak, as well as tell you about troubleshooting methods.

Causes

The detected problems with the toilet, which began to flow in certain places, are caused by three reasons. Sometimes individually, and sometimes they provoke a breakdown by joint efforts:

1. When installing new plumbing, installation and assembly errors are often made.
2. During long-term operation, the tank flows due to failed or worn structural elements, fittings. Natural breakdowns usually occur only three years after installation.
3. Mechanical damage, violation of operating recommendations. This is for you sharp pulls on the levers, strong pressing of the buttons, random blows and so on.

Now consider several types of leaks separately.

Leak types

When draining

• After pressing the drain button, leaks may occur. This indicates the need to check the design of the drainage system. Often the cause is a malfunctioning shut-off valve. Grasp it with your hand, press lightly. If this helps, then the valve simply did not fit snugly against the surface. Replace the old valve gasket with a good quality new one and you're done.
• The drain key is displaced, the position of the height regulator is violated. In such situations, the valve is located higher than the drain hole. The formed gap leads to leakage. Correct the knob a little, try to return the button to its original position. To do this, you need to tighten the fasteners with which the tank is attached to the pipe or the plumbing product itself.
• Water leaks due to a loose nut attached to the outside of the bottom. The reason is simple - the tightness is broken. Most likely, replacing the gasket or installing a new nut with a high quality gasket will help.

Remember, if the breakdown is minor and caused by a seal failure, then use simple sealants. For more serious problems, replace damaged tank elements.

If it flows through the overflow

First of all, correct the lever of the float system, and also check the condition of the valve and the float itself. Water is sometimes not held inside the tank, but flows directly into the bowl through the overflow. It is possible that the lever has shifted from its original position, or there has been a skew.

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See if there is liquid in the float. Often it is because of this that a leak occurs through overflows. If it really is there, then the float is out of order. Bringing it back to life is simple:

• Remove the float;
• Pour out the accumulated water;
• Dry properly, even with a hair dryer, which will speed up the process;
• Eliminate cracks and holes through which water got inside. For this, epoxy glue is useful. If you add a little supercement to it, the quality of the repair will be even higher;
• Put the element back in place.

If the float system valve is out of order, the easiest way is to replace it with a new one. It's not hard to do this:

• Release all liquid from the water tank;
• Disconnect the fitting using a wrench. It connects the valve to the water supply system, that is, the water supply;
• Remove the lever, but be careful not to damage other elements;
• Remove the inner as well as the outer nut that holds the lever;
• Remove the float valve;
• Install the new element using the fixing nuts;
• Fill the reservoir with liquid;
• Fix the lever in the correct position;
• Do a test drain, which will determine if you did everything right.

In case of problems with the siphon membrane, it must be replaced. Solve the problem by applying glue, sealants will not work. Buy a new membrane, and similar to the old one. Remove it, find a similar one in a plumbing supply store. To repair, follow the simple instructions:

• Drain the water so that nothing remains in the drain tank;
• Using a rope, tie the float arm to a crossbar. The element must be securely fixed;
• The crossbar can be any plank, piece of wood, placed instead of the tank lid;
• Remove the nut connecting the flush pipe and reservoir;
• Slightly loosen the other nut by unscrewing it from the siphon. It is located at the base of the container;
• Carefully disconnect the siphon from the lever and pull it out;
• Now take a new membrane and put it in its rightful place;
• Assemble the entire system in reverse order.

Between cistern and toilet

1. Check the condition of the cuff. It will have to be corrected or tightened using a clamp. Do not overtighten the bolts, but at the same time, do not make the fasteners too loose.
2. If there is a corrugated section on the cuff, they are sometimes displaced from their original position. Clamps or plumbing insulation will help to return to the place. The latter option will give a temporary result, because the collar is the best solution.
3. The reason for this type of leak may be a weak fastening of the tank and shelf. Check that the nuts and bolts are firmly tightened. Brass bolts are eternal, while metal counterparts lose their original characteristics over time.
4. If the previous option did not work, take a closer look at the gaskets on the tank. Unscrew all nuts, bolts, inspect the condition of the gaskets. Replacing them is not difficult and not expensive.
5. If the shelf is damaged, you will not help with clamps and sealants. A complete replacement of the shelf or even the tank will be required.

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From tank to floor

The primary reason is poorly tightened or deformed bolts over time and under the influence of moisture:

1. If they are loose but the fasteners are new, just use the appropriate tool to tighten the fasteners.
2. If the quality of the fasteners is lost, they must be changed. Shut off the water, drain the remaining water, partially dismantle the fittings in order to have more or less convenient access to the bolt heads. After removing the old ones, replace them with new ones, not forgetting the rubber seals.

It will not be superfluous to use sealants at the joints. This is generally a useful thing to solve many problems of leaks. Relying solely on gaskets and seals is not worth it, since even the highest quality products do not always cope with the loads. An additional measure of protection in the form of a sealant will extend the life of the plumbing and make your life easier.

Other causes of leakage

This is not a complete list of possible leaks that result from the operation of toilets. Let's name a few more of them, as well as ways to eliminate them:

1. The flush button does not work. Here you will need to remove the cover and check the condition of the drain system. Often the stem from the drain comes off, as does the pressure gate valve. You just need to put them in their place. Check the button for dirt, clean the accumulated dirt and put it back. Problem solved.
2. High level of noise when collecting water. The plumbing system may have a different pressure. If it is high, then increased pressure is created on the float valve and the element cannot cope with the load. As a result, increased noise. Replace a valve that can cope with such a set, or mount a stabilization valve.

If the tank is leaking due to the formation of condensate, then you need to find out the cause and eliminate it:

• It is necessary to repair the intake and exhaust valves. If it is broken, water goes into the toilet, heats up to room temperature. At the same time, cold water comes out of the water supply, which creates condensate;
• It is necessary to reduce the volume of the drain. This is true for regularly operated toilets. It is recommended to replace the conventional drain button with a double one, where one will drain a smaller volume of liquid, and the second a larger one;
• Eliminate high humidity in the room itself. If it is a combined bathroom, it will be more difficult. You can put an electric heated towel rail, plus be sure to provide an effective ventilation system.

Any toilet leak always causes a lot of problems. She begins to spoil the mood, annoying noise of continuously flowing water.