Wednesday, July 7, 2010

How To Fix Leaking toilets

Leaking toilets can waste thousands of litres of precious drinking water every year, and there are many causes.

There may be dirt in the mechanical parts of the toilets, the seals may have perished, a part may have broken or something foreign may be interfering with the mechanics of the toilet cistern.

When fixing a leaking toilet you may find that there is a combination of problems. In some cases you will have to replace 3 or 4 seals in the toilet cistern.

To determine what is wrong first observe what is happening inside the toilet cistern.

If water is continually overflowing out of the toilet cistern, over the central overflow pipe, into the pan this would likely mean a faulty inlet valve. Some inlet valve seals are repairable. However, you may need to install a new inlet valve.

If water is continually running out of the toilet cistern, but not over the central overflow pipe into the pan, this would likely mean a faulty outlet valve or outlet valve seal. Most outlet valve seals are replaceable. It is important that you get the right outlet valve seal, as the seals are not interchangeable with other brands.

Importantly, when undertaking any repairs follow the manufacturers guidelines. As you could end up with cross contamination of your toilet water and tap water.
While fixing your toilet, test each part to ensure that it is working independently of all of the other parts. Therefore, when you fix a leaking inlet valve, move on to check the operation of the outlet valve, and visa versa.

There are some older toilets that just cannot be fixed. These usually have brass internal mechanisms. These mechanisms are long-lasting. Some of the brass workings can be replaced. However the cost of replacing them can be considerably dearer than a new toilet cistern.

We also find that there are some very cheap imported brands that can be extremely difficult to get parts for. We find that the price of the parts is dearer than the whole toilet suite. So, try to avoid these altogether.

Other causes of leaking toilets may be perished flush pipe seals. These are the seals on the pipe between the cistern and the pan. When these leak they give the impression that the seal between the toilet pan and drain is leaking. In fact, it is water dripping out of one of the flush pipe seals onto the S-bend and then down to the floor seal. In most cases these seals are easily replaced. However, in some cases you may need to remove the cistern to change these seals.

If you need more information about your leaking toilets or need immediate help within Canberra, Queanbeyan or Jerrabomberra areas just call 6161 9417 for Six Star Hot Water & Plumbing.

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