Common Toilet Cistern issues and how to Repair

constantly running cistern

How to carry out a repair for some common toilet cistern issues

A malfunctioning toilet cistern can be a frustrating problem, especially when water conservation is a priority. A leaking toilet cistern can lose over 12,000 litres of water in a year costing you, the home owner, a lot of money.

Whether your cistern is running constantly, not filling up, or leaking, these issues can waste water and lead to higher utility bills. Let’s explore some common cistern problems and how you can fix them.

Constantly Running Cistern

Symptoms: The toilet keeps running long after flushing, with water constantly flowing into the bowl.

Causes: A running cistern is typically caused by an outlet seal, a misaligned or damaged float, or issues with the fill valve.

Solution:

  • Inspect the outlet seal: Check to see if the seal is sealing correctly. If it’s worn out or damaged, replace it with a compatible part. Will need to be extremely careful not to break the housing when removing.
  • Adjust the Float: Make sure the float is set to the correct height. If the float valve is too high, water will continue to flow into the overflow tube. Adjust it so the water level is about an inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

Cistern Not Filling Up

cistern not filling upSymptoms: The toilet cistern takes an unusually long time to fill up or doesn’t fill at all.

Causes: This issue can be due to a blocked inlet valve, a malfunctioning float, or issue with the mini tap.

Solution:

  • Check the Inlet Valve: The inlet valve controls the flow of water into the cistern. If it’s clogged with debris, clean or replace the valve to restore normal water flow.
  • Adjust or Replace the Float: If the float isn’t rising correctly, it might be preventing the inlet valve from opening fully. Adjust or replace the float as needed.
  • Check Water Pressure: Low water pressure can also cause filling issues. Ensure that your home’s water pressure meets the recommended levels, a plumber can carry out a pressure and flow test for the property.

Leaking Cistern

Symptoms:leaking cistern Water leaks from the base of the cistern, onto the floor, or from the cistern into the toilet bowl when it’s not being flushed.

Causes: Leaks can be caused by worn-out seals, a cracked cistern, or issues with the flush mechanism.

Solution:

  • Inspect the Seals: Over time, the rubber seals around the inlet and outlet pipes can wear out. Replacing these seals can often stop the leak.
  • Check the Flush Mechanism: If water is leaking into the bowl without flushing, the flush valve may be the issue. Ensure that the flush mechanism is functioning properly and that the flush valve is sealing correctly.
  • Examine the Cistern for Cracks: If the cistern itself is cracked, it may need to be replaced entirely. This is a more complex issue and will need a plumber to attend site to carry out the required work.

Water Hammer (Banging Noise)

Symptom:  A loud banging noise when the toilet is flushed or the cistern refills.

Causes: Water hammer occurs when fast-moving water suddenly stops or changes direction, causing shock waves in the plumbing system. It can be exacerbated by high water pressure or loose pipes.

Solution:

  • Install water hammer arrestors throughout the house or on the toilet cistern by a plumber.

Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent many cistern issues. Here are some tips:

  • An annual Inspection is recommended to be carried out by a professional plumber to catch potential problems early before they cause excess water loss or the system fails all together.
  • The licensed plumber will know which quality parts are required and the specific parts to use on the particular brands such as Caroma, Clarke, Geberit, Oliveri, Stylus, Base, Tasman just to name a few. Most importantly the plumber will also know what can and can not be done to ensure any repairs comply with local and Australian AS 3500 codes to ensure health and safety regulations are always meet.

When to Call a Plumber

While many cistern issues can be fixed with a little DIY effort, some problems are better left to the professionals, especially if:

  • The cistern is persisting with leaks internally or externally.
  • The problem involves the internal plumbing or a cracked cistern.

Just remember In Australia, hiring a licensed plumber is essential to ensure that repairs comply with local building codes and water regulations.

If you need assistance with your Toilet Cistern, call 0410 638 342 today!