How to fix a toilet flush tank if water is leaking from it? The toilet tank is leaking: main faults and how to fix them The toilet is leaking, what to do

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

Large numbers appear on the water meter, and you have to pay several times more for water. The surface of the toilet begins to become covered with rust. Drops of condensate become noticeable on the pipes, which can cause corrosion and mold formation.

Tank leaks must be repaired immediately to avoid negative consequences.
Today, a leak in a toilet tank can be easily fixed without resorting to the services of specialists. But to do this, you need to understand the principle of operation of such a system and its components.

The tank can leak for various reasons. There is only one solution to fix it. Each tank design has its own characteristics. Therefore, the approach to solving such a problem will be individual. However, the most common is the “classical” design. Therefore, we will consider the problem of leakage, taking this design as a basis. We will give 7 solutions to the question of how to fix a leak in the toilet and why the toilet might leak?

First reason: Overflow

Perhaps the most popular and obvious reason was the banal overflow of the tank. When the toilet tank leaks water into the toilet. Excess water simply goes into the overflow hole. The main reasons for the appearance of such an overflow may be:

The rubber gasket has lost its elasticity. Long-term use of the tank led to loose shutoff of the water flow. The gasket began to deform and leak liquid;
The gasket does not press well and does not tightly close the outlet hole located near the drain valve, thereby creating a leak. This gasket has retained its elasticity and there are no signs of deformation. Water begins to flow due to poor pressure against the wall of the toilet;
The valve pin that holds the float may have worn out. This occurs during long-term use and the appearance of corrosion on the body of the stud;
A crack has formed in the valve body itself. Water begins to flow through it.

Note! When a brass valve is installed in the tank, there simply cannot be any cracks. They occur only on plastic products. Brass parts are highly reliable.

How to deal with such a leak

To quickly fix the problem when water leaks from the tank into the toilet, you need to find out the true cause of the tank leak. To do this you need to do a little testing.

Remove the toilet lid. Raise the float up with your hand. One centimeter is enough for the flow to stop. Consequently, the float arm is not bent quite correctly. It simply cannot shut off the water; it flows freely through the drain hole.

To correct and eliminate a leak, you need to slightly bend the lever so that it begins to shut off the water as soon as it reaches a certain point.

If the leak does not stop after lifting the lever, you need to carefully inspect the valve. The special fixing pin must be in place. There should be no damage to it. It should stop the float lever while inside the valve. In addition, you need to check the condition of the hole in which the pin is located. It may have been deformed.

A stud that has become unusable can be replaced with copper wire of a large cross-section.

If the hole is deformed, a new valve must be installed.

It is possible that the leak appears due to the gasket. If, after pressing it against the valve, water stops flowing out of the drain hole, you need to adjust its pressure. If it cannot be adjusted, a new gasket must be installed.

We examined the main reasons and methods for solving the problem of tank leakage using the classical scheme. It has been used for over 40 years. However, every year new tank designs appear with a certain operating principle. Try to further study their design.

Reason two: Bolts

Quite often, leaking water is associated with the bolts that connect the tank and toilet. Over the years, metal bolts become covered with rust, plastic bolts simply burst, which is why the toilet tank leaks.

How to solve this problem

First you need to thoroughly inspect all the fittings. It may be that only one bolt needs to be replaced. However, in order to avoid additional runs to the store, it is better to immediately purchase a new set of spare parts for the toilet.

To accurately determine the cause of the leak, you will have to disassemble the tank. Sometimes it is simply not clear which part has failed and which requires immediate replacement.

How is the replacement performed?

To fix a toilet cistern leak you need to:

Before starting disassembly, you need to turn off the water supply;
Remove all water from the tank;
Unscrew the flexible line through which water is supplied;
Unscrew all bolts. If the body of the bolts is covered with a large layer of rust, they need to be cut off with a hacksaw. Buying new bolts is much cheaper than installing a new toilet. After all, the old one can be broken by unscrewing rusted bolts;
The toilet tank moves back;
The shelf lying on the cuff is removed;
The remaining water is drained;
All detected rust is removed.

For assembly, all steps are performed in reverse order. New bolts are installed, rubber gaskets are changed.

When tightening the bolts, the slightest distortion is not allowed. Tightening should be done with little effort. If you put too much pressure on the bolt, you can easily crush the earthenware.

Third reason: Pear

The rubber bulb has failed and the toilet constantly leaks after flushing. With prolonged use, rubber becomes inelastic. It becomes rough and cannot take the desired shape. As a result, water constantly flows in the toilet.

Solution

How to fix a leaking toilet? Repairing a pear that has lost its shape is practically useless. You can spend a lot of time, and the result will be zero. It is much easier to buy a new pear in the store.

When purchasing, you need to choose the softest one from several products. It can be used for a long period of time until it becomes rigid.

The pear is fastened with a thread. To remove it, you need to turn the bulb clockwise. To install, the bulb is rotated in the opposite direction. While there is no new pear, you can use the weight hanging on the rod. He will put pressure on the bag and press it to the saddle. Any heavy nut can become such a load.

Fourth reason: Skew

A malfunction of the tank may be due to a skew or large displacement of the lever on which the float is held. There are many reasons for the formation of misalignment. For example, a hole through which water begins to enter the float. The lever may have moved slightly to the side due to prolonged use.
Another reason when the toilet tank is leaking can be low-quality plumbing parts purchased at the store.

How to solve this problem

If you purchased a bad float in a store, you need to change it to a more reliable and high-quality one. If a small hole forms in the float, it can be easily sealed with ordinary polyethylene. You can also use a lighter to heat a piece of plastic and close the hole.

But such repairs are considered temporary; the float will still need to be replaced.

Fifth reason: Depressurization

A leak appeared between the toilet and the cistern mount. Such a leak in the area of the connection between the tank and the toilet itself appears if the joint is depressurized. Usually the cause of this phenomenon is a large deformation of the rubber seal.

To eliminate the leak, a new gasket must be installed between the tank and the toilet.

This work is performed in the following order:

The water supply is turned off by closing the main water valve;
Remove all remaining water from the barrel by collecting it with a soft kitchen sponge;
Lightly unscrew the drain nut. It can be found directly under the drain valve hatch;
The screws that secure the tank to the toilet shelf are completely unscrewed. The tank is being dismantled;
The lock nut that holds the drain is unscrewed, after which it is removed from the tank;
A new gasket is installed. Each gasket is manufactured to specific sizes and shapes. Therefore, before buying a gasket, you must choose the exact size.
If the gasket is smaller or larger, the problem will remain unresolved;
The drain assembly is fixed with locknuts;
The tank is returned to the shelf and secured with bolts.

It must be said that a leak between the toilet and the cistern may be associated with other circumstances:

The bolt holding the tank container to the bowl is very rusty;
The insulation that seals the mounting hole for the bolt has become unusable.

Of course, you will have to install a new bolt and replace the seal. The work must be performed in the following sequence:

The water supply is cut off;
Drained;
All bolts are unscrewed and removed from the mounting holes;
Sealing washers are placed on the bolts;
The bolts are installed in place and tightened with nuts.

Your cash costs will be:

Gasket – 200 rubles;
A set of bolts – 50–300 rubles;
Master services – 1200–1400 rubles.

Sometimes no replacement is necessary. Simply tighten the loose bolts. To do this, hold the nut with a wrench and tighten the fasteners with an ordinary screwdriver.

Care must be taken when doing this type of work. Ceramic products are not very durable. Tighten the bolt too much and a crack may appear at the bottom of the barrel. To prevent this from happening, it will be much safer to simply install new gaskets.

Sixth reason: Shut-off valve

The shut-off valve has failed. This causes water to constantly flow from the tank into the toilet. You can, of course, try to disassemble the drain valve. Adjust the pressure of the hatch on the drain pipe by slightly sharpening its end. Such manipulations require a lot of labor, and the desired effect is not always achieved. This leads to a simple conclusion: there is no need to carry out repairs; it is better to completely replace the entire drain assembly, or the entire toilet cistern.

To do this, you must perform the following steps:

The toilet needs to have the water supply turned off. To do this, tighten the central water supply valve.
The remaining water is flushed down the toilet;
Open the lid and use a sponge to remove all remaining water;
Remove the fixing screws;
The tank is removed from the shelf;
The sealing gasket is removed;
The locknuts securing the drain assembly are unscrewed;
The old mechanism is removed;
A new system is being installed.

Before purchasing a drain unit, you should try to purchase a similar model that was previously in the tank. As a last resort, the same manufacturer. In other words, if the tank was manufactured by Cersanit, then the drain assembly should be of the same brand.

The new unit is secured with new locknuts, and a new gasket is installed.

We return the tank to the shelf, new bolts are inserted into the holes. We screw it to the toilet shelf.
All that remains is to connect the water and check the tightness of the new drain.

In principle, this work is not very difficult; it is enough to have a set of spanners and several adjustable ones.
Buying a new drain will cost 400–4000 rubles. It all depends on the type of mechanism. Elite systems are much more expensive.

If the work is performed by a professional craftsman, you will have to pay 1600-1800 rubles.

Seventh reason: Cracks

The toilet tank is leaking due to a crack in the bottom or sides. Such a serious problem can be dealt with without even replacing the entire toilet.

What should be done

The tank is detached from the toilet and dried well. Any cracks that appear must be sealed with a high-quality sealant. I must say that this method gives the greatest effect. Of course, the sealant is not designed for long-term use; you will still have to buy a new tank and toilet.

If the toilet tank with the button starts to leak

First of all, determine what position the switch is in. If the return spring is weakened, the button may simply remain in the shaft. As a result, the drain hatch cover will always be in the “open” position.

To repair a toilet cistern with a button, you must follow a certain sequence:

The cover is being dismantled;
The falling switch is removed;
The spring is changed;
The seat is centered. It is located directly under the hole made in the lid.
Reassemble.

Preventative work

If you don't want your toilet to break down frequently, you need to constantly take certain preventive measures.

The toilet tank and bowl should be cleaned once every six months.

Constantly review the condition of fittings and related fittings.

Any toilet does not “like” mechanical damage; it does not tolerate temperature fluctuations.

Timely prevention will extend the service life of the entire system.

When a leak appears, the simplest breakdowns are corrected first and only then begin to solve more serious problems.

You can fix a cistern leak with your own hands. The design of the tank is so simple that it does not require any special tools. Having completed such repairs yourself, you will definitely get great pleasure.

Conclusion

We have given 7 of the most common solutions to why water flows in the toilet. In 95% of cases you have exactly the same problem. But if you've tried everything and nothing works, what should you do if water is still flowing in the toilet tank? It's better to call a plumber. He will fix the problem in less than an hour.

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 water meter readings will also not be particularly encouraging.

Let's try to figure out the reasons why water flows, because further actions depend on this. Next, we’ll look at several possible options for how to fix a toilet leak with your own hands.

Definition of failure

Experts do not risk saying 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” design is still most widespread, so it is better to consider defining the current problem using 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 this:

Over time, the rubber gasket can become deformed, that is, the rubber loses its former elasticity, resulting in a loose seal and the toilet tank leaking.
Poorly pressed gasket to the outlet of the drain valve also does not hold water. It is not necessary that the gasket has become deformed or lost its elasticity - it is simply not pressed against the toilet part enough - that is why water is leaking.
The pin that holds the float in the valve body may rust or wear away.
The tank often leaks due to a crack in the body.

If the toilet tank does not leak, but the problem still occurs, perhaps the problem is in the bolts that secure the tank and the toilet itself. 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 reason associated with the rubber bulb. The problem is that over time, this toilet part may lose its elasticity, becoming more rigid. As a result, the bulb cannot take the necessary shape to retain water after flushing.

Another problem may lie in a 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 using the toilet for a long time, the lever itself may move;
Low-quality parts were used during repairs.

The reasons why water constantly flows in the toilet can be eliminated if you put some effort into it.

Fixing Toilet Overflow and Bolt Problems

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

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

Another option is that water continues to leak. The problem may be in the valve, so it should be carefully inspected. Initially, take your time with the pin that secures the float lever in the valve - it should be in place and intact. 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 if its size increases, the entire valve will have to be replaced.

And the last possible option, when after the above inspections and even actions, water still flows in the toilet, is a worn valve gasket. It cannot be purchased separately, so the question regarding whether a cracked valve or gasket is to blame loses its practical value.

What to do if the water in the tank is less than the overflow level, but the toilet itself is leaking? Quite often, this description is due to the problem of the unusable bolt that holds the shelf and toilet together. This is usually characteristic of older models of structures, where manufacturers still used steel bolts. Of course, over time, bolts deteriorate when exposed to water, so they should be replaced periodically.

The process itself involves the following:

Shutting off the water supply.
Removing the cover.
Emptying the tank.
Disconnecting the flexible hose.
Unscrewing the bolts.
We tilt the tank to remove the shelf from the cuff.
Remove excess liquid and place the tank on a flat surface.

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

Replacing or repairing a bulb or float

If the toilet is leaking due to the loss of elasticity of the rubber bulb, which controls the water supply with a button, you should either replace it or try to repair it. To do this, you will first need to unscrew this part (counterclockwise, but when viewed from above, the position changes to the opposite) and disconnect it from the rod. When purchasing a new 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 temporarily repaired. To do this, simply attach a small weight to the rod, which will pull the bulb to the saddle, so that after flushing the water will not drain. Any weighty nut or washer will do 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 seal the hole with polyethylene or fused plastic. It is worth considering that such repair work will not eliminate the breakdown itself, but will only postpone its solution for a while. Therefore, it is better to do everything right right away.

Do-it-yourself toilet repair is a procedure that many people have to deal with from time to time. You can replace various failed parts yourself, but sometimes the breakdown is so complex that it is not possible to carry out the repair yourself. A leak in the toilet cistern belongs to the category of serious toilet breakdowns.

Having discovered that the toilet tank with the button is leaking, the owner immediately thinks about what to do if water is flowing in the toilet. Our article will tell you why water leaks in the toilet, what types of breakdowns of such structures occur, and how to eliminate a leak in the toilet tank.

Toilet device

To understand the specifics of repairing a toilet bowl yourself, you must first of all know how this very toilet works. It consists, in fact, of the toilet itself, and the flush cistern, which is a very important element of the entire flush mechanism. Up-to-date information on what to do if the toilet tank is leaking will also be covered in this article. Photo No. 1 will show readers what elements a toilet flush device consists of.

So, the toilet cistern functions on the same principle as the water seal. It is based on a whole complex of levers, a float and a seal. Modern toilets and their cisterns come with a flush button. When pressed, water is supplied to the bowl, and it is with the flow of this water that all waste moves into the sewer.

Next, the drain tank is filled with water through a special hose until the bowl becomes full again. When the water in the drain tank reaches the required limits, a special shutter valve blocks its further flow into the tank reservoir, and nothing can be washed off with water. It must be said that in older models of toilets, the cistern lid is simply and easily removed.

But in the best models of modern toilets, such an element comes complete with a flush button located on the top cover. In the second option, before you start repairing the toilet with your own hands, you must first remove the flush button from the flush cistern by removing the fixing ring.

For this purpose, the ring is scrolled counterclockwise, or pryed with a sharp object (for example, a nail file). After such manipulations, the drain tank lid is usually easily removed from the main tank. If it is fixed on the tank with fasteners, then unscrew them before removing this element. In photo No. 2 you can see how the flush toilet cistern is designed.

We would like to draw the attention of readers to the fact that the cistern lid is not sold separately, but is sold together with the toilet. That is why you should remove it from the toilet cistern tank very carefully. If this element cracks or breaks into pieces, then it will not be possible to replace the toilet tank alone, since it is not sold separately. In such a deplorable case, even repairing the toilet will not help; you will have to completely replace it.

It must be said that in some models of modern toilets, flush cisterns are supplied not with a single button, but with two button elements. The best way to remove the lid from the tank is to initially press both buttons in turn (as shown in photo No. 3), and then unscrew them counterclockwise until completely dismantled.

Many manufacturers strive to make the mechanism of action of a toilet with a button on the tank better, and therefore the designs of different toilet models differ slightly from each other. The cistern lid must be removed before repairing the toilet with your own hands.

This will allow the technician to carefully and carefully examine the structure of the toilet tank, determine the cause of the breakdown of the flush tank, and replace damaged parts if necessary. The following video will tell you in detail about the structure of the toilet cistern:

Types of faults

As a rule, home owners begin to think about repairing a toilet with their own hands at the very last moment, when a leak has already appeared. The fact that malfunctions and breakdowns occur in the operation of the toilet cistern seems insignificant to them and does not require attention. Usually, neglect of the fact that the toilet is leaking after flushing continues exactly until the receipt of utility bills for water is received.

Looking at the water meter, the inhabitants of the house understand that this same water flows away in exorbitant quantities. And at this moment they suddenly remember that water had already started flowing from the toilet tank a long time ago. And besides, the neighbors below began to complain a few weeks ago that water was flowing from your apartment onto their ceiling, causing the formation of unsightly stains on it. The reason that the water from your toilet is flooding your neighbors is most likely a leaking coupling that requires repair, which connects the flush cistern to the toilet.

But, regardless of the reasons why the toilet tank is leaking, the current situation, without a doubt, leads to a lot of problems for the owners of the house. And therefore, you should start repairing the toilet yourself as quickly as possible, or use the support of qualified specialists. The video will tell you in detail how to properly repair a tank when leaks are detected.

Among the known breakdowns of the toilet cistern are the following:

The toilet cistern has a leak through the overflow.
Water flows between the cistern and the toilet.
The toilet leaks after flushing by pressing the flush button.

Many apartment owners often have to deal with the problem of a leak in the toilet cistern. You can determine why the toilet cistern is leaking and repair the toilet yourself, or by inviting a professional to your home who can approach the repair with full responsibility. Photo No. 4 shows an example of disassembling the flush mechanism of a modern toilet.

At the same time, you should also remember that repairing a toilet bowl can be done with your own hands. However, the issue of repairing a toilet carried out independently should be approached thoroughly. Naturally, first you should study how the toilet flush cistern is arranged inside, as well as the features of repairing it yourself.

Is water flowing between the cistern and the toilet?

One of the problems that arise with a toilet cistern is water leaking between the cistern itself and the toilet itself. If the toilet in your apartment leaks after flushing, then the reason for this may be the connecting cuff, with the help of which the flush cistern and toilet are combined into a single system. In this case, you should carefully check the condition of the cuff.

External leakage of connecting pipes and communications between the tank and the toilet often occurs due to a malfunction of this very cuff. The situation can be corrected by repair, which consists of tightening this element of the toilet with clamps. In case of replacement, the clamps should be selected correctly, in accordance with the material the toilet cuff is made of (plastic or metal). Such repairs should be carried out with your own hands very carefully, so as not to overtighten the bolts or leave them too loose. It often happens that the toilet bowl leaks (photo No. 5).

This happens more often due to the displacement of the corrugated sections of the cuff from the standard position. The best repair option would be to correct the slipped cuff, as well as fix it with a clamp or plumbing insulation of the appropriate parameters (special tape). Note that if the toilet bowl leaks, then using adhesive tape to repair it is a temporary and not very reliable measure. The best methods, of course, are to solve the repair problem using clamps.

The reason that water flows between the tank and the toilet can also be a weak connection between the tank and the toilet shelf (photo No. 6), usually done with bolts and nuts.

In this case, the problem associated with the fact that the toilet is leaking due to poor fixation of the tank can be solved using repairs based on the usual tightening of nuts and bolts. When carrying out the repair procedure, it is important to understand that brass bolts do not deform even when tightly tightened, but metal bolts often require replacement over time, since they are prone to deformation.

If such repairs did not help, and you were unable to get rid of the leak yourself, then you should pay attention to the gaskets. They are located on the tank itself, and you can check their condition by first unscrewing the bolts and nuts. If these structural elements of the toilet bowl are locked or covered with cracks, then they will need to be replaced.

If the gaskets are in good condition, then the best way to update them is as follows. They are dried, and then silicone sealant is applied to the rubber surface, slightly dried again and installed in their original place, tightened tightly with nuts and bolts.

The next reason that the toilet is leaking is various damage to the plumbing shelf (photo No. 7).

The best way out of this situation would be to replace the toilet or replace only the cistern. Such breakdowns often occur due to the dilapidation of the toilet, or due to numerous mechanical damage to the earthenware surface of the cistern. Water seeps through these cracks. The best solution would be to replace the toilet, replace the cistern, or replace all the plumbing.

Another reason why a toilet leaks is water leaking between the flush cistern and the toilet, the appearance of which, in turn, is caused by cracks on the surface of the flush mechanism. Before starting repairs, if the toilet tank is leaking, you must completely disconnect the flush tank from the water supply, thoroughly dry the flush mechanism, and then seal all cracks with silicone sealant, intended specifically for repairing plumbing fixtures, and, in particular, toilets.

It is important! Try to regularly, for preventive purposes, inspect the toilet and all its components (in particular the tank). Such measures will help to detect a problem in a timely manner and prevent the occurrence of a leak. If the flush tank is located high, then it is probably connected to the toilet not only by a cuff, but also by a flexible pipe. Accordingly, you need to check both the cuff and the pipe, because the latter can also leak.

If the drain tank is located low, then in order to prevent water leakage, the condition of the nuts, bolts and gaskets should be monitored. In general, the best option for solving the problem of water leakage would be to completely replace all plumbing fixtures or at least some of its parts.

What to do if it flows through the overflow?

Sometimes apartment owners have to face a problem when water flows from the tank into the toilet. This happens because the water does not have the opportunity to linger and remain in the drain tank. Water flows through the cistern overflow directly into the toilet, creating a lot of inconvenience for the apartment residents. The explanation for the fact that the toilet cistern is leaking is that the float is skewed, as a result of which the element is displaced (Photo No. 8).

Repairing such a breakdown is quite simple. You just need to lift the cover and install the element in its original location. The best experts in the field of plumbing repair also advise inspecting the tank for the presence of water. It is quite possible that the water in the tank is overflowing, which is why the water overflows. If, when examining the float, you notice that a lot of water accumulates in it, this fact indicates a breakdown of the element. Repairing it will not be difficult. The best action here would be to carry out several simple sequential procedures:

Pull out the float;
Remove the water from it;
Dry the element thoroughly (you can use a hair dryer);
Reconnect the float with the fasteners.

It is important! The described measures are temporary, because after some time the water will fill it again. Therefore, it would be better to purchase a new float and replace the broken one.

The float should also be replaced with a new one if the old float valve is damaged.

Repair of a float valve, carried out by replacing an element, is carried out in compliance with an algorithm of certain actions that contribute not only to comfortable operation, but also to the achievement of positive results.

The water from the drain tank should be completely drained.
Use a wrench to open the shaped area of the structure that connects the water pipe to the float valve.
Carefully remove the float lever.
Remove the lever fixing elements (outer and inner nuts).
Pull out the float valve.
Replace by installing a new valve in the free space and securing it with nuts.
Connect the float lever to the valve.
Fill the tank with water.
Fix the float lever as it was done before, before removing the element.

Choosing a good float valve for replacement also involves taking into account the types of element. Of course, you don’t have to pay special attention to this point, because all valve mechanisms have a single operating principle. The float, fixed by a lever, moves up or down depending on the level of water in the tank. The movement of the lever, which opens or, conversely, closes the hole through which water is supplied to the tank, depends on it.

Advice! When choosing a float valve for your toilet, be sure to consider the level of water pressure supplied to the plumbing system.

If this element of the tank is oriented towards low water pressure, then with increasing pressure and high pressure, water will constantly flow through the valve from the water supply, even if the entire system is in full working order.

Note that plumbing components on the market are represented by three types of float valves. Each of them is intended for:

Water with strong pressure.
Water with medium pressure.
Water with minimal pressure.

This fact should be taken into account when replacing one or another model of valve for the float in the toilet tank. If there is uncertainty that the water pressure in the system will be at the same level, or, on the contrary, you are absolutely sure that water will always be supplied to the tank with different pressure, then in such cases, when choosing elements for subsequent replacement, preference should be given to stabilizing valve models.

Such designs are equipped with a piston, which is a hollow mechanism equipped with a stabilizing chamber. It carries water into the stabilizing chamber, which allows the water pressure on both sides of the piston to be balanced.

Damage to the siphon membrane (photo No. 9) is also the reason why the toilet is leaking. If a toilet cistern with a button is leaking due to a similar problem, you will need to purchase a new membrane and replace it. In this case, the dimensions and shapes of the new element used for replacement must correspond to the parameters of the old one.

Such repairs are carried out in the following sequence.

Water is completely removed from the cistern.
The float lever is fixed to the crossbar.
The crossbar is installed instead of the lid, which allows you to stop the flow of water.
The nut used to secure the pipe, which allows waste to be flushed away, to the tank is disconnected.
The siphon nut located at the base of the cistern is loosened.
The siphon is carefully disconnected from the lever that allows you to flush the water, and then it sticks out.
The membrane is being replaced.
The entire structure is assembled in the same order as disassembly.

When replacing the membrane, you need to take into account the size, shape and dimensions of this element. If, in case of replacement, the siphon membrane has different dimensions from the original, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to eliminate the leak from the tank.

In addition to the reasons discussed above, there are other factors that explain why the toilet is leaking. At first glance they may seem insignificant, but in reality they are not. If there is even the slightest risk of water leaks, then you need to stop flushing the toilet, and then check for yourself the serviceability and correctness of the fasteners, float tubes, nuts and other important parts.

Constant exposure to water causes deformation of all these elements. Cracks, growths, and rotted areas may appear on parts. In this case, either a full repair is carried out, based on replacing the damaged parts with your own hands, or cleaning them from dirt and build-up. The video will tell you in detail about the principles of repairing a toilet and cistern.

Does the toilet leak after flushing?

The question of what to do if water is constantly flowing in the toilet is relevant for many apartment owners. This can happen because the toilet cistern is leaking. If you start flushing the toilet and, after flushing with the button, you discover that water is flowing from under the tank, then first of all you should check the serviceability of the flush device located inside the tank, and if there are problems, carry out repairs.

A likely cause of a leaking toilet tank is a loose shut-off valve that requires repair. The drainage device is located in the central part of the tank, and to correct the leakage situation, you just need to lightly press the drainage valve. If after this the water no longer flows, then the main cause of the malfunction was precisely the loose fit of the shut-off valve. And in this case, the repair will only consist of replacing the gasket on this valve.

Another reason that the drain tank is leaking is the displacement of the height regulator with the drain button. When the regulator is shifted, the valve is installed above the hole into which residual waste products should be flushed with water. Because of this, a gap appears between the drain hole located at the bottom of the tank and the shut-off valve itself.

In this situation, it is not possible to wash off the water in a controlled manner; the water flows in a constant flow and this, in turn, leads to serious excesses in the amount of water consumed. Carrying out repairs in this case is as easy as shelling pears. You just need to set the height regulator with the button to the previous position.

The reason that the toilet tank is leaking may be a poorly tightened nut on the outside of the bottom. When the toilet starts to flush, water seeps through this nut. The repair in this case consists of tightening the nut, as well as checking all the fasteners with which the flush tank is connected to the toilet.

Advice! If a serious breakdown occurs, then it is better not to waste time at all on repairing the tank. It will be easier to replace the repair by purchasing and installing new fastening parts. If the faults are not too large, then it will be possible to carry out repairs using silicone sealant, by replacing old gaskets and correcting the position of bolts and nuts with a regular wrench.

Is the toilet bowl leaking?

Situations when the toilet leaks from below occur quite rarely, and are associated primarily with breakdowns in the toilet bowl. The occurrence of such a problem is caused by improper fixation of the structure on the wall or floor. You can avoid such situations and unplanned repairs if you initially install the toilet correctly (photo No. 10).

In this case, special attention should be paid to the joints and joints of individual toilet elements (water supply and sewerage hoses).

Other causes of leakage

The breakdowns and malfunctions in the operation of the drain tank listed above may not be the only ones. Sometimes it happens that the cause cannot be discovered. In this case, you should take into account several more reasons that may interfere with the normal functioning of the toilet cistern. Some apartment owners have to face a problem when they start to wash away waste with water, but the flush button (photo No. 11) has a problem and does not work.

Note that if a situation occurs with the button on the tank, it falls inside. Because of this, water from the tank constantly flows into the toilet through the overflow. The true cause of the breakdown can be discovered and repairs can begin only after the lid of the drain tank has been removed and the entire drain mechanism has been thoroughly checked.

There are situations when the drain rod jumps out of its usual place, and together with the pressure shutter valve. It should be installed back. In case of such a breakdown, you should also check whether everything is in order with the button. This element can become clogged and must be thoroughly cleaned periodically by first removing it.

The presence of strong water pressure in the water supply can create a precedent when the pressure of this very water is incommensurate in its power with the weak valve of the float mechanism. Due to this problem, a loud noise occurs at the moment when water fills the tank reservoir. Actually, because of this, water flows from the tank into the toilet, moving through the overflow. The peculiarity of the repair in this option will be either replacing the valve with a new and more advanced model (which will withstand strong water pressure), or replacing the conventional valve mechanism with a stabilizing one. As an option, you can consider the process of modernizing the cistern (photo No. 12).

This is done as follows:

The cistern lid is removed.
The diameter of the hole in the tube, which is the conductor for water into the tank from the water supply, is measured.
In accordance with the height of the drain tank, a plastic tube is selected, the diameter of the hole is similar to the conductor tube, with a length of 20-40 cm.
Both tubes are connected in such a way that the plastic one does not touch the bottom of the tank. If necessary, it is cut to the required size.

Such a device will perform the function of drainage for the water entering the tank, and if the water pressure is too high, it will simply suppress it, preventing it from exceeding the norm.

Water from the drain tank may drip due to the formation of condensation on the surface of the structure (photo No. 13).

In this case, you can carry out repairs yourself by eliminating the reasons that led to the formation of condensate drops. This is done like this:

The inlet and outlet fittings, which are components of the drainage mechanism, are being repaired. If the fittings are broken, then the water flows into the toilet, where it is heated to room temperature. At the same time, cold water constantly flows from the water supply.
Rinse off with less water than usual. If the toilet is used frequently, then this approach avoids the formation of condensation on the tank. If the drain mechanism is a device with a button, then it should be replaced with a more economical double design or a device with half flush.
The reason for the accumulation of condensate water on the tank may be an excessive level of humidity in the bathroom. To fix the problem, you need to get rid of all devices that affect the level of humidity in the room.

If a toilet or cistern is leaking in your apartment, then the situation can only be corrected by proper repairs, done with your own hands or with the help of an experienced craftsman. The advice of experienced experts will tell you about the order in which repairs should be carried out and how to eliminate a leak in the toilet cistern.

Disconnect the water supply.
Unscrew the plastic clip.
Dismantle the system through which water is supplied.
Remove the old drain mechanism and replace it with a new one. The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:

Remove the tank fasteners.
Dismantle the drain element itself.
A rubber seal remains at the place where the flush tank is attached to the toilet. It needs to be removed.
Next, the plastic clamp is unscrewed and the entire old drain is completely removed.

A rubber seal is put on the new drain mechanism, purchased at a plumbing store.
The entire structure is installed inside the tank and secured with a special plastic nut.
Next, a rubber seal is installed (photo No. 14).

New fasteners secure the tank in its place.
The water level in the tank is adjusted in height, and at the very end the flush button or lever is installed (photo No. 15).

Readers can see more details about the principles of repairing a toilet that is leaking in this video:

When the toilet tank is constantly leaking, you are guaranteed to experience nervous irritation:

at night you will hear water flowing;
when leaving home, worry whether the apartment and the neighbors below will flood;
the appearance of rust in the toilet;
condensation on the pipes, then mold in the toilet;
the counter readings increase.

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

A leaking tank is one of the most common toilet breakdowns.

What is the reason?

Like any problem, fixing a leaking toilet starts with identifying 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 draining it is not installed correctly;
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 arise after three years of operation: polymer materials become brittle and can break due to a sharp change in pressure in the pipes.

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

Shut off the water supply and watch for water leaks. If the water does not flow, and 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).
If water flows until the drain tank is completely empty, the cause of the breakdown lies in the drain valve. It can easily become clogged and simply break.

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

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’s better to flush the water several times while simultaneously pressing the drain button with a little force.

Most often, small but hard salt deposits are the cause of jamming of the mechanism. By doing this forced flushing of the tank, you may be able to get rid of the debris.

Problem options

As sad as it sounds, the drain tank can leak in different ways. Therefore, before disassembling the mechanism, you need to determine exactly how the water flows.

Water can leak from the tank for various reasons.

Failure of the cistern 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 simultaneously with the drain.

Of course, the plumber’s phone number 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 comes out through the overflow.

Why does the tank overflow 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 tightly enough: the element itself is not broken, it is just weakly pressed against the hole of the drain valve;
the pin that holds the float lever located in the valve body is rusted or lost;
the float lever has moved;
the valve could simply crack if it is plastic; If the device is made of brass, a similar reason is impossible.

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

Eliminating continuous leakage through an overflow:

Remove the top cover of the cistern.
Raise the float one centimeter: if the leak has stopped and you didn’t need much effort to do it, your search is over.
Turn the float lever a little so that it closes the water earlier.
If water continues to flow when you raise the float, you most likely need to pay attention to the valve. The design of the valve itself has a pin that secures the lever; make sure that it is intact and intact.
A damaged pin can be replaced with a piece of copper wire.
Also, there should be no holes in the place where the stud is attached. If it does exist, you will have to buy a new valve. Be sure to bring a sample of the old mechanism with you.
If water constantly flows despite the gasket being tightly pressed to the valve hole, the problem can only be solved by purchasing a new device.

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

If the plumbing is new, the cause of 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 level has been reached or not.

The cause of 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:

Make sure the water only flows up to the overflow level.
Turn off the water and flush the tank.
Dismantle the flexible line coming from the tank.
Remove the bolts that secure the shelf to the toilet. Inspect the fittings: if they are in good condition, it is enough to replace just a couple of bolts, or buy a new set of fittings.
Rusty bolts need to be cut off with a hacksaw.
Remove the shelf from the cuff, drain the remaining water and place the mechanism on a flat surface.
Reassemble the tank with new bolts, preferably brass. Repeat all steps in reverse order.
Experts recommend replacing the rubber gaskets in any case.

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

Leak between toilet bowl and cistern

Option No. 1: the problem can be solved easily: just tighten or simply correct the part.

Causes of the problem: a faulty cuff 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. Tighten the cuff with clamps carefully, not too tight, but not too loose.

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

Option No. 2: replacing rubber gaskets, tightening bolts and nuts.

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

Just tighten the fastenings. Metal bolts rust and become deformed over time, but this does not happen to brass bolts.

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

Option No. 3: replacing the drain tank.

Cause of the problem: Water leaking between the tank and the shelf may be a sign that the shelf is completely broken.

This kind of problem is very serious. It is better for you to consult a specialist, because a breakdown often requires a complete replacement of the toilet bowl or even the flush tank.

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

Toilet design for a better understanding of the problem

Leaking at the same time as draining

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

Option #1:

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

But this reason is far from the only one.

Option #2:

The next reason for the tank leaking may be a displaced drain button.
If the height adjuster has moved and the valve is higher than the drain hole, then a gap will form between the drain and the shut-off valve.
You just need to return the water height regulator to its original position.

The breakdown is quite simple and not at all costly.

Option #3:

A loose nut on the outside may result in water leakage.
You need to carefully and carefully tighten the nut and also check all the fasteners that secure the flush cistern to the toilet.

Minor damage can be repaired and sealed, but major damage must be completely replaced.

Any leak in plumbing or internal communications is a problem associated with financial losses, so it must be resolved immediately. If the toilet leaks after flushing or the sound of a babbling stream is periodically heard from the toilet, it’s time to check the condition of the tank. Do you agree?

We will tell you about the most common breakdowns that occur with plumbing equipment that is mandatory for furnished housing. Here you will learn how to deal with them on your own. Taking into account our advice, you can eliminate such situations and competently repair an important device for life.

The flush function involves the long-term or short-term flow of water into the toilet bowl in order to cleanse it of waste products. The process begins by pressing the button built into the tank and ends arbitrarily or by pressing it a second time.

Instead of a button, there may be a lever or a handle on a chain, like retro models, but such options are extremely rare.

By pressing a button we control. It is connected to a locking mechanism, which, upon completion of the drainage, opens the way for a new portion of water to enter from the cold water system. Thus, flushing occurs only at the request of the user.

If water flows into the toilet after flushing or, even worse, constantly flows in a thin stream, it’s time to check the tank’s fittings - one of the parts has failed.

There are two ways to solve the problem: on your own, by trying to understand the structure of the trigger mechanism, or with the help of qualified specialists - plumbers

But first you need to determine that there is indeed a leak.

Signs of improper drain operation include the following factors:

constant or periodically appearing characteristic sound of rushing water;
rusty and limestone stains at the water outlet;
a constantly wet inner wall of the toilet, close to the cistern, even if the toilet has not been used for a long time;
an unusually long and weak flushing process - a salvo discharge is considered the norm;
the appearance of condensate on the pipes and tank, which never existed.

The last symptom is associated with the constant movement of cold water through the pipe, whereas under normal conditions the water is used periodically and has time to warm up to room temperature before it is drained.

If you notice a rusty track or yellowish stains that are difficult to wash off in the water drainage area, you should not stop at just cleaning - you must definitely inspect the tank

Sometimes the cause of leaks lies in the dirt that has accumulated at the bottom of the water tank. In this case, it is enough to thoroughly clean the internal surfaces of the tank. To do this, drain and turn off the water, carefully remove the fittings and, using a brush and cleaning agents, remove the sediment accumulated on the bottom and walls.

If operational cleaning does not help, you will have to become familiar with the design of the drain mechanism.

We disassemble the tank device

There are several common reinforcement designs that can be called standard. Among them is an outdated type of drainage device with a rubber bulb, assembled according to the simplest scheme and suitable for tanks with side connections.

This is a rare phenomenon, uncharacteristic of modern models. Let us turn to the current type of fittings, consisting of two modules: drain and float.

The float on a thick metal wire was improved and turned into a more complex structure that shuts off the water supply not from the side, as before, but from below, although side models are occasionally found. The position of the float from them is adjustable, so you can dose a portion of the drained water.

Scheme of fittings. The drain is started by moving a button that is connected to the trigger. When water leaves the tank, the inlet valve opens until the required volume is reached.

Due to the similarity of the fitting models, it is easy to replace the entire structure or change individual parts: the drain float mechanism, the drain lever.

To understand how each element works individually, you can disassemble the model installed in the tank. Of course, before this you need to take safety precautions: shut off the flow of water to the riser or supply line and empty the tank.

All parts can be unscrewed manually or using a set of keys. There are almost no metal parts; instead, only plastic elements have long been used. They are quite durable, do not deform when interacting with hard water, do not rust, and are easy to clean with household chemicals.

In addition to the fixed parts, which are secured with bolts and rubber or plastic seals, there are parts that can be adjusted - the so-called sliders. They can be recognized by small divisions and notches

The sizes and colors of parts from different manufacturers may differ, but the operating principle is absolutely the same. Therefore, if the seal is worn out and a trickle of water constantly leaks from the tank into the toilet bowl, it is not difficult to find a replacement.

To be sure, you can measure the diameter of the ring or simply show the old gasket to the seller.

Common problems and their solutions

There are several reasons for a leak to appear. Drainage problems can be caused by failure of the drain column, dirt clogged in fittings, or wear of rubber seals. Let's look at common cases of leaks and choose the best ways to solve problems.

Water is constantly flowing

One of the obvious signs indicating the need for urgent repairs is a thin trickle of water. If filters are not installed at the outlet of the main line from the riser, over time the “bed” of the stream becomes covered with a sediment of rust and mineral deposits. If water is constantly flowing in the toilet, what should you do in such a situation?

The cause of the leak must first be identified. It is clear that the problem is not in the toilet bowl or installation errors - the roots of the problem must be looked for inside the tank. First, we look under the cover and try to determine the breakdown visually. If this does not work, we dismantle it in the following order.

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