Leaking toilet cistern: 3 ways to fix it yourself

Drips in the toilet cistern: what are the causes?

When it comes to   plumbing,   one of the most common problems we can encounter is the flushing mechanism. If a flow occurs every time you flush the toilet, these are the causes:

• The supply valve   or fill valve is loose;
• The bolts and nuts that connect the flush tank to the other parts of your toilet are also loose;
• Cracks in the   discharge tank   ;
• The discharge valve flap does not close properly.

Toilet cistern leak: how to recognize the problem?

With a leaky flush, gallons of water are wasted. However, it is easy to spot the water leak. If you see water constantly flowing from the toilet tank into the bowl, it is likely a water leak.   A dripping sound   inside the tank can also draw your attention if there is a water leak.

How can I check my bathroom?

To carry out your investigations and check for a water leak in your toilet is very simple:

• Flush the toilet and wait 30 minutes;
• Wipe the inside of the container with toilet paper;
• Place another piece of dry toilet paper around the edges of the bowl;
• Wait at least 3 hours   without using the bathroom   ;
• If after this time the paper is wet, you have a water leak.

How to fix a small leak in the toilet cistern depending on the cause?

To fix your leaky toilet, it all depends, of course, on the cause of the problem. Start by determining the   source of the leak.

If the fin is the cause of the leak

The flapper is the part of the toilet that lifts and releases   the tank valve   to allow water to flow into the bowl when you flush the toilet. If not positioned correctly, it can allow water to flow continuously. Pour a few drops of food coloring into your tank and wait a few minutes. If colored water flows into the bowl without you flushing, the flapper may be installed incorrectly. Here’s how to proceed in this scenario:

1. Close   the shut-off valve   to stop the water supply;
2. Empty the tank by rinsing it several times;
3. Remove the toilet tank lid and sponge away any water remaining at the bottom of the tank;
4. Check the quality of your valve. If the rubber is no longer soft and pliable, replace it. To do this, remove it from the flush handle chain  and   fit the new one by securing it to the latter;
5. Open the tap to refill the tank;
6. If after checking, your valve is correctly positioned and working as it should, this means the leak is coming from somewhere else.

If the gasket is the source of the leak

To check if your leak is coming from a faulty seal, the task is a little more complicated, because you have to completely separate the tank from the other components of the toilet. As this operation is quite complex, it is best to call a   professional plumber.   But if you want to do it yourself, ask for help to lift the tank and carefully follow the steps below:

1. Turn off the water supply tap;
2. Flush the toilet until there is no more water in the tank;
3. Unscrew the nuts holding the retaining bolts in place with an adjustable wrench. To make this easier, hold the top of the bolt with a screwdriver;
4. Unscrew the lock nut   that connects the tank to the water supply line;
5. Separate the tank from the toilet;
6. Observe the condition of the rubber gasket. If it is hard or cracked, it needs to be replaced. Remove it and put the new one in its place;
7. Replace the tank onto the bowl and replace the retaining bolts;
8. Tighten the nuts gently;
9. Turn on the tap and fill your tank.

If the water supply line is the cause of the leak

Water may also be leaking from outside the tank. Check the supply line that connects your toilet to the plumbing system. Water may be leaking from the fixtures or from a hole between them.

1. Avoid over-tightening the nuts as they can be easily damaged;
2. To prevent further damage, hand tighten first, then use the wrench to give an additional quarter turn;
3. If the leak is coming from a hole between the water supply pipe fittings, there is nothing you can do yourself! Contact a plumbing expert to make the repairs.