Toilet cistern is leaking? Repair floats - that's how it works!

• Float - the way it works
• Opening the toilet cistern
  • • Recessed version
• Repair of the float
• Cleaning the float
  • Citric acid and vinegar essence
  • dish soap
  • Alternative cleaning agents
• Toilet box is still leaking "> Replacement of the cistern

The toilet cistern seems to be leaking, because the water does not stop running? In this case, the float can be the problem. If there is a defect, the water inlet is disturbed and can no longer be controlled correctly. After pressing the button, the water will continue to run for some time and may no longer stop. Read our guide to find the best way to tackle this issue and repair or replace the problem.

If the toilet cistern leaking, then it comes to an increased water consumption. According to experience, around 10 to 100 liters of water per day go unused into the drain and thus ensure a significant increase in the water bill. In the worst case, the flow of water can not stop, so you have to lock the inflow. As a result, the toilet is practically unusable. However, in many cases you can repair the flushing in a few simple steps and thus eliminate the cause of the high water consumption. Learn how to most effectively repair the toilet flush.

Float - the way it works

The float controls the water inlet of the toilet flush. If he floats, then he is too water inlet. If, on the other hand, he is swimming deeply, then the water intake is open. In modern toilets, the float is usually installed in a filling valve.

Tip: When buying a new float or filling valve, look for the brand of the toilet to find the right replacement parts.

What defects can occur at the toilet flush ">

If the flush is defective, it is often dysfunctions on the float. In this case, the mechanism may be damaged, which is no longer sufficient regulation of water influence is more and the toilet is leaking. If the float gets stuck, the water runs continuously, so the defects are quickly noticed. Repair or replacement will quickly restore functionality.

Opening the toilet cistern

The biggest difference lies in the design of the boxes. It may be a freestanding model. This is easily accessible and opened with a handle. On the other hand there are flush-mounted variants, which, however, can also be opened. For this you need the instructions described by us in this text and a screwdriver.

Recessed version

To begin the repair, you must first open the toilet cistern. In some cases, in a flush-mounted installation, you may even need to remove the cistern completely to access the flush. Pay attention to the particular features of each model, which are often described in the operating instructions. The following is a general guide to opening a concealed cistern:

1. Remove the veneer of the cistern. Depending on the model, you either have to push the cover down or fold it down.
2. The float is often located on a deep wall. Therefore, you must first dismantle the individual parts in front of it in order to gain free access.

Repair of the float

Once you have access to the float valve, check that the mechanics are still working. The component does not always have to have an actual defect. It is also possible that limescale deposits or dirt impede proper operation.

Tip: You can clean a dirty float either in the dishwasher or by hand.

If the mechanism of the toilet float is defective, then an exchange must take place. However, it is often difficult to obtain spare parts for certain models. In these cases, you must replace the entire flushing mechanism. In the hardware store you will find appropriate components that must be selected to fit the particular toilet model.

Cleaning the float

If limescale or dirt have settled on the components, then you must carry out a cleaning. Lime, for example, is caused by hard water and can lead to solid and stubborn deposits. In addition to polluting chemical agents, numerous home remedies are available in this area:

• vinegar
• citric acid
• Eco-detergent

Alternatively, a cleaning in the dishwasher is possible, but must be paid to the selection of the right program and a secure placement of the component inside.

Tip: Pay attention to the special features of the respective substance. Essigessenz and citric acid are corrosive and therefore must not come into contact with the skin or the eyes. However, both acids are particularly effective against limescale and are among the preferred descaling agents. If, on the other hand, it is a heavy soiling that has led to impairment of the functioning of the float, detergent is also suitable for cleaning.

Citric acid and vinegar essence

1. Fill a bowl with a sufficient amount of the chosen detergent.
2. Place the float in the vinegar essence or citric acid.

Tip: Use suitable pliers to avoid contact. Also, be careful not to spatter.

3. Let the component soak overnight. The lime is dissolved, so that the next morning the toilet float can be rinsed and replaced.

dish soap

Clean the component in a bucket with detergent and a brush. Be sure to then remove all soap residue completely. If the dirt has been completely removed, you can reassemble the flush and the function should be restored.

Alternative cleaning agents

If the measures described above are not effective, you must either resort to chemical aids or replace the float. You can use the following products for cleaning, among others:

• Tablets for denture cleaning
• Spülmaschinentapps
• chemical liquid detergents

Note, however, that contained fragrances and surfactants are highly harmful to the environment. They enter the water cycle and can not or only with difficulty be degraded in the sewage treatment plants. If spare parts are already available at low prices in the hardware store, then a new purchase is preferable. It is also important to pay attention to adequate safeguards.

Toilet box is still leaking ">

Material:

• cistern
• Hemp fibers from the hardware store (used to seal pipe connections with threads)
• Lime and urinary stone solvents, for example vinegar essence
• Wall installation cistern: soundproofing panels
• if necessary rust remover

Tools:

• Wrench and screwdriver
• Wasserpumpenzange
• ratcheting box
• To cut the pipes a saw with a fine toothing
• Lubricant for joining the pipes together
• Spirit level and tape measure
• drilling machine
• soft wire brush
• Protective clothing such as gloves

Replacement of the cistern

1. step

If the threaded rods are corroded, spray them with rust remover the day before you start working. So you can work optimally the next day. Especially due to the moisture in the bathroom, there is often a strong corrosion.

Tip: Put enough rust remover on the bars for the effect to be effective. Please observe the respective protection instructions for the purchased funds as well as the correct procedure. Make sure you have adequate ventilation.

2. step

Turn off the water to prevent flooding. It is best to use the main tap for the bathroom. After turning, make sure that no more water flows by pressing the rinse once.

Tip: Even after the pipe has been turned, there is still some residual water in the pipe, which now flows off.

3. step

Then loosen the water inlet connection, which is located in front of the cistern. Often the inflow pipe, which leads from the cistern to the toilet, is tightened with a rosette. You can now unscrew these.

4. step

If the cistern is attached, lift it in this step and remove it upwards. On the other hand, if the cistern is hanging on the wall, you will need a second person. This holds the box and you loosen all fixing screws.

5. step

Now clean the toilet ceramics and the water connections for the Spülkastenzulauf. If it is metal thread, use a small wire brush. The ceramic is very easy to clean with vinegar essence.

6. step

The Spülkastenmechanik can be designed in various ways. If it is a box that is placed on the toilet, then it may be necessary to screw it from the bottom of the cistern drain again. As a rule, installation instructions should be available, which provide further information on the respective procedure.

Tip: See the instructions before you start, so you can have any special tools you need.

7. Step:

Often plastic threaded rods are used as connecting material. Between the cistern and the toilet ceramic is usually a rubber washer to use.

Tip: For hanging cisterns, install a soundproofing panel between the box and the wall.

8. Step:

Grease the inlet with the lubricant. Wrap the external thread, which is located between the angle valve and the cistern, with the hemp fibers. Now put the box on.

Tip: Do not tighten the screws for the cistern yet, as the box should still be moved.

9. Step: Tighten the rosette at the ceramic inlet in this step.
10. Step: Now it is necessary to connect the water inlet.