Toilet or storage cistern overflowing

Should you find that water is dripping or pouring from an overflow pipe outside your building, a cistern is probably overflowing due to the float operated valve (ball valve) failing to close off the water supply. A Lee Plumber can fix faulty valves. There are several possible causes of the valve malfunction, including:

A faulty washer, this is the most likely cause, the washer simply wears out and perishes over time. Lime scale, causing the components to rub tightly together, preventing it from the moving freely and closing. The float itself they have developed a leak and have filled with water, making it ineffective, but this is quite rare, if this is the case simply replace the float. A Grove Park Plumber can carry out this type of work.

Replacing the valve is quite a simple process and is completed as follows:

1). Turn off the water supply.

2). If you have a storage cistern, lower the water level by flushing the WC or opening a tap.

3). Remove the old valve. Usually it is possible to undo the large union nut inside the cistern which allows the valve to come away for servicing and inspection purposes. The bit that is left is that which holds the valve in the cistern and onto which the water supply connection is made. You can now simply undo this nut on the new valve. If there is no internal union nut there will be need to replace the entire valve.

4). Install the replacement valve. Which is quite straightforward.

5). Adjust the water level as required. This is generally indicated by a mark inside the WC cistern saying ‘water level’, or in the case of the storage cistern is generally 25mm below the point were it would ultimately overflow.
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