The Frustrating Conundrum of a Leaking Toilet: When Water Flows Down the Wrong Way
Are you tired of finding water pooling at the base of your toilet bowl, only to realize that it’s not flushing properly? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that your toilet tank is not filling up with water, leaving you wondering if your toilet is on its last legs? If you’re experiencing these issues, you’re not alone. A common problem that can be both annoying and frustrating, a toilet that’s running water down the back of the basin and not filling up with water is a issue that requires attention.
What Causes This Problem?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what might be causing this issue. In most cases, a toilet that’s running water down the back of the basin and not filling up with water is due to one of the following reasons:
- Faulty Flapper: The flapper is the rubber valve that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank. When it’s not sealing properly, water flows down into the bowl instead of filling up the tank.
- Clogged Overflow Tube: The overflow tube is responsible for filling the tank with water. If it’s clogged with debris or mineral buildup, water can’t flow back into the tank, leading to a perpetual flow of water down the back of the basin.
- Improperly Adjusted Float: The float is the plastic or metal arm that rises and falls with the water level in the tank. If it’s not adjusted correctly, the fill valve might not be able to refill the tank, causing water to continue flowing down the back of the basin.
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in the tank and pipes, leading to clogs and restricted water flow.
How to Fix the Issue
Don’t worry, fixing a toilet that’s running water down the back of the basin and not filling up with water is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the issue:
- Check the Flapper: Inspect the flapper for any signs of damage or mineral buildup. Clean or replace it if necessary.
- Clean the Overflow Tube: Remove any debris or mineral buildup from the overflow tube. Use a pipe cleaner or a long brush to gently scrub the tube.
- Adjust the Float: Check the float for proper adjustment. If it’s not, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check for Mineral Buildup: Inspect the tank and pipes for mineral buildup. Use a descaling solution or vinegar to clean out any stubborn deposits.
Preventing Future Issues
To prevent this problem from occurring again, consider the following tips:
- Regularly Clean the Toilet: Clean your toilet regularly to prevent mineral buildup and debris accumulation.
- Check and Replace the Flapper: Replace the flapper every 5-7 years or as needed.
- Descale Your Toilet: Use a descaling solution or vinegar to clean out mineral buildup every 6-12 months.
In conclusion, a toilet that’s running water down the back of the basin and not filling up with water is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. By understanding the potential causes and following the simple steps outlined above, you can resolve the issue and get your toilet functioning properly once again. Remember to regularly clean and maintain your toilet to prevent future problems and ensure optimal performance.
This is my toilet in student accommodation, so it’s a little faulty at times. Previously I have been able to fix it by giving the chain more slack and flushing it from inside the tank, rather than the button but now nothing is working.
The white part underneath where the button would be is not moving, and the little lever attached to the grey chain isn’t pulling up properly.
I have submitted a request to maintenance but until then does anyone have any suggestions?
What’s funny is I have this exact same mechanism and have been having problems with it. If you fancy replacing it yourself and live in the UK you can buy replacements from screwfix. The manufacturer is siamp.
I also forgot to add that I can’t flush the toilet at all currently.
You shouldn’t try to fix things that are covered by maintenance. It gives them the ability to blame you for any issues they discover even if you didn’t cause it.
I’m not that clear what the specific issue is for you but my flat has idential looking toilets and about every 2 years or so, the diaphragm in them will split and needs replacing. For me the symptoms are normally a slow leak into the cistern continually and a very slow fill. If that’s the case here you can get them on ebay or screwfix etc for about a fiver. Not sure if you are seeing a different issue or if lack of movement you mention is simply because the toilet is no longer filling. You could also try manually filling the cistern with water and see if it flushes, if it still doesn’t flush then it’s probably NOT the diaphragm.
Turn the water off, in your picture you have a horizontal circle top right, just to the left you have a vertical circular part that’s textured to help you grip it, you should be able to unscrew that by hand (or use some grips) and the diaphragm will pop out, inspect it to see if there is any damage to it (i.e. pull / poke it and see if there is a split or any damage) if so replace it and reassemble. It looks like the one below, I’m reasonably sure it’s the exact right part but ideally measure it and/or take it with you to make sure it’s the right size.
[https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-hayes-siamp-diaphragm-washer-29mm/5006J](https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-hayes-siamp-diaphragm-washer-29mm/5006J)