Stop Toilet Leaks: How Flush and Fill Valves Keep Your Toilet Working

A leaking toilet can waste more water than a dripping tap — often without you noticing. Even a small leak inside the cistern can send hundreds of litres down the drain every day, pushing your water bills up and causing damage over time.

Understanding the parts inside your toilet and why leaks happen helps you spot problems early and fix them fast.

How Your Toilet Works: A Quick Breakdown

A typical toilet has two main parts:

• The Bowl: The visible part you use, where waste collects before flushing.

• The Cistern: The tank behind or above the bowl that holds water for flushing.

Inside the cistern, two key components control the water flow:

1. Fill Valve (Ballcock): This controls water entering the cistern from the mains supply. When you flush, the water level drops, triggering the fill valve to open and refill the tank until it reaches the correct level.

2. Flush Valve (Flapper or Seal): This lets water flow from the cistern into the bowl when you press the flush handle. Once the tank empties, the valve closes to allow the cistern to refill.

   
   

Common Causes of Toilet Leaks

Leaks often happen when flush or fill valves fail to seal properly or wear out:

• Flush Valve leaks: If the flapper or seal becomes warped, cracked, or dirty, water can leak continuously from the cistern into the bowl. You might hear water running constantly or notice the cistern refilling often.

• Fill Valve leaks: A faulty fill valve can cause water to flow unnecessarily or overflow the cistern. Sometimes, the valve sticks or doesn’t shut off properly.

• Other leaks: Loos

  e or damaged pipes, worn washers, or cracks in the cistern or bowl can also cause leaks around or under the toilet.

  
  

Why Fixing Toilet Leaks Matters

A leaking toilet wastes water — sometimes over 200 litres a day. That’s expensive and bad for the environment.

Leaks can also cause water damage to your bathroom floor or cabinets and may encourage mould growth.

Fixing leaks promptly keeps your bills down, protects your home, and reduces water waste.

How to Spot a Toilet Leak

• Listen for constant running water or unusual noises after flushing.

• Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern water. Wait 15-20 minutes without flushing. If coloured water appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

• Check for wet spots or water pooling around the base of the toilet.

  
  

How to Fix Common Toilet Leaks

If you feel comfortable, here’s a basic approach:

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet (usually a valve near the wall).

• Remove the cistern lid and inspect the flush valve

  . Replace it if it looks worn or damaged.

• Check the fill valve for debris or damage. Sometimes cleaning or adjusting the float can fix leaks.

• If parts look old or faulty, replace the fill valve or flush valve with compatible new ones.

• Turn water back on and test for leaks.

If you’re unsure or the leak persists, call a qualified plumber. HeatOn technicians can quickly diagnose and fix leaks, saving water and stress.

Keep Your Toilet Leak-Free

Regularly check your toilet for signs of leaks. A quick fix today can prevent expensive repairs tomorrow.

📞 Need help with a leaking toilet or a full replacement? Contact HeatOn. We’ll keep your bathroom running smoothly.