Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet can waste a large amount of water. The fault is usually a worn outlet seal, a faulty inlet valve or a flush button that is not returning.
Safety classification
Safe inspection only
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Listen and look
Note whether water trickles into the bowl constantly, or the cistern refills every so often by itself.
- 2
Do a dye test
Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and do not flush. If colour appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, the outlet seal is leaking.
- 3
Check the flush button
Make sure the button or lever is returning fully and is not sticking.
- 4
Close the isolation valve if needed
If water is running constantly, turn the small tap at the wall clockwise to stop it, and flush with a bucket until fixed.
- 5
Book the repair
Share the cistern brand if visible and whether it is concealed in the wall. Concealed cisterns need access through the button panel.
When to stop
- Water is leaking onto the floor
- The isolation valve will not turn or leaks
- The cistern or pan is cracked
- The cistern is concealed in the wall
Plumbing
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
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