Fix a toilet that keeps running or will not flush

A toilet that trickles into the bowl or refills constantly wastes water and can raise your bill if you have a water meter. Most faults come down to the fill valve, the float setting or a worn seal on the flush valve. This guide helps you diagnose the fault and replace the part.

Step by step

1. Diagnose the fault

   Lift the cistern lid and watch a full flush and refill. If water overflows into the overflow pipe, the fill valve is not shutting off. If water trickles into the bowl constantly, the flush valve seal is usually worn. If the flush is weak, check the chain, cable or button mechanism.