What to Do If Your Toilet Never Stops Flushing
Posted on: 21 July 2017
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Isn't it always the case that problems come along when you not only least expect them, but when you haven't got time to deal with them either? If you're running behind and need to get to an appointment, an emerging issue with your plumbing is the last thing you want to deal with. However, you cannot simply leave it, as all kinds of mayhem could materialise when you're not there. While you look up the details for an emergency plumber, how can you try and isolate the problem?
Never Ending Water
One of the most common issues is a toilet that simply keeps going after you have flushed it. All you want is for the water to subside, so that you get on with your pressing engagement.
To begin with, turn off the flow of water while you work. Usually, a tap is located behind or beside the toilet, allowing you to isolate the water to only that system. If you cannot locate one of these taps, you might have to go to your mains water supply stopcock outside.
Trying to Isolate the Problem
After you've done this, take the lid off the top of the toilet, but be careful because some of these (especially older ones) are rather heavy. Take a look at the float device and the inlet valve, as these are typically where the problem will originate.
If water is being allowed to flow interrupted, it may mean that the float (which is the lightweight piece of plastic) is not sealing off the flow properly as the water rises up. If everything else appears to be okay and you want to test the efficiency of the float, you'll need to turn on the water again and flush the toilet. As the water trickles in, lift the float up and down manually. If it doesn't shut off when you bring the float all the way up to the top position, then you need to adjust the position when it's "at rest."
You can do this by loosening the nut towards the top end of the threaded bar, until you find the right position. However, if the float is simply failing to shut off the water no matter how far you adjust the level, then the entire device will have to be replaced.
Getting the Expert in
Bring in a plumber to help you sort out the problem if a simple fix doesn't work, or if it appears to be more complicated than you thought.