Materials you’ll need:

· Replacement ball float
· Replacement washers
· Steel wool or wet and dry paper
· Length of rubber tubing.

Tools you’ll need:
· Pliers
· Knife

Once you know how your toilet tank works, you can more easily understand what can go wrong and why. Below we have described the most common method of how a cistern works, which is known as the “wash down- system.

There are many different styles under this system, and there are various other systems such as the “syphonic system”. However, most cisterns have a similarity about them, so our description will give you a good start in understanding how to go about any repairs that may be necessary. Here’s what happens each time you push the flush-button (or otherwise start the toilet flushing). When the button is pressed, the outlet valve is opened and the water inside the cistern flushes the pan. The outlet valve is held open by a rubber suction cap. As the water drops, it causes two things to happen. Firstly the ball float begins to drop which in turn causes the float arm to open the inlet or ballcock valve allowing water to start flowing into the cistern. The second thing to happen is that when the water level drops to near empty, it breaks the seal on the suction cap, causing the outlet valve to close. The cistern then begins to fill, raising the ball float, which causes the float arm to finally shut off the inlet valve when the water reaches the correct level.

Overflowing toilet.
Older toilets are more prone to this problem. The cistern does not stop filling, as it should because the float arm does not properly close the valve in the water inlet pipe. The cause may be a leak in the float that allows water to get inside and either sinks it, or preventing it rising as high as it should. If the float ball is leaking you can buy and fit a new one inexpensively. First turn off the water supply to the toilet. To release the float arm you will have to use pliers to remove a split pin or screw and nut at its end. If the float is not at fault, try bending the float arm slightly so the float is turning downwards, closing the valve without having to rise so high. Another problem may be that the valve seat can become corroded on its lip. This can prevent the tank ball from sealing the opening properly. Remove any such residue using a knife, steel wool or wet and dry paper.

Water runs continuously.
If water keeps running into the toilet pan, cheek the outlet valve-lifting washer. This may be a small rubber ball or one or more washers. After a time, the thin rubber washers perish and weaken, allowing water to flow into the pan. To replace this washer, remove the suspension rod, usually by removing a split pin with pliers, and try to remove the nut holding the washer Do not use force If the nut is not easily removed, take the complete part to your hardware supplier for assistance.

Prevention.
A way to prevent future problems with a toilet system is to ensure that tank parts stay free of corrosion. Corrosive minerals are present in the water in many areas and can build up in the tank. If you do have problems with the toilet, always clean the lower surface of the lifting washer first as this is a common source of trouble. It this is insufficient by itself, the other remedies suggested can then be tried. You have little to lose by trying the simplest remedy first.

Noisy cistern.
If the cistern makes a lot of noise when filling, fit a piece of rubber tubing or hose to the inlet so it drops down and just

clears the bottom of the tank. This directs the incoming water under the surface of water already in the tank and quieting the operation.