If you notice that water is constantly leaking from the tank into the toilet, you need to immediately find a solution to this problem, since the noise will interfere with sleep at night, and rust will soon form on the toilet itself. In addition, the water meter readings will also not be particularly encouraging.

Let's try to figure out the reasons why water flows, because further actions depend on this. Next, we’ll look at several possible options for how to fix a toilet leak with your own hands.

Definition of failure

Experts do not risk saying for sure that the toilet is leaking for one reason and the solution to the problem is also the same. Each reason may have its own characteristics depending on the design. However, the “classical” design is still most widespread, so it is better to consider defining the current problem using it.

The first place without a doubt can be assigned to the overflow of the toilet, which is due to the fact that excess water leaves through the overflow. The problem in this case is this:

  1. Over time, the rubber gasket can become deformed, that is, the rubber loses its former elasticity, resulting in a loose seal and the toilet tank leaking.
  2. Poorly pressed gasket to the outlet of the drain valve also does not hold water. It is not necessary that the gasket has become deformed or lost its elasticity - it is simply not pressed against the toilet part enough - that is why water is leaking.
  3. The pin that holds the float in the valve body may rust or wear away.
  4. The tank often leaks due to a crack in the body.

If the toilet tank does not leak, but the problem still occurs, perhaps the problem is in the bolts that secure the tank and the toilet itself. During the operation of the structure, quite often the bolts rust and the plastic ones burst, which is why water leaks.

In third place in terms of prevalence is the reason associated with the rubber bulb. The problem is that over time, this toilet part may lose its elasticity, becoming more rigid. As a result, the bulb cannot take the necessary shape to retain water after flushing.



Another problem may lie in a malfunction of the drain tank itself due to the displacement of the float lever or its skew. The reasons for these factors are as follows:

  • a hole has formed through which water flows into the float;
  • after using the toilet for a long time, the lever itself may move;
  • Low-quality parts were used during repairs.

The reasons why water is constantly flowing in the toilet can be eliminated if you put some effort into it.

Fixing Toilet Overflow and Bolt Problems

The most common problem that causes water to flow in the toilet is an overflow of the tank. So let's start with a simple experiment.

Remove the cover. After this, you should slightly raise the float. If this helps and the tank does not overfill, then the search for the problem is completed at this stage. It is enough to pull the float lever a little so that the water stops flowing earlier.


Another option is that water continues to leak. The problem may be in the valve, so it should be carefully inspected. Initially, take your time with the pin that secures the float lever in the valve - it should be in place and intact. Otherwise, you will have to replace it with a piece of thick copper wire. At this stage, you need to inspect the hole in which it is attached, because if its size increases, the entire valve will have to be replaced.

And the last possible option, when after the above inspections and even actions, water still flows in the toilet, is a worn valve gasket. It will not be possible to purchase it separately, so the question regarding whether a cracked valve or gasket is to blame loses its practical value.

What should you do if the water in the tank is less than the overflow level, but the toilet itself is leaking? Quite often, this description is related to the problem of the unusable bolt that holds the shelf and toilet together. This is usually characteristic of older models of structures, where manufacturers still used steel bolts. Of course, over time, bolts deteriorate when exposed to water, so they should be replaced periodically.

The process itself implies the following:

  1. Shutting off the water supply.
  2. Removing the cover.
  3. Emptying the tank.
  4. Disconnecting the flexible hose.
  5. Unscrewing the bolts.
  6. We tilt the tank to remove the shelf from the cuff.
  7. Remove excess liquid and place the tank on a flat surface.

Upon completion of the repair, the structure must be reassembled. It is important to not tighten the new bolts too tightly, since the material of the toilet bowl is quite fragile.

Replacing or repairing a bulb or float

If the toilet is leaking due to the loss of elasticity of the rubber bulb, which controls the water supply with a button, you should either replace it or try to repair it. To do this, you will first need to unscrew this part (counterclockwise, but when viewed from above, the position changes to the opposite) and disconnect it from the rod. When purchasing a new part, you should choose the softest one, otherwise this problem will arise again, and quite soon.

If it is not possible to buy a new rubber bulb, it can be temporarily repaired. To do this, simply attach a small weight to the rod, which will pull the bulb to the saddle, so that after flushing the water will not drain. Any weighty nut or washer will do as a load.


When water constantly drains due to a malfunction of the float in the tank, it can also be replaced with a new one. If a small hole is found in the float that is leaking liquid, an alternative, more economical option is to seal the hole with polyethylene or fused plastic. It is worth considering that such repair work will not eliminate the breakdown itself, but will only postpone its solution for a while. Therefore, it is better to do everything right right away.

Plumbing breakdowns happen in every apartment; such a malfunction must be eliminated quickly, because there is a risk of flooding the neighbors below. Fortunately, the design of the toilet is so simple that you can deal with the problem yourself without calling an emergency team. How to fix a toilet with your own hands? Let's look at the causes of the most common breakdowns and steps to eliminate them.

Toilet device

In order to correctly find the malfunction and carry out repairs, you need to study the structure and operating diagram of the toilet, determine the parts and components that are replaced.

Toilet elements:

  • the bowl is fixed to the floor or wall, a seat and a lid are attached to the top, which closes mechanically or using a microlift;
  • water from the bowl goes into the outlet pipe, which is connected to the sewer with a special cuff;
  • The tank is filled with water to rinse the bowl and can be mounted either on a stand on top of the bowl (compact) or hidden in the wall.

The fittings installed in the cistern can be located in two places:

  • flexible hose connects from the side;
  • water supply is carried out from below.

The tank fittings consist of the following parts:

  • trigger mechanism, activated by one or two drain buttons, which release 3 or 6 liters of flowing water and allow you to regulate the flow rate;
  • the inlet valve through which the tank is filled, the float is connected to the shut-off valve, it shuts off the water when it reaches the upper level;
  • rubber seals that ensure complete tightness of the system.

The cistern consists of several elements

The toilet is bolted to the floor or wall and installed on a special frame built into the wall. In this case, water enters the bowl from the tank through a connecting pipe. The drain tank is hidden in the wall, and for free access, if necessary, a false panel or door is made, disguised as a general finish. Only buttons or levers for draining are visible from the outside.

Do-it-yourself toilet repair: a practical guide

It is better not to delay troubleshooting the bowl and drain mechanism, and before work you need to turn off the water by turning the inlet valve, prepare the necessary materials and tools:

  • open-end wrenches;
  • screwdriver;
  • fumlenta;
  • silicone sealant;
  • pliers or pliers.

The most common toilet breakdowns:

  • water leakage, noise, constant drainage;
  • water does not fill into the tank;
  • shut-off valves do not work;
  • microlift breakdown;
  • drain buttons do not work;
  • The buttons are pressed, but the flush does not occur.

These problems can be easily fixed by replacing components that are broken; it is important to make a correct diagnosis.

Problems with the tank

The tank lid is made of ceramics or sanitary ware; it is fragile and heavy. For a preliminary inspection, you need to carefully remove the cover to identify faulty parts. If water constantly fills the tank, then the worn inlet valve needs to be replaced. If water slowly flows into the bowl all the time, the reason is a malfunction of the drain fittings, which operate spontaneously.

If no water is drawn in at all, the inlet hose or connecting pipe may be clogged. The cause of leaks lies in the wear of the sealing gaskets and a violation of the tightness.

Adjusting the water volume

The water level in the tank, upon reaching which the shut-off valve is activated, is determined and regulated using a special float sensor, which can be set and adjusted as desired. In Soviet times, the float was held on a thick wire, which could simply be bent so that less water would accumulate.

You can regulate the volume of water in the tank using a float sensor

In modern models, the float is adjusted with a screw or moves down along guides.

You can adjust the water volume by sliding the special limiter up or down

If the toilet was purchased recently, then most likely the water is supplied from below; in such models, the inlet membrane valve is located inside a special tube in the tank. You can adjust the volume of water by moving the overflow tube, which is located in the middle of the mechanism. To do this, first raise it to the very top and, after waiting until the tank is full, set it to a height of approximately 0.5 cm above the water level.

In modern toilets, it is enough to move the overflow tube to increase or decrease the volume of water in the tank

Water does not fill into the tank

Fixing this problem will take less than an hour, first fill a bucket with water from the tap and pour it into the bowl.

Here's how it works:


Constant water flow

The opposite problem, when water constantly flows into the tank, requires replacing the drain valve if it is leaking. Perhaps the float has become misaligned; here you just need to return the float to its working position. You can buy a new valve at a plumbing store; it costs around 300 rubles. Sequence of actions when replacing the drain valve:


If the pressure in the water supply is very strong, then even with working parts there will be a slight leak.

Noise when filling the tank

The problem of increased noise levels or extraneous sounds, for example, squeaking, whistling or splashing, gurgling, is caused by a possible disconnection of the internal water supply tube; to solve this breakdown, you need to reconnect the tube to the fitting. The cause may also be a clogged filter, especially if the whistle is accompanied by a slow intake of water into the tank. How to clean the filter:


Elimination of internal and external leaks

This problem is the most dangerous; at best, it threatens with huge costs for utilities, and at worst, flooding of neighbors and your apartment. If water flows onto the floor, you need to act quickly. The most vulnerable places are connections in which the tightness is broken.

In compacts, the tank is installed on top of the bowl, with a rubber gasket between them. Over time, the gasket deteriorates and a leak occurs; the cause may also be poor-quality installation of the structure initially.

Replacing the gasket:


A leak can also occur at the junction of the outlet cuff with the sewer pipe; the reason is improper installation of the toilet, a movable fastener that destroys the sealing layer, or wear of the sealing element. In this case, you need to make a high-quality fastening of the toilet to the floor and replace the gasket. Additionally, coat the connection with silicone sealant.

If a leak occurs, check all connections

If water flows over the top of the tank, then the problem is a slightly open shut-off valve. It can be solved by adjusting the float or replacing the locking mechanism.

Troubleshooting button problems

The buttons are attached with special rods to the locking mechanism lever; when pressed, the drain valve rises and the drain hole opens, allowing water to drain. If a malfunction occurs in the operation of the buttons, they either fail when pressed or get stuck and do not release water. It will be quite difficult to find spare parts individually, so the best solution would be to replace the entire push-button mechanism.


Microlift repair (replacement)

The microlift smoothly lowers the toilet seat and lid, without unnecessary noise and the risk of chips and cracks. The microlift operates on the principle of a door closer; the device can be extremely simple, or with presence sensors and remote control. The hinge mechanism with a spring and rod can be disassembled, but the piston mechanism with cylinders cannot be disassembled. Breakage can be caused by incorrect use or wear and tear from prolonged use; most often, the microlift breaks when the lid is abruptly slammed “out of habit,” in which case the lid either falls or closes jerkily.

The toilet lid comes with special fastenings

In case of serious damage, it is better to change the entire cover with the seat and the elevator:


The simplest failure that you can fix with your own hands is a prolonged creaking sound when the cover moves, which means that you need to apply lubricant to the moving elements of the mechanism.

If the mounting bolts are broken, they must be replaced:


You can tighten loose supports as follows:

  1. Remove the decorative caps on the mounting legs.
  2. Open the lid and seat and carefully lift it up and remove it from the fastenings.
  3. Move the fasteners to the desired position and tighten the nuts or screws, there is no need to touch the closer mechanism, then install the cover in place.

Replacing shut-off valves

Operating procedure:


The design of the toilet is simple, most faults can be eliminated yourself, and spare parts are inexpensive. Exclusive models use non-separable mechanisms; it is better to entrust the repair of such toilets with additional options to specialists.

If the toilet tank starts to leak, it always causes a lot of inconvenience. In addition to the fact that the sound of constantly flowing water is annoying, and stains form on the toilet itself, bills for used water also increase. It is not difficult to figure out why a toilet tank is leaking, and in most cases, anyone, even a completely inexperienced craftsman, can fix it with his own hands: the only exceptions are those plumbing products that have additional functions controlled electronically.

  • Construction of standard tanks
  • Types of tank malfunctions
    • Useful tips

Construction of standard tanks

Any toilet is a product consisting of an interconnected seat and a tank with a built-in mechanism for draining water. It has been noticed that the drain mechanism fails more often than all other parts. To determine what is disrupting the operation of the device and correctly eliminate it, you need to understand the basic design of the water drainage system.

Tank drain device

A typical drainage device is equipped with two mechanical units: one of them accumulates water, and the other drains it. The first of them ensures the retention of water in the tank, the amount of which should subsequently be sufficient for draining. This device is a system of a float and a closing valve. If the tank is empty, the float falls down and moves the system of levers so that they open the valve, and when it begins to fill with water, the float rises and the levers move so that the valve is closed. The device closes completely when the float reaches the highest point.

The second part of the system is responsible for ensuring that at the right moment all accumulated water is drained into the designated place. In different models of plumbing devices you can see a variety of drainage systems, but the principle of operation is almost the same for all. There is a drain hole in the tank, which is closed with a sealed siphon. The siphon in many models resembles the shape of a regular plunger, but does not have a handle, and in the newest devices it is designed in the form of a button, which is considered more aesthetic. This part is connected to the trigger device using a reinforcement lever system.

Many people don’t know what to do if the toilet tank is leaking and the first thing they do is think of calling a plumber so that the problem can be solved as quickly as possible. However, you shouldn’t be too quick to call the service department, since this task is accessible to any home craftsman who knows how to properly use a wrench, and problems that arise in the drain device are in most cases not too serious and can be fixed with your own hands.

However, you should not delay too much with the repair of the drainage device, since this directly affects the final amount of payment for water use (if the apartment has a meter for a cold tap), and the sound of flowing water can irritate the residents of the apartment, especially at night. In recent years, many new plumbing devices have appeared, but the principle of operation of flush tanks has not changed for several decades: water, filling the internal tank, raises the float. A system of seal, float and fittings releases all the accumulated water into the toilet, and then the water begins to accumulate again and, raising the float, closes the system.

Some people, thinking about how to fix a toilet tank if it is leaking, remember that plumbers always have professional tools with them. In fact, to remove such a malfunction, you only need wire cutters, rubber gloves and pliers. Experienced craftsmen also advise you to look in advance at your nearest store for a new plumbing drain assembly.

Types of tank malfunctions

Before starting repairs, you should determine what exactly is causing the leak and requires adjustment. A leak in the drain system can occur for several reasons:

  1. If water flows into the tank without stopping, it may be caused by a slight misalignment of the lever or damage to the float valve. There are also cases when the valve does not work entirely correctly, but remains intact. This problem can be solved quite easily: the float lever should be aligned horizontally, and the faulty valve or float should be replaced with a working one.

In the event that the float can only be replaced later, you simply need to protect it from the water in the tank by wrapping it in a plastic bag or sealing it with heated plastic.

  1. If water flows from the tank into the toilet all day long, this is most likely caused by a rupture of the membrane located inside the siphon, which just needs to be replaced with a whole one. To do this, a lever attached to the float is attached to the top crossbar, allowing you to unscrew the nut that secures the flush pipe and connects it to the drain system. When the siphon is disconnected, you should remove the damaged membrane and replace it with a similar one that is suitable in size. After this, the fittings are assembled and installed in the reverse order.
  2. Sometimes it happens that the tank leaks water because the rubber seal has lost its original elasticity. This happens often with rubber “bulbs”: they become similar to the touch of wood and completely lose the elasticity inherent in rubber. In this case, the old constipation simply needs to be replaced with a new one.

The constipation holds water when it fits tightly into its intended recess. If limescale appears on the seat, the base of the lock does not adhere to its walls with the required density and, as a result, the toilet cistern does not hold water. In such a case, the lock must be temporarily removed, and then the surface of the saddle must be cleaned with a stiff brush or sandpaper and returned to its place. Experienced craftsmen also advise tightening all saddle fasteners during this operation.

Tank drain device

  1. If the nut securing the base at the overflow point is loose, you need to temporarily remove the tank and tighten the nut located in its lower part.
  2. If the connecting cuff between the toilet and the tank leaks, you can tighten it with a clamp or try to install it back in its intended place. A rotten cuff simply needs to be replaced with a new one.
  3. Another cause of leakage can be the rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet. These gaskets may rot, or they may simply be installed incorrectly. Plumbers call such gaskets “bitten.”
  4. If upon inspection it turns out that the gasket is installed normally, the leak may be caused by a crack that has formed in the tank. Repairing a cracked tank is also not at all difficult: you need to remove it, dry it and fill the crack with sealant.
  5. Sometimes a toilet tank starts to leak when the shutoff valve won't hold water. A valve defect is very easy to detect: if you press the valve with your hand, the water flow should stop. If this does not happen, then the valve gasket needs to be replaced.
  6. When the button height adjuster moves for some reason, the tank may also leak. A gap through which water flows occurs when the valve is higher than the water drain hole. To fix this problem, you just need to adjust the height of the button.
  7. The problem of water leakage can also arise in the place where the drain hose is connected to the tank. A cracked nut will need to be replaced, and if it is not damaged, then tighten it well enough.
  8. Sometimes the operation of the tank is disrupted due to breakage of the reinforcement. To cope with this malfunction, the easiest way is to replace the entire fittings.

Currently, old toilet models are often replaced with modern ones, which have a more aesthetic appearance and are noticeably more convenient to use. For example, one of the advantages of new toilets is the absence of splashing water and splashes during flushing. However, it should be understood that new tanks break down just as often as the old ones did. It should be noted that new models of tanks are much easier to repair, and spare parts for them are made of durable plastic and are relatively inexpensive.

When planning to change your plumbing, you should decide on the desired toilet model and pay attention to how the outlet pipe is installed, which can be horizontal or directed to the floor. Most often today we find compact toilets with a flush in a horizontal plane, as well as “monoblocks”, in which the cistern and toilet are one unit.

Before purchasing and installing a new toilet, you should check whether the installation instructions are included in the kit and study them carefully.

It is important to immediately understand the structure of the tank so that later you can clearly understand why the problem might have occurred. Plumbing fixtures with a simpler cistern design usually last much longer and are more reliable.

Most often, spare tank mechanisms are sold as a set, but if necessary, you can purchase individual parts. If a rare and expensive tank is installed in an apartment, then it will be much more profitable to look for individual spare parts, and in simpler models it is often easier to immediately replace the entire tank. Some time ago, it was common to install the toilet seat on a small raised surface made of cement screed or mount it on wooden rails. Nowadays, the toilet is installed after the wall and floor tiles have been laid in the room. Before installing the toilet, the tiles are marked with a felt-tip pen, and then it is fastened using the markings.

Tank drain device

What to do if the toilet tank is leaking

Tank drain device

Replacing fittings in the cistern

Replacing the mechanism in the tank with your own hands

Similar materials


Plumbing fixtures wear out over time. Some parts require correction, others require replacement. Finding out about a breakdown is quite simple: the tank begins to leak, makes a lot of noise, and problems arise with flushing. But you can carry out repairs yourself, without special knowledge.

It is possible to carry out toilet repair work, because the design is quite simple. The toilet design includes a bowl and a tank. But most often breakdowns are observed in the tank.

The cistern operates on the principle of a water seal. Its system includes levers, a seal and a float. After draining, the water flows back into the container and at a certain point the shut-off valve is activated.

Signs of a problem with the tank:

  • Liquid constantly flows into the tank;
  • Water leaks from the cistern into the toilet;
  • To flush the house you need to press the flush button several times;
  • The flush lever doesn't work at all;
  • The toilet is leaking;
  • Lots of noise when draining.

The main thing is to correctly determine the cause of the breakdown, and repairs are not at all difficult. If there is a constant flow of liquid into the tank, the reason lies in the skew or displacement of the float. This breakdown can be fixed quite simply - you need to install the parts in the correct place.

The correct location of the float is determined 2.5 cm below the connection of the underwater pipe.

It is easy to turn off the water supply using a wrench. Inspecting the float often helps determine the cause of the leak. If the float is damaged, water flows into it and the element becomes heavier.

Repairing a float is quite simple. It is necessary to remove the element and pour out excess liquid from it. The chip should be repaired and reconnected to the system. But such repairs will only last for the first time; then you will need to completely replace the broken part. The resulting chips are repaired using heated polyethylene.

What to do if the toilet is leaking from below

If the tank is leaking from below, then the siphon membrane needs to be replaced. The same operation should be done if the water is not washed off for a long time. This process is quite simple to complete.

Membrane replacement sequence:

  1. First, a crossbar is installed instead of the tank lid;
  2. A float is connected to the crossbar;
  3. All liquid should be drained from the tank;
  4. The nut holding the pipe to the tank will need to be unscrewed;
  5. The siphon nut is also loosened;
  6. Then the siphon is removed;
  7. After this, the membrane is removed and replaced;
  8. Then all the removed parts are installed.

If the flush lever is not working, the rod is repaired. The broken part is removed and replaced with a new one. A homemade wire element is suitable for this. Over time, you can acquire new traction.

But most often the tank leaks water due to wear of the gasket between the toilet and the tank. There is a constant flow of water in the bowl, which is reminiscent of yellow spots. The worn element should be replaced with a new one. First, turn off the water and disconnect the flush tank from the toilet, then unfasten the drain. With this part they go to a plumbing store and buy a similar one.

In some cases, drain replacement is not required. Perhaps the problem is wear and distortion of the rings. They are either corrected or replaced.

When the tank is leaking, you need to check that the water level is correctly set. There is a special tube to drain excess liquid. It should be moved lower.

How to properly fix a leak between the tank and the toilet

If a leak appears between the tank and the toilet, then the reason is the depressurization of the device. Most likely, the problem is in the deformation of the seal, a special rubber gasket. To fix the problem, you will need to replace the gasket.

Gasket replacement steps:

  1. First, turn off the water supply;
  2. The liquid from the tank will need to be drained, possible residues will also be removed;
  3. There is a drain nut under the descent hatch that should be loosened;
  4. Then you should remove the tank by unscrewing the corresponding nuts at the fastening point;
  5. You will also need to unscrew the drain;
  6. Next you need to replace the gasket;
  7. Then reinstall all parts back into place.

But the cause of the problem may also be an old rusty bolt that holds the container to the bowl. Next you will need to replace the damaged part. Also, first the water is shut off and the water is drained. The bolts will need to be removed and replaced with new ones. Sealing washers are required.

When purchasing gaskets, be sure to take into account their size, because the element is available in different forms. That is why you need to know exactly the dimensions of the part.

Sometimes you can only tighten loose bolts. To do this, just fix the element with a key and turn it with a screwdriver. But you need to be careful not to damage the ceramic bowl. That is why it is better to replace parts rather than constantly tighten them.

Securing the gasket between the cistern and the toilet

The gasket is one of the most popular fasteners. The advantages of such a part are obvious: small size and reliable fastening. But there is also a minus - a little pressure. To flush the wastewater, the tank needs quite a lot of water to operate.

Types of gaskets:

  • Shaped like a guitar;
  • Round;
  • Invoice.

The replacement takes place quite quickly. First, all communications are turned off. You will need to drain the water from the tank and disconnect it from the bowl. To do this, simply unscrew the bolts.

Older models have metal bolts and they will rust over time. Removing these elements using a key is not easy; you can damage the ceramics. It is best to treat the parts with a special liquid WD-40.

The rubber seal requires replacement. To increase sealing, use silicone sealant. You can apply a gasket or mount it in a special hole.

There may also be a gasket between the bowl and the toilet. It all depends on the chosen toilet model. This element acts as a shock absorber. This minimizes possible damage between porcelain and earthenware.

Modern toilets mostly come without gaskets. From the tank to the bowl there is a solid monolith. Using such a toilet is simple and convenient, but the cost of the device is quite high.

Any toilet leak always causes a lot of problems. It begins to spoil the mood, annoying the noise of continuously flowing water.

Large numbers appear on the water meter, and you have to pay several times more for water. The surface of the toilet begins to become covered with rust. Drops of condensate become noticeable on the pipes, which can cause corrosion and mold formation.

Tank leaks must be repaired immediately to avoid negative consequences.
Today, a leak in a toilet tank can be easily fixed without resorting to the services of specialists. But to do this, you need to understand the principle of operation of such a system and its components.

The tank can leak for various reasons. There is only one solution to fix it. Each tank design has its own characteristics. Therefore, the approach to solving such a problem will be individual. However, the most common is the “classical” design. Therefore, we will consider the problem of leakage, taking this design as a basis. We will give 7 solutions to the question of how to fix a leak in the toilet and why the toilet might leak?

First reason: Overflow

Perhaps the most popular and obvious reason was the banal overflow of the tank. When the toilet tank leaks water into the toilet. Excess water simply goes into the overflow hole. The main reasons for the appearance of such an overflow may be:

  • The rubber gasket has lost its elasticity. Long-term use of the tank led to loose shutoff of the water flow. The gasket began to deform and leak liquid;
  • The gasket does not press well and does not tightly close the outlet hole located near the drain valve, thereby creating a leak. This gasket has retained its elasticity and there are no signs of deformation. Water begins to flow due to poor pressure against the wall of the toilet;
  • The valve pin that holds the float may have worn out. This occurs during long-term use and the appearance of corrosion on the body of the stud;
  • A crack has formed in the valve body itself. Water begins to flow through it.

Note! When a brass valve is installed in the tank, there simply cannot be any cracks. They occur only on plastic products. Brass parts are highly reliable.

How to deal with such a leak

To quickly fix the problem when water leaks from the tank into the toilet, you need to find out the true cause of the tank leak. To do this you need to do a little testing.

Remove the toilet lid. Raise the float up with your hand. One centimeter is enough for the flow to stop. Consequently, the float arm is not bent quite correctly. It simply cannot shut off the water; it flows freely through the drain hole.

To correct and eliminate a leak, you need to slightly bend the lever so that it begins to shut off the water as soon as it reaches a certain edge.

If the leak does not stop after lifting the lever, you need to carefully inspect the valve. The special fixing pin must be in place. There should be no damage to it. It should stop the float lever while inside the valve. In addition, you need to check the condition of the hole in which the pin is located. It may have been deformed.

A stud that has become unusable can be replaced with copper wire of a large cross-section.

If the hole is deformed, a new valve must be installed.

It is possible that the leak appears due to the gasket. If, after pressing it against the valve, water stops flowing out of the drain hole, you need to adjust its pressure. If it cannot be adjusted, a new gasket must be installed.

We examined the main reasons and methods for solving the problem of tank leakage using the classical scheme. It has been used for over 40 years. However, every year new tank designs appear with a certain operating principle. Try to further study their design.

Reason two: Bolts

Quite often, leaking water is associated with the bolts that connect the tank and toilet. Over the years, metal bolts become covered with rust, plastic bolts simply burst, which is why the toilet tank leaks.

How to solve this problem

First you need to thoroughly inspect all the fittings. It may be that only one bolt needs to be replaced. However, in order to avoid additional runs to the store, it is better to immediately purchase a new set of spare parts for the toilet.

To accurately determine the cause of the leak, you will have to disassemble the tank. Sometimes it is simply not clear which part has failed and which requires immediate replacement.

How is the replacement performed?

To fix a toilet cistern leak you need to:

  • Before starting disassembly, you need to turn off the water supply;
  • Remove all water from the tank;
  • Unscrew the flexible line through which water is supplied;
  • Unscrew all bolts. If the body of the bolts is covered with a large layer of rust, they need to be cut off with a hacksaw. Buying new bolts is much cheaper than installing a new toilet. After all, the old one can be broken by unscrewing rusted bolts;
  • The toilet tank moves back;
  • The shelf lying on the cuff is removed;
  • The remaining water is drained;
  • All detected rust is removed.

For assembly, all steps are performed in reverse order. New bolts are installed, rubber gaskets are changed.

When tightening the bolts, the slightest distortion is not allowed. Tightening should be done with little effort. If you put too much pressure on the bolt, you can easily crush the earthenware.

Third reason: Pear

The rubber bulb has failed and the toilet constantly leaks after flushing. With prolonged use, rubber becomes inelastic. It becomes rough and cannot take the desired shape. As a result, water constantly flows in the toilet.

Solution

How to fix a leaking toilet? Repairing a pear that has lost its shape is practically useless. You can spend a lot of time, and the result will be zero. It is much easier to buy a new pear in the store.

When purchasing, you need to choose the softest one from several products. It can be used for a long period of time until it becomes hard.

The pear is fastened with a thread. To remove it, you need to turn the bulb clockwise. To install, the bulb is rotated in the opposite direction. While there is no new pear, you can use the weight hanging on the rod. He will put pressure on the bag and press it to the saddle. Any heavy nut can become such a load.

Fourth reason: Skew

A malfunction of the tank may be due to a skew or large displacement of the lever on which the float is held. There are many reasons for the formation of misalignment. For example, a hole through which water begins to enter the float. The lever may have moved slightly to the side due to prolonged use.
Another reason when the toilet tank is leaking can be low-quality plumbing parts purchased at the store.

How to solve this problem

If you purchased a bad float in a store, you need to change it to a more reliable and high-quality one. If a small hole forms in the float, it can be easily sealed with ordinary polyethylene. You can also use a lighter to heat a piece of plastic and close the hole.

But such repairs are considered temporary; the float will still need to be replaced.

Fifth reason: Depressurization

A leak appeared between the toilet and the cistern mount. Such a leak in the area of ​​the connection between the tank and the toilet itself appears if the joint is depressurized. Usually the cause of this phenomenon is a large deformation of the rubber seal.

To eliminate the leak, a new gasket must be installed between the tank and the toilet.

This work is performed in the following order:

  • The water supply is turned off by closing the main water valve;
  • Remove all remaining water from the barrel by collecting it with a soft kitchen sponge;
  • Lightly unscrew the drain nut. It can be found directly under the drain valve hatch;
  • The screws that secure the tank to the toilet shelf are completely unscrewed. The tank is being dismantled;
  • The lock nut that holds the drain is unscrewed, after which it is removed from the tank;
  • A new gasket is installed. Each gasket is manufactured to specific sizes and shapes. Therefore, before buying a gasket, you must choose the exact size.
  • If the gasket is smaller or larger, the problem will remain unresolved;
  • The drain assembly is fixed with locknuts;
  • The tank is returned to the shelf and secured with bolts.

It must be said that a leak between the toilet and the cistern may be associated with other circumstances:

  • The bolt holding the tank container to the bowl is very rusty;
  • The insulation that seals the mounting hole for the bolt has become unusable.

Of course, you will have to install a new bolt and replace the seal. The work must be performed in the following sequence:

  1. The water supply is cut off;
  2. Drained;
  3. All bolts are unscrewed and removed from the mounting holes;
  4. Sealing washers are placed on the bolts;
  5. The bolts are installed in place and tightened with nuts.

Your cash costs will be:

  • Gasket – 200 rubles;
  • A set of bolts – 50–300 rubles;
  • Master services – 1200–1400 rubles.

Sometimes no replacement is necessary. Simply tighten the loose bolts. To do this, hold the nut with a wrench and tighten the fasteners with an ordinary screwdriver.

Care must be taken when doing this type of work. Ceramic products are not very durable. Tighten the bolt too much and a crack may appear at the bottom of the barrel. To prevent this from happening, it will be much safer to simply install new gaskets.

Sixth reason: Shut-off valve

The shut-off valve has failed. This causes water to constantly flow from the tank into the toilet. You can, of course, try to disassemble the drain valve. Adjust the pressure of the hatch on the drain pipe by slightly sharpening its end. Such manipulations require a lot of labor, and the desired effect is not always achieved. This leads to a simple conclusion: there is no need to carry out repairs; it is better to completely replace the entire drain assembly, or the entire toilet cistern.

To do this, you must perform the following steps:

  • The toilet needs to have the water supply turned off. To do this, tighten the central water supply valve.
  • The remaining water is flushed down the toilet;
  • Open the lid and use a sponge to remove all remaining water;
  • Remove the fixing screws;
  • The tank is removed from the shelf;
  • The sealing gasket is removed;
  • The locknuts securing the drain assembly are unscrewed;
  • The old mechanism is removed;
  • A new system is being installed.

Before purchasing a drain unit, you should try to purchase a similar model that was previously in the tank. As a last resort, the same manufacturer. In other words, if the tank was manufactured by Cersanit, then the drain assembly should be of the same brand.

The new unit is secured with new locknuts, and a new gasket is installed.

We return the tank to the shelf, new bolts are inserted into the holes. We screw it to the toilet shelf.
All that remains is to connect the water and check the tightness of the new drain.

In principle, this work is not very difficult; it is enough to have a set of spanners and several adjustable ones.
Buying a new drain will cost 400–4000 rubles. It all depends on the type of mechanism. Elite systems are much more expensive.

If the work is performed by a professional craftsman, you will have to pay 1600-1800 rubles.

Seventh reason: Cracks

The toilet tank is leaking due to a crack in the bottom or sides. Such a serious problem can be dealt with without even replacing the entire toilet.

What should be done

The tank is detached from the toilet and dried well. Any cracks that appear must be sealed with a high-quality sealant. I must say that this method gives the greatest effect. Of course, the sealant is not designed for long-term use; you will still have to buy a new tank and toilet.

If the toilet tank with the button starts to leak

First of all, determine what position the switch is in. If the return spring is weakened, the button may simply remain in the shaft. As a result, the drain hatch cover will always be in the “open” position.

To repair a toilet cistern with a button, you must follow a certain sequence:

  • The cover is being dismantled;
  • The falling switch is removed;
  • The spring is changed;
  • The seat is centered. It is located directly under the hole made in the lid.
  • Reassemble.

Preventative work

If you don't want your toilet to break down frequently, you need to constantly take certain preventive measures.

The toilet tank and bowl should be cleaned once every six months.

Constantly review the condition of fittings and related fittings.

Any toilet does not “like” mechanical damage; it does not tolerate temperature fluctuations.

Timely prevention will extend the service life of the entire system.

When a leak appears, the simplest breakdowns are corrected first and only then begin to solve more serious problems.

You can fix a cistern leak with your own hands. The design of the tank is so simple that it does not require any special tools. Having completed such repairs yourself, you will definitely get great pleasure.

Conclusion

We have given 7 of the most common solutions to why water flows in the toilet. In 95% of cases you have exactly the same problem. But if you've tried everything and nothing works, what should you do if water is still flowing in the toilet tank? It's better to call a plumber. He will fix the problem in less than an hour.