Toilet Tank Won't Stop Running: Key Reasons and Solutions

The toilet cistern is an essential sanitary facility in every household, but sometimes we may encounter issues where it won't stop running water. So, what are the reasons for a toilet cistern not stopping the water flow?

Reasons for a Toilet Cistern Not Stopping Water:

1、Aging Sealing Ring

One of the key components for the normal operation of the toilet cistern is the sealing ring, which is located between the drainage valve of the water tank and the bottom drainage hole. Due to prolonged use and varying water quality, the sealing ring can gradually age and harden, causing ineffective sealing. This leads to water leaking from the cistern into the toilet, which results in the cistern not stopping the water flow.

Solution:

The simplest solution in this case is to replace the sealing ring. First, shut off the water supply valve and drain the remaining water from the cistern. Then, use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the relevant parts containing the sealing ring and replace it with a new one. After reassembly, try turning the water supply valve back on to check if the problem persists.

2、Faulty Inlet Valve

The inlet valve is located at the top of the toilet cistern and controls the flow of water into the cistern. When the inlet valve malfunctions, it may not close properly, causing the cistern to continue running water. The main causes of malfunction can include the rubber valve disc inside the inlet valve hardening or breaking, preventing it from closing properly; or the float ball getting stuck or damaged, hindering it from sensing the water level correctly.

Solution:

If the issue is due to a hardened or broken rubber valve disc, you can detach the inlet valve from the water tank and replace the rubber valve disc with a new one. If the issue is with a stuck or damaged float ball, unscrew the float ball from the inlet valve, separate it from the rod, and clean or replace the float. If the problem cannot be resolved independently, it is advisable to seek professional assistance for repair or replacement of the inlet valve.

3、Unresponsive Drainage Valve

The drainage valve is one of the key components controlling the drainage of the toilet cistern. If the drainage valve is not responsive or blocked, it can lead to poor drainage, resulting in the cistern not stopping the water flow. Common causes include limescale or debris accumulation on the drainage valve, which prevents it from closing properly.

Solution:

Open the toilet cistern, remove the drainage valve, and thoroughly clean it using a brush or similar tool. Ensure that the moving parts of the drainage valve are flexible and check for any obstructions. If the drainage valve is worn and cannot close properly, it is recommended to replace it with a new one.

Summary:

This concludes the discussion on the reasons for a toilet cistern not stopping water flow. It's a common but annoying issue. By explaining the problems of aging sealing rings, faulty inlet valves, and unresponsive drainage valves along with solutions, I hope to provide some help for anyone facing similar issues. For those who are not comfortable with DIY repairs, it is best to seek assistance from professionals to avoid any additional damage.