Another running cistern one

[shiftingsandsoftime]

Our loo is running continually (cistern trickling into bowl).

I have searched through old threads and watched youtube videos.

It is not a corroded washer at the base because the water can clearly be seen running into the top of the overflow pipe.

Twiddling the stick for the valve doesn't change anything - either clockwise or anticlockwise.

The loo has worked without incident for many years and as far as I know just started doing this on its own.

DH wants to get a plumber, mostly because he CBA to watch the youtube videos or read any instructions. I am annoyed that I can't fix it myself yet because everything on the internet suggests that this is an easy (!?) DIY fix.

The inside of ours is like the one in this video:

Am I going to have to buy an entire new fill valve unit and change is myself?

I don't have a push button Cistern but I find have the same problem of water running into the bowl and overflow pipe , after a bit of fiddling I decided to replace the ball cock arm and fitting bits . It was a bit fiddlely ( cos I know zilch about toilets) but it wasn't hard . I think the parts cost me about £20 ,no fancy tools were needed

I just changed the inlet valve. Water was running into the bowl because the cistern was overfilling. Looking at the valve it was clear it was degraded.

It should just be the flush valve that needs changing, there normally about a fiver

Thank you for your replies.
I have been looking on Amazon at replacement parts and, as with the videos, they all look a bit different to what I have. Is the fill valve just the top half of the unit on the left? Will a replacement definitely fit?

@SpamIAm I hadn't considered changing the flush valve - how would that be making the water level too high and water go into the outlet pipe?

It would better if I could turn off the pipe to the cistern, empty it and then take a good look without everything submerged in water, but the pipe hasn't got a valve or screw or anything - probably not installed properly all those years ago. I can't take anything out or inspect anything when it's all submerged.

Is the fill valve just the top half of the unit on the left? Will a replacement definitely fit?

Sorry, I meant it was just the fill valve diaphragm that was gone on mine. Like this but I think I needed to find the right one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Armitage-Shanks-Hushflow-diaphragm-Washer/dp/B00B0FP5XQ/ref=asc_df_B00B0FP5XQ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=255638504364&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=719382616783959452&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007129&hvtargid=pla-419650809336&psc=1&mcid=6b2165aba9153c699812848a96481738

Thank you for the Amazon link. I have found the equivalent for my brand of loo. Mine filling too high in the cistern with a small waterfall then descending down the overflow pipe.

@shiftingsandsoftime I agree with the diaphragm valve solution. It'll have a hole in it so isn't shutting off the water inlet. The cistern still fills then overflows.

You could switch off the main water tap, or look to see if there's a tap for the toilet in a nearby cupboard or something.

OK, many thanks all, I will do some minor dismantling of the inlet valve contraption and see what shape that diaphragm is in.

Just completely change the fill valve bit…….they don’t last forever. About £15 in toolstation and a simple job to change.

Buy the complete Flow master kit from screwfix. They are cheap. Easy to fit, no need for special tools or knowledge. Tell DH it's time to step up and do a bit of very basic home maintenance;)

Thank you all for the help. A new diaphragm is arriving today and if that doesn't work I will replace the whole inlet unit.

I think this will involve disconnecting the water pipe, removing existing unit, replacing with new unit, reattaching to water pipe and plentiful sealant).

https://www.macdonaldplumbingsupplies.com/images/fluidmaster-pro45b-1-2-cistern-fill-valve-with-brass-connection-p1971-18599_image.jpg

Something like that I guess

Yeah that will do it , I fitted one of these recently, easy to do as long as you can turn the water off easily.

https://www.toolstation.com/plumbing/toilet-fittings/c902

Wrong link.

https://www.toolstation.com/viva-skylo-bottom-entry-fill-valve/p35993

@Diyextension Super, many thanks

Diaphragm changed, seems to have done the trick. Thanks again guys

Thanks for this, it's given me the push to change my outlet seal. I'd done the inlet a couple of years back but then the outlet one went and I've been turning the water on and off with a screwdriver for two months! Opened it up and the rubber is falling to bits.

@Kalevala mine looked a bit frayed too, so that will be another job on the horizon for me.