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The DIY thread


mjmooney

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No, Rob, not THAT. [emoji4]

Don't know if we already have one of these, if so mods please merge.

A place to share hints and tips on household problems and fixes. Starting with a plumbing one of mine.

Our toilet cistern has an endless, slight trickle into the bowl. YouTube videos suggest this is valve-related, but are unclear on how to fix. My suspicion is that something needs adjusting, rather than replacing.

Inside of the cistern looks like this: 

 

IMG_20150303_130217327.jpg
 

The white cylinder moves freely, and it at its maximum height - which appears to be not QUITE enough to lower the water level sufficiently to stop it flowing into the tube on the left. I was wondering if it's to do with the serrated 'teeth' on the white plastic bit - could they be adjusted by one notch to fix the height? They seem to be pretty tightly fitted, though. 

 

Any plumbers on here?

Edited by mjmooney
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Move house, it sounds like that leak is caused by a load bearing valve.

 

It leaking will likely mean lots of future trouble with your soffits.  Unless you can unhinge the main raw plug in the mains box, you're ****.

 

Your best bet, if you're feeling brave enough is to get 4 3/4" screw nails and knock them adjacently to how you're stood.  The put the A frame over the V frame and connect the skyhooks, bang, jobs a good'un - I think.. :unsure:

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Try:

 

Make sure float is not catching on side of tank - split pin might be worn or hole

Renew the valve washer

Renew nozzle which seats on washer

Fit a new ball-cock assembly - the thread will probably be different (might need adapter)

Lower pressure of water going in

Increase upward pressure on lever by fitting larger float (ball)

Edited by MakemineVanilla
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Hmmm, thanks MMV. I was hoping not to have to replace anything. I don't think upward pressure on the 'ball' (actually a cylinder) would help, as it is already at the top of its 'play'.

There is a pressure valve on the pipe outside the cistern. I assume that tightening the screw (clockwise) decreases pressure, and vice versa?

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Hmmm, thanks MMV. I was hoping not to have to replace anything. I don't think upward pressure on the 'ball' (actually a cylinder) would help, as it is already at the top of its 'play'.

There is a pressure valve on the pipe outside the cistern. I assume that tightening the screw (clockwise) decreases pressure, and vice versa?

 

The flapper seal explained below sounds the way to go.

Edited by MakemineVanilla
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Check your flapper seal, Mike.

 

Pretty sure I raised a similar question here years ago.

 

 

The flapper seal is the rubber bit at the bottom that stops the water going through the system (or not, as the case may be). I live in a hard water area and basically limescale had built up around the seal. A quick scrub with a soft scourer cleared it right up.

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It's not the ball or float valve, it's the siphon / flush valve. They used to be siphon valves but now just lift up and allow the water to flow into the bowl. When they don't close properly water steadily trickles into the bowl. Just get a new big bit in the middle (flush valve) but generally they're specific for the cistern. Therefore it's either service the one you have or get a new toilet. To service drain all of the water out by switching the water off, flushing, and mopping up the last bit with towels etc. Once dry try vacuuming around the valve and cleaning the rubber seal. You may find bits of top deck or silicone in there.

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Check your flapper seal, Mike.

 

Pretty sure I raised a similar question here years ago.

 

 

The flapper seal is the rubber bit at the bottom that stops the water going through the system (or not, as the case may be). I live in a hard water area and basically limescale had built up around the seal. A quick scrub with a soft scourer cleared it right up.

 

There are a few videos on Youtube on getting access to the flapper seal. 

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I was waiting for that, Chris! [emoji1]

Anyhow, bollocks to it, I'll get a plumber. Feel free to carry on with the thread, though!

Edited by mjmooney
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Absolutely wonderful!
Take six bottles of the six back, stand up straight
Then bend down and scratch the carpet for insects
And if you find any, put the insects into the jar
Then check the clamp on the jar and take six steps back
Ensure the hook clamp is on the jar and that's the aphid

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  • 1 month later...

I want to do a patio this summer as well. Haven't got the foggiest idea where to start.

 

I already have a concrete base for it though (used to be a garage in my garden) so I'm assuming that's a good thing...

 

I'll probably just pay somebody to do it :D

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DIY? DIE I call it.  Pay somebody to do it I reckon, or else you're effectively stealing the food from the mouths of an honest tradesman's family.

 

I love a bit of DIY but invariably I end up paying someone to come in and rectify the mess I've made. Best of both worlds.

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