Toilet keeps running — we repair it, or install a new toilet
A toilet that keeps running adds up: it wastes water, you hear it all night and it usually only gets worse. Often it's a float or a worn seal in the cistern. We repair it — or install a new close-coupled or wall-hung toilet if that's more sensible.
Toilet running?
Call or message us — often it's quickly sorted.
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Does your toilet keep running?
Often the rubber seal at the bottom of the cistern no longer seals properly, or the float is set too high. This short explanation shows you what it usually is.
Why your toilet keeps running
Inside the cistern are two components that control the water: the float valve (fill valve) that fills the reservoir and stops in time, and the flush mechanism with a seal that holds back the water until you flush. If that seal wears out or limescale gets in between, water constantly trickles into the bowl. If the float valve doesn't stop in time, the water runs away via the overflow.
With a surface-mounted cistern you can often see this by removing the lid. With a concealed cistern behind the wall, everything is behind the flush plate. You'll also notice a running toilet on the water meter: it keeps turning even when no one is using water. See also the water meter leak test.
- Soft hissing — from the bowl or the cistern, even at night.
- Trickle in the bowl — a thin stream down the back.
- Cistern keeps refilling — without having been flushed.
- Water meter keeps running — while all taps are closed.
Running toilet, cistern and new toilet
Repair where we can, replace where we must.
Float valve and flush mechanism
We replace the float valve, the seal or the complete flush mechanism and adjust the flush properly.
Call 070 783 0224Cistern leaking
Is the cistern leaking to the outside or under the bowl? We replace seals and couplings and make it leak-free.
Call 070 783 0224Replace toilet
A new close-coupled toilet, connected to the existing drain, neatly sealed and tested for leaks.
More about bathroom fixturesInstall wall-hung toilet
From floor-standing to wall-hung, or a new concealed cistern: we install and connect it watertight.
More about bathroomsWhen a new toilet is the wiser choice
Usually a running toilet is fixed with a new float valve or seal. But is the toilet old, cracked, or leaking under the bowl? Or do you want to switch from a floor-standing to a wall-hung toilet anyway? Then replacement is often the better choice. We honestly explain the options side by side, you'll hear what it costs beforehand.
With a wall-hung toilet, a concealed cistern goes into a stud wall. That requires more work than replacing a floor-standing toilet, but the result is sleek and easy to keep clean. We connect to the existing drain or install a new pipe.
No more noise in 4 steps
A fixed price in advance, and we prefer to complete the job in one visit.
You call or message
Tell us what you see and if possible send a photo of the cistern or the flush plate.
Price in advance
You'll hear in advance what the repair or the new toilet will cost.
Repair or install
We replace the parts or install the new toilet, connected watertight.
Testing & handover
We test the flush and check for leaks. Old materials are taken away.
Check yourself first
A running toilet is not an emergency, but you can stop the water straight away.
- Turn off the stop valve — on a close-coupled cistern it's underneath or beside the cistern, on a concealed cistern behind the flush plate.
- Look inside the cistern — with a close-coupled cistern, lift off the lid: is the float valve stuck or is something jammed?
- Do the colour test — a few drops of dye in the cistern. If the bowl colours without flushing, the seal is leaking.
- Check the water meter — all taps closed and see if the meter keeps running.
When should you call us?
- Today — water is running from the cistern or onto the floor from under the pan.
- Soon — the toilet keeps running or refills constantly — it wastes water as long as it runs.
- By appointment — replace toilet, install a wall-hung toilet or fit a new concealed cistern.
Not sure? Call 070 783 0224 — we'll help you think it through, no obligation.
Toilet running? We can help you.
Fixed price upfront · often same day · 24/7 for emergencies · ★★★★★ Rated on Google
Useful reading
Explained by our tradesmen.
Blocked toilet: DIY or plumber?
Read more →Dripping tap: repair it yourself?
Read more →Water meter leak test
Read more →Also useful: Bathroom fixtures & taps · Bathroom · Unblock Toilet · Leak Detection
Frequently asked questions about a running toilet
Why does my toilet keep running?
Usually due to a worn seal in the flush mechanism or a float valve that doesn't stop in time. Limescale can also prevent the seal from closing properly.
Can I stop a running toilet myself?
You can stop the water by turning off the isolation valve. On a close-coupled cistern it's underneath or beside the cistern, on a concealed cistern it's behind the flush plate.
My cistern is leaking to the outside. What now?
Turn off the isolation valve and dry the floor. We'll replace the seals or couplings and make the cistern leak-free again.
Do you also install wall-hung toilets?
Yes. We install wall-hung toilets with concealed cisterns and floor-standing toilets, connected to the existing waste or a new pipe.
Repair or a new toilet?
Often a new float valve or seal is enough. If the toilet is old, cracked or leaking under the pan, replacement is wiser. You'll hear in advance what both options cost.
