Quick DIY question (toilet).

Edrof · 12 Aug 2011 at 11:23

The float valve* in my dual flush toilet isn't shutting off the water refilling meaning a constant trickle into the pan. I have just been to a plumbing shop and nice fellow there sold be a new rubber valve to fit into the top of the float valve. Problem is, I can't unscrew the top of the float valve as it's stupidly tight. It's only plastic too, so I'm scared of breaking things.

To help matters, does anyone know which part I should be unscrewing? 1 or 2? Or if there is a trick to this sort of thing?

Also, would it be easier to just replace the whole float valve? Seems like a straight swap sort of thing...

*Armitage Shanks 'Quiet Fill', fixed height, bottom entry equilibrium float valve

Participant · 12 Aug 2011 at 11:45

Get a slip joint spanner or mole wrench or something on it. If you break the nut (unlikely) then you can just replace it.

You sure you're screwing it the right way?

DirtyJester · 12 Aug 2011 at 11:49

I ended up replacing the complete unit as it started over filling again shortly after. Not the same make as your one though

Oh and yeah it was a straight swap

Edrof · 12 Aug 2011 at 12:33

Thanks guys, just found my adjustable spanner so going to have a bash with that. I did have to check I was unscrewing it the right way

WillyNelson · 12 Aug 2011 at 15:59

I'd go with a pair of adjustable grips, it's probably jammed up with scale as most toilet componets tend to get unless your water is super soft. But 'd probably be inclined to swap out the whole unit as bits are so cheap and you can't be sure of how much life the old bits have left in them.

That said I tried to replace the syphon diaphram on Wed evening and ended up having to take the whole cistern apart as it's a close-coupled unit and the securing nut for the syphon is between the cistern & pan. I then found that they make the syphon so the diaphram isn't replacable. A £16 (instead of 20p) new part and 2 hours later and I finally got it flushing again.