Cause of leak in to toilet pan from cistern

[Calvados]

Hi, we have a constant trickle of water running in to the pan.

The toilet is around 4 years old and is a small downstairs wc.
I thought it might the rubber flush valve seal on the Optima 49 dual flush but I replaced that but no improvement.
A then replaced also the whole main part of the Optima unit. No improvement.

I can't remove the bottom half of the unit - its screwed in tight and it looks like I need to access it from underneath (?) - because there is a seal in that part too that is perhaps causing the leak.

I'm guessing the other thing is the rusted bolts that hold the cistern in place. There are 2 and I dare say there is a rubber washer on each of those that might have perished. If it is the bolts - is there a standard size so that I can replace?

Any thoughts on what is the most likely cause? As I say its not a drip into the pan but a little constant trickle of water....

thanks in advance, Cal

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Hi, we have a constant trickle of water running in to the pan.

Check the float valve, which refills the cistern, either it is either leaking, or set to fill too high.

 

[Calvados]

Thanks Harry, is that by twisting the white plastic part on the right side of the photo (one way or the other)?

One thing I did notice though is even when the cistern was practically empty (say just an inch of water), the 'leak' was still happening so I didn't think it could be the float (but again maybe a seal at the bottom of the blue part)

 

[terryplumb]

If the water level doesn't reach the top of the overflow tube ,then it's the flush valve seals. If so ,
Separate the cistern from the pan and fit a new flush valve.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

One thing I did notice though is even when the cistern was practically empty (say just an inch of water), the 'leak' was still happening so I didn't think it could be the float (but again maybe a seal at the bottom of the blue part)

In that case, as above, the flush valve is leaking.

 

[Calvados]

Do you mean replacing the lower part of the Optima unit? Ie the part that I cannot remove and replace without taking the cistern off first?
I did replace the seal on the larger part of the unit as a first attempt.

And if I do I have to take off the cistern then I will def need to replace the rust bolt - is there a specific type/size I would need to buy? In fact I think the bolts are OK its just the ends that screw on that have rusted - to the point where they are crumbling.

Apols for the basic questions but this is a proper DIY job for me!

 

[terryplumb]

Yes ,the lower part of the flush valve has to be removed,and a complete new ,two piece ,flush valve fitted.
Cistern retaining bolt sets are widely available,come with all relevant seals/ washers etc.

 

[Calvados]

thanks all. Final question - I might as well look to the replace the float unit too - does anyone recognise the brand?

 

[terryplumb]

You don't have to use the same brand. Just buy a fluid master bottom entry with brass tail.
You will also need a donut washer ( goes between cistern and pan) and a new seal on the tap connector that connects the water supply to the float valve tail.