In mid December 2009 I fitted a new side entry Torbeck valve to our toilet cistern to replace one which was giving problems. It worked fine until 1 May 2010 when without warning it did not shut off the water supply. Water escaped from the cistern causing quite a bit of damage. The problem was that the float arm did not rise as the cistern filled up (at least 4 times) although there was no obstruction in the cistern. I employed a plumber to inspect the valve and fit a new one, in case I had installed the original incorrectly. My installation was fine and the plumber found nothing wrong, visually, with the valve. he had expected to find some grit or something interfering with the diaphragm. Has anyone else had a similar problem?
Torbeck Toilet Valve - Problem
- Thread starter RJR
- Start date
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the float didn't float? Pivot jammed? presumably the float is full of air, and not punctured?
Or did the shaft coming out of the top of the float turn in the slot of the arm so it did not push the arm up?
I have only known them dribble if they get grit or limescale in them, but that doesn't stop the arm rising as you say, and the overflow should easily be able to cope with the inflow. Is something wrong with your overflow, as you say there was damage?
The float was not full of air as the Torbeck floats are now open at the bottom (old one which I replaced was a sealed float!). I cannot say if pivot was jammed. The shaft remained in its usual position. The external overflow coped with about 98 percent of the water entering the cistern but the remaining 2 percent leaked out of an unused cistern fixing (to wall) point. The leak occurred for at least 8.5 hours overnight before discovery in the morning!
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The lever stayed in the open position and the float was submerged.
Then I reckon the pivot must have jammed. If it was still there you could have tried jiggling it.
It is "waxy" plastic so not prone to limescale, I wonder what else could have caused it.
I suppose the open float did keep plenty of air in it?
do you have children in the house?
It is "waxy" plastic so not prone to limescale, I wonder what else could have caused it.
I suppose the open float did keep plenty of air in it?
do you have children in the house?
What £25 - I thought they were about half that
No children in the house. I cannot say if the float had air in it at the time it failed - was more concerned at the time to start clearing up and keeping damage to a minimum!
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