Torbeck valve hum

[Help]

I have installed a bottom entry Torbeck valve to fix the previous and now defunct brand. After flushing the water level settles but then quiet often there is a dull humming sound that only ceases if I readjust the float. But often the dull sound starts again and I have to repeat the process. I have tried swopping the high pressure comb to the low pressure and also removing it completely without success.

I also have turned off the water, run all the taps, and then refilled the cistern, but that has only served to cause some of the taps to splutter out water occassionally.

I'm pretty sure it is mains fed (but I am basic DIYer).

Sometimes if I put pressure to one side of the main body the hum will stop, but releasing it will cause the hum to start again.

Is the hum water hammer or a sympton of it?

It sounds similar to this previous thread, which suggests a leak?
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51855&view=next

 

[John506]

Sounds like a vibrating washer

 

[nitro23456]

You need to decide if it is mains fed or not. If it is put the mains comb back in and try knocking your stopcock under your kitchen sink back a quarter to half turn.


The other thread referred to a leak - check for this and also that you cistern isnt overflowing into the pan.

Are your pipes secured sufficiently? Also check that the ballofix valve on the feed pipe is opened fully.

 

[Help]

Thanks. There's definitely a slight leak into the siphon. It's a push button operated toilet flush with the flush valve a big blue thing made by Pacific. I've taken it out and cleaned off the residue off the rubber seal but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.

EDIT: There's a leak but it's not overflowing as far as I can visibily see, hence cleaning up the rubber seal. Think I probably just need to get a replacement seal?

 

[nitro23456]

Is this close coupled?

Are you referring to a leak between the cistern and the pan? Have you tightened the back nut sufficiently that sits in the 'donut' foam washer?

Or is it a leak where the mains feed enters underneath?

In either case you could try a small amount of silicon sealant under the thin rubber washer on the inside of the cistern and make sure the back nuts are tight.

 

[Help]

It is close coupled and it's a leak between the cistern and pan. The donut washer is rubber, which is what I've just cleaned. Think it's been a bit quieter since then actually. Will check when going to bed in a minute.

In either case you could try a small amount of silicon sealant under the thin rubber washer on the inside of the cistern and make sure the back nuts are tight.

Will check the nuts. I guess I could buy a replacement rubber washer, but like I say I am an amateur doing my research so am looking for confirmation.

Thanks very much, much appreciated.

 

[nitro23456]

Your donut washer is not the cause of your hum, it is a symptom.

I have seen a little silicon sealant placed on the underside of the donut before to hold it in place as you lower the cistern on top of it - it is easy to knock the donut slightly off centre when connecting things up cuasing a leak....... you also need to make sure the cistern is fixed to the pan properly using the wingnuts that need to be tight enough to compress the donut, but dont overtighten.

I still reckon your hum cold be overcome by knocking back the stopcock.... the hum is currently prolonged due to the slow leak.

Thats what my monies on.

 

[Help]

Have checked the wingnuts and tightened. Also turned water supply down, even quite considerably, and the leak into the siphon is still happening.

 

[JohnD]

Torbeck valves sometimes have a buzz at the point where they are about to close (if it stops when you push the float down, that is probably it). I hesitate to call it water hammer as it is not a knocking noise, much faster. If this is the problem, email "[email protected]" and describe the problem, and they will post you a modified part, free, that fixes it. You just unscrew the end cap (after cutting off the water supply) and fit this new end. I have had two off them, no questions asked, they seem to be aware of the prob. Mine buzzed for maybe 10 seconds before closing completely. I am a bit surprised if some of the older design are still being sold, though.

It seems to me this is quite separate from the Leak problem. Did you fit a new rubber doughnut and metal plate?

I am just a householder.

 

[Help]

Hi. It does stop when I push the float down, but then it starts again. It makes sense to me that the leak into the bowl means the water level drops in the cistern resulting in the need to top up the water.

I haven't fitted anything else. I did clean up the rubber doughnut and will replace if that is likely to fix the problem but not sure if it will or not.

 

[JohnD]

on an old WC the metal plate under the cistern and the screws are often badly rusted and bent so need replacing.

There was a tip earlier about "gluing" the rubber doughnut into place so it can't shift while you are putting it all together.

 

[Help]

on an old WC the metal plate under the cistern and the screws are often badly rusted and bent so need replacing.

They look okay. May have another go cleaning up the washer or replacing it. It's a learning curve, isn't it.

 

[Help]

I think I have confused things somewhat. It's the seal on the drop valve that I have cleaned up and am sure is the cause of the leak into the basin, as with this post:

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=147226

 

[JohnD]

can you post a photo of the inside under the underneath of your cistern?
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=129539
how old is the syphon?

might there be a crossed thread on a plastic part?

 

[Help]

View media item 9516 View media item 9517
The second one, the push valve, has a thin black seal at the bottom, which I think is the problem.