I have a low level cistern
I’ve got a low-level cistern toilet
First, check the flush pipe. The flush pipe runs down from the bottom cistern into the back of the pan. This will be clean water, so you don’t need to worry about getting this on your hands.
The flush pipe can leak from the top where it’s connected to the cistern, or, more commonly, at the bottom, where it connects into the pan. Run your hands around the top fitting, then down the pipe until you reach the connection at the bottom, then run your hands around that.
Are there any signs of a leak?
Yes, I think it’s leaking from the flush pipe
If its leaking from the bottom, it could be because the fitting has popped out where the pipe is connected. If it looks like it's popped out, try pushing it back in. This may stop the leak and enable the cistern to be used to flush the toilet. You should check to see if there's still a leak before using it normally.
Remember, if the leak is coming from the flush pipe, you can use a bucket or bowl to flush away the contents of the pan instead. This removes the need to use the cistern, and the toilet can be used until a repair can be completed.
Yes, it looks like it’s from the soil pipe
You need to check the soil pipe. This is the thick bottom pipe that runs outside. The soil pipe connection is at rear of the pan and usually runs horizontally outside or down into the floor. This is where the wastewater goes to the drain.
This will be foul water, so you should take care when checking if this is the pipe that's leaking. If the fitting collar is wet or dripping when the toilet is flushed it suggests the connector may be faulty.
You should use a pan or a bowl to try to collect any drips or leaks if possible, or if you have another toilet, use this until we come to do the repair. If you can’t do this or don’t have another toilet, ring us to report the repair as soon as possible so we can send someone out to make it safe.
How do I report a repair?
You can report a repair to us at anytime, anywhere using My Account or contact us via Live Chat. Let us know when reporting that you’ve followed the advice and what you’ve tried to get it working, this helps us to assess what to do next to get the right person for the job.
If your home is at risk of flooding or you can’t contain a leak, give us a call on 0300 456 2531 to report it so we can get one of our plumbers out ASAP.
