A damaged cistern is not only a nuisance, but it also causes unnecessary costs. If there is a leak, hundreds of liters of water can flow unused into the sewer.
Because of this, the water bill goes up before you know it. However, since a cistern consists of only a few parts, in most cases, you can fix the error yourself with a few simple steps so you can save the money from hiring Houston Plumbers.
If a cistern is defective, the cause is often the seals, the float, or the valves. In most cases, all of these parts can easily be repaired yourself. This guide shows you how to do it.
Identify the Cistern Problem
A surface-mounted cistern usually consists of only a few, relatively simple components. However, these wear out over time. Due to contamination and deposits or wear, they become unusable or sluggish. Then, it affects seals, inlet and corner valves, flexible hose, and all moving mechanical parts such as the float.
The most common problems with cisterns are flowing water. You can recognize this by permanent water flow in the toilet. It means that a hooking flushing mechanism and a cistern does not fill up again.
If you are looking for the cause, you should first shut off the water inlet. Then, lift off the lid of the cistern.
This is often snapped into place on the cistern body. However, you can remove it with a little force. Now, hang the operating arm out to the course closure. Then, pull up the so-called siphon bell. The water will now drain so that you can examine all parts. If necessary, take a flashlight to help. Plumbing companies in Houston often use flashlight mounted on his crew’s head to do this procedure.
Change calcified and worn seals in the cistern
If the seals are calcified or worn, it is best to replace them. The classic surface-mounted cistern usually has two seals.
One at the bottom of the cistern and another at the top inlet of the cistern. Check both seals for porosity and dirt. If you detect cracks, limescale deposits, or other damaged areas, replace the seal.
If you replace seals, also clean the openings of the pipes. However, if you can remove the soiling dirt, the replacement is not always necessary.
Clean and repair float
A leaking drain from the cistern can also be related to a problem with the float. It detects the water level and keeps it constant.
First, check whether the float and guide are possibly wedged or stiff. Then, loosen the wedging if necessary. Make sure that you handle the components, which are usually made of plastic carefully so that they do not break.
If the float is calcified or dirty, carefully remove the elements to remove the calcification with lime remover. You can use a brush for more delicate work. Be careful here too, so that nothing breaks off.
Clean or replace damaged valves in the cistern
If the seals and floats are intact, there is no damage, dirt, or calcification, but the water is still not flowing as desired, this could be due to the valves. Therefore, check both the inlet and corner valve.
The inlet filter may be dirty. In this case, you must clean or replace it. If the valves are severely worn, damaged, or heavily contaminated, you may have to replace them entirely.
Take the opportunity of the open cistern to check and clean all parts immediately, even if only one of the elements is damaged, calcified, or dirty. So you can prevent further repairs in the foreseeable future.
