Special dye to detect toilet leak?

[rosharch]

Hi all,

I bought some food dye to perform the toilet cistern test to see if water is leaking into the bowl but I've come across a handful of articles like this https://www.kingscotechemicals.com/diy-dye-leak-test-for-toilets/#:~:text=Dye%20leak%20tests%20for%2....

That basically say either the test doesn't work or special dye is required. I've searched Bunnings for this dye online and come up with nothing.

Anyone more knowledgeable able to advise me?

Community manager's note: Check out How to fix a leaking toilet for expert advice. 

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @rosharch

It's fantastic that you've received excellent advice from my colleague @MitchellMc. As he has mentioned in his recommendation, if the water stops leaking into the pan when the inlet is turned off, it is an inlet valve failure. His suggestion of changing the inlet valve seal is spot on. However, if the water continues to leak even with the inlet valve off it is the flush valve seating washer that needs to be replaced.

In this instance, there is the possibility of debris being stuck inside the inlet valve. I suggest taking it apart and inspecting the seating area of the valve. Once you've ruled that possibility out, I suggest testing the system again and seeing if you continue to have a leak. Once you've eliminated that as the cause of failure the only other washer to replace is the flushing valve.  

Here is a handy link for Fluidmaster: How to remove the cap of Fluidmaster. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[rosharch]

Thanks again for the links. I flushed the inlet valve and checked fir debris and it seems fine. I've now purchased a replacement valve seal from my local Bunnings and I'll install today and update you

But...more problems have occurred. In mucking around with the inlet valve, the cistern moved and I'm now getting a slow leak from the bottom of the cistern, running down the pipe that connects it to the bowl. Are you able to advise on how I can solve this one too please?

Pics attached

  

[EricL]

Hi @rosharch,

It appears that there has been an issue in the past with a leak at that location as someone has applied Teflon tape to the area. They've likely done this to try and stem a leak, as no Teflon tape is needed for that connection. In order to repair that junction, I suggest using a Kinetic 50mm Flush Pipe Ring. I suspect that the original pipe ring has deteriorated and instead of replacing it they just used Teflon tape which is a stop-gap measure. Putting in a new pipe ring will seal the join completely without the need for Teflon tape.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[rosharch]

Hi Eric,

I just bought the ring, but taking it apart I'm unsure it will fit? The Bunnings ring seems much smaller and thinner without the attachable end?

What do you think?

 

[EricL]

Hello @rosharch

My sincerest apologies, I was under the impression that your toilet being a Caroma uses standard fittings, but it seems you have a much older version installed. The part you are after is called the "Caroma Flushpipe Reducing Rubber 50mm X 40mm". It has a very specific look and is not your usual-looking flush pipe ring. In the meantime, I suggest re-assembling the unit so that you can use the toilet. If you wish, you can add more plumber's tape to stave off the leak. This part will need to be ordered at the special orders desk. I've placed a few images below to help the team at the desk order it for you.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

The first photo is of the top of the ring and the second is of the bottom of the ring. 

[rosharch]

Not a problem, Eric...seems to be a real trial and error process. I didn't open the other ring, so that can easily be returned.

I'll order this new version tomorrow.

In the meantime I'll try installing the new flush valve washer to see if that stops flow into the bowl

[EricL]

Hi @rosharch

Please keep us in the loop, we look forward to hearing the results of your repair work on the flush valve.

Eric

[rosharch]

Hi again @EricL 

Inlet valve seal didn't work but a new flush valve washer did. Was a bit worried since it seemed really tight and didn't sit flat, curling up due to tightness..but it's stopped the leak!

Thank you so much to you and @MitchellMc and others for the patience of talking me through this. Very much appreciated

Now I'm waiting on the special orders desk to get back to me about the Flushpipe ring. They couldn't order it without the item number but said they'd follow up with the supplier. That was 3 days ago now

[Remarka6le]

Glad you're making progress on this @rosharch and I hope you hear back from the special orders desk soon. This thread has been a great learning experience. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rosharch,

I apologise that you haven't heard back from your local store's Special Orders team yet. I've looked into this for you, and the product number of that spare part is 220212 and is available through Caroma. 

I'll contact you via private message for some additional details and will speak with our in-store to make sure this order is processed.

Mitchell