Your toilet keeps running after every flush and you can hear water refilling when it shouldn’t.
You hear a constant hiss or trickle after flushing. The cistern refills again and again.
Is this your problem?
What to do
- Lift the cistern lid and watch the water level.
- If water is going into the overflow pipe, the fill valve is set too high.
- On most UK toilets, turn the small adjustment screw or slider on the fill valve to lower the water level.
- Flush once and check. The water should stop about 25mm below the overflow.
Safe DIY. If the valve won’t adjust or keeps slipping, replace the fill valve.
The toilet runs silently but stops when you press down on the flush button.
Is this your problem?
What to do
- Remove the cistern lid carefully (dual-flush lids usually lift straight up).
- Check the flush button rods. They’re often too long.
- Twist or shorten the rods slightly so they’re not holding the valve open.
- Refit the lid and test.
Safe DIY. No tools needed.
Water keeps running even though the water level looks normal.
Is this your problem?
What to do
- The flush valve seal (rubber washer at the bottom) is likely worn or warped.
- Turn off the isolation valve (small screw valve on the pipe).
- Flush to empty the cistern.
- Twist and lift out the flush valve, replace the rubber seal, refit, and turn water back on.
DIY if you’re confident. Stop and call a plumber if the valve won’t reseat properly.
The toilet runs only occasionally, usually overnight or after hours of no use.
Is this your problem?
What to do
- This is often a slow leak past a tired flush seal.
- Put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern.
- Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
- If colour appears in the bowl, the seal is leaking and needs replacing.
Common in UK homes with older close-coupled toilets.
Is it safe to fix this yourself in the UK?
Yes, most running-toilet issues are simple and safe DIY jobs.
Turn off the isolation valve before touching internal parts.
Stop and call a plumber if the cistern is cracked, parts don’t fit back properly, or water won’t shut off fully.
Fix if Your toilet tank filling slowly .
UK Cost to Fix Toilet Running After Flush
If your toilet keeps running after flushing, the usual UK repair cost is:
£40 – £150 (most common fixes)
Common Causes & Costs:
- Adjusting float valve: £0–£50
- Replacing fill valve: £40–£90
- New flush valve or seal: £60–£120
- Full cistern repair kit: £80–£150
Quick Tip:
Lift the cistern lid and gently move the float — if the water stops, the valve just needs adjustment, not replacement.