Overflow pipe leaking: why it drips & how to fix it
What is an overflow pipe?
An overflow pipe leads from a water storage tank or cistern in your home to the outside. They are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. When the water in the tank or cistern fills up too much, the excess water flows down the overflow pipe and runs outside instead of dripping into the room.
Overflow pipe leaking?
When an overflow pipe drips or fills with water, one of the most common causes is a problem with a float valve. Float valves are found in toilet cisterns, cold water tanks, and central heating storage and expansion tanks.
When the water in the tank is used up, the level drops and so does the ball and the arm. This movement turns on the cold water supply so that the tank fills up again. As the water level rises, the ball rises and turns the water supply off again when the tank is full.
The maximum water level in the tank should be about one inch below the overflow tube. If the float valve is not working properly, the cold water supply may not shut off completely, allowing the water level to continue to rise above the overflow.
Determine which water tank or cistern is overflowing
If the leaking pipe is on the ground or second floor, it is probably the overflow pipe in the bathroom that is dripping from the toilet cistern. However, if it is in the attic and protruding from the eaves, it could be coming from your cold water or central heating supply and expansion tank.
Check the float valve
If water is constantly leaking into the tank, the float valve could be stuck. Lift it to loosen it and check to see if it moves freely. If it moves without problems, check to make sure the plastic ball is not punctured and filled with water.
The overflow pipe of the toilet is leaking
The toilet overflow pipe runs from your cistern to the outside of your home. It’s made of either plastic, copper, or lead and usually runs through the wall directly behind the toilet to the outside.
If your toilet overflow pipe is leaking to the outside, it’s because the water supply to the cistern is not shut off.
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