Plumbing: how to replace the washer on a flush valve letting by into WC pan

A quick plumbing how to video, on what to do if your cistern is letting water into the pan.
This is for an Ideal Standard/Armitage Shanks flush valve, and shows how to replace the washer and clip (part number: SV01967), in the cistern.
Remember to hit like, and subscribe, for more videos soon.

[@Potts1966]

What a useful video! I have exactly the same cistern setup, after getting a water bill about £150 higher than normal I looked at the toilet and saw it was letting a small, steady stream of water down that was unnoticeable without looking closely. I was thinking I'd have to replace the whole unit and I was unsure how to disassemble it all to replace it. A quick KZbin search and your video popped up showing me exactly how to disassemble it, what to look for and the part number I'd need for a replacement. A quick Amazon search later and I have the part ordered for next day delivery for about £4. Brilliant, thank you, really grateful.

[@plumbingwerx]

That's excellent news - glad to hear I could help, and thank you for the positive feedback. Stay safe!

[@robertwalsh1436]

Thanks for the video, took me literally 5 mins to change and saved me what I thought would be a call out!

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Robert. Happy to have been able to help, and glad to hear it was useful. Thanks for the positive comment, too. Have a great one!

[@hugomcclean8483]

Excellent, instructive video from a good artisan and teachet

[@plumbingwerx]

Hahaha! I'll give you that tenner next time I see you! Seriously, though; thank you very much - that's very kind of you to say so.

[@freehansa]

Very informative and clear instructions. Replicated it and it worked like a treat. All sorted in £4, all because of your invaluable advice. Thank you.

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello, and thanks for the lovely comment. Glad I could be of help.

[@mohammadhussain725]

pull your plonka

[@m1LL9981]

Spot on, just what i needed to fix mine. Thanks. got mine off amazon also by using the part number.

[@plumbingwerx]

Thanks for the positive comment, and glad to hear it was helpful. Have a great weekend!

[@johnregan7227]

Perfectly explained and really helpful. Would highly recommend!

[@plumbingwerx]

Much appreciated, John. Glad to be of help.

[@paulhowell]

Thanks for providing the part number, very useful

[@plumbingwerx]

Happy to help.

[@CandoverGreen]

Great simple and clear explanation - thanks.

[@plumbingwerx]

That's very kind of you to say. Glad I could help.

[@tonytate391]

Thank you so much, you are a complete star! Most appreciated!!!

[@plumbingwerx]

Thank you, Tony. Happy to be of help.

[@stevelondon3511]

The bits you skip over are the most important/tricky parts of the job lol. Still good tho 😂

[@plumbingwerx]

In my mind I was skipping them because they were the easiest bits! Some of the parts sometimes get a little stiff, so it's literally just a case of pulling them off firmly. You'll be fine. :)

[@jen_d1044]

The one bit i need is how to get the retaining clip off!!

[@tom69821]

I’ve just replaced this seal on our toilet and it kept dripping after i changed it. I took the seal out to check for debris and dirt and everything looked clean, gave it a wash under the tap just in case, and then after two or three times of trying i replaced the seal again but as i pushed the washer in it clicked into place which i hadn’t felt the last few times and now it’s fine, so maybe it was that the clip wasn’t in right the first few times. Thanks for the video, looking forward to the water bill reducing now!!

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Tom. Glad to have been of service, and happy to hear that everything worked out well in the end. Thanks, and all the best!

[@karenowen1420]

You are a godsend. Nice and easy video. Toilet is fixed. I now need to change the taps on the kitchen sink, any video for that?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Karen. That's very kind of you to say so, and glad I could help. There isn't a video for that specifically, but that's a great idea, and I'll see if I can't get one added within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime you can view one of my other videos for replacing a bath tap - the process is pretty much the same each time, but you just transfer the skills from under a bath, to under a sink. Thanks

[@t5698]

great vid mate cheers saved me a few punters!

[@plumbingwerx]

Happy to help, pal!

[@jimgalbraith100]

Thanks! Concise, accurate--tip-top advice

[@plumbingwerx]

Thanks for the appreciation, Jim. Glad I could help. :)

[@jimgalbraith100]

@@plumbingwerx Getting the stuff @ B&Q tomorrow. Thanks again

[@castelnedd]

Brilliant video thanks 😊 👍

[@plumbingwerx]

Happy to help, if I can.

[@RainyDane]

Thanks! Easy work.

[@plumbingwerx]

Glad I could help. :)

[@MrGiddles]

Thanks for sharing

[@spadesAspade4]

Thank you.

[@lpenn]

Awesome looks just like my issue. Changing them in all three toilets as we live in hard water area and the seal looks minging AF

[@plumbingwerx]

Glad to be of help, buddy!

[@PAT2525251]

Thank you jobs a gud'n very helpful.

[@plumbingwerx]

Happy I could help.

[@user-by7ij8ty4w]

My partner is bloody useless so this has helped me massively! 😂 thank you

[@plumbingwerx]

Aww, well I'm sure they try hard, so give them some credit for that, at least. Happy to help!

[@freekuki]

thanks mate

[@kakilander3238]

Thanks for the video, helped me out alot! Sometimes I wish school teaches us these basic household skills rather than some subject that I've never touched since then.

[@plumbingwerx]

Thanks for the feedback. You and me both! Things like this should be touched on in school, in my opinion - there are many jobs that I turn up to that can be easily resolved with some basic knowledge. Thanks

[@PulpHouseHorror]

You fast forwarded the bit I’m trying to figure out 💀

[@plumbingwerx]

The clip essentially just "pops" out. There's not much to it, and worst case scenario if you break it, you can buy a replacement. Best of luck!

[@muzza_r]

Great - thank you! Please could you update to clarify how to get the retaining plastic clip out at 2:20-2:23? I've found your answer in the replies below but it would be even better as a note in the video - thanks!

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello RJM. No plastic clip at those times, so can only assume you mean from the 1:20 mark. It literally is as simple as you see - get a pair of grips, hold onto the clip, and pull/wiggle it out. It'll feel a bit stiff, as it's a clip that's supposed to be held in place, so won't want to come out easy. Thanks

[@pianoismyforte8544]

Thank you for the clear instructions. We had exactly this issue. The diaphragm washer wasn't perished but I replaced it anyway. The drip, drip, drip into the pan is still there though. Is it a case now of replacing the whole flush system?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello. So, if it's still dripping into the pan it may be that there's a small bit of dirt/debris stuck on the inside of the flush valve itself; the part that stayed inside the cistern, when you removed the other section. Try popping it out first, and then giving everything a good clean, then placing it back again.

[@3619jon]

So I replaced the seal as shown to stop a stream of water running down the back of the pan but I still get a very very small dribble. It's massively improved but was wondering if these seals are prone to "weeping" a small amount of water.

[@plumbingwerx]

They can be, like anything. It may be worth taking it out again, and checking along the inside rim of the cup/the section that stays in the cistern. Sometimes a bit of dirt/grit can get stuck there. At the same time, while it's out, you can check the state of the seal on the diaphragm washer. Thanks

[@b1h2u3p4]

Managed to change washer but didn't lock it as it hits the plastic float cold feed coming in, tested few times no leaks

[@plumbingwerx]

Hey, if it works: it works! Happy days. :)

[@dusher68]

Thanks for the video, I followed your advice and changed the rubber bladder, this seems only to have slowed down my leak, I noticed in your videos that the connection at the bottom of the pan was rigid, mine however moves when i uncouple it, is this the problem and will I need to replace the whole flush mechanism?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Darren. If I understand it correctly, you just need to try tightening the backnut on the underside of the pan, the one that holds the mechanism in place. Essentially, tighten everything, just to make sure. Failing that, feel free to e-mail me some pictures/video (address on my website), and I'll try to help.

[@Snipercry7]

Hi Darren. I’ve got exactly the same problem! I’ve changed the rubber seal with a new one and still running. Maybe it’s a problem with the inlet valve instead? Trouble is, I can’t get to the underside of mine as it’s a close wall type. How did you get on? Did you manage to tighten yours and if so, did it resolve the issue? Cheers.

[@johnslater5161]

P.S. The water level in the cistern looks fine, so shouldn't be overflowing - it's a bit low if anything.

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello John. Great to hear it's all good now. If it's too low just adjust the fill level on the filling valve. Thanks

[@reflexxtr]

Great video very informative but I’ve seen a lot videos on how to replace the valve seal however what you fail to mention (as others do) is how do you determine what diameter seal you need to buy? because there are a lot different sizes and types available. So if it’s damaged it can be difficult to to determine the original dimensions any help would much appreciated cheers.

[@plumbingwerx]

Thanks for the feedback. If you know what make and model of valve you have then you just buy the seal for that one. It's not a case of one valve having multiple seals. Thanks

[@reflexxtr]

@@plumbingwerx thanks for your feedback I understand one valve doesn’t have multiple seals but how do you know what make of valve you have in the first place ie where do you find the model number etc ??

[@plumbingwerx]

@@reflexxtr Right, I understand what you mean now. They don't usually have the model number written on them. Or ever, actually. But the one good thing is that manufacturers have decided to make them all look different to one another. Your best bet is to isolate the supply to the cistern, remove the existing valve, take it to your local plumbing shop, and ask them to help. That's about the best advice I can give you over this, I'm afraid. Thanks,

[@freedomforever4082]

Thx

[@plumbingwerx]

Happy to help.

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

is it literally just the seal shrinking in size over use making it leak since the replacements look a lot wider

[@plumbingwerx]

Could be. Usually it's a bit of muck that gets in there and stops it sealing correctly.

[@johnslater5161]

Brilliant video - many thanks. I've just changed an Ideal pneumatic dual flush valve. Flushing is working fine, but the water still runs into the toilet bowl while the cistern is filling, gradually slows, but never stops entirely. Looking at the valve washer, I don't understand how it's supposed to shut the water off - it seems so flimsy and doesn't sit on the plastic seal face with anything like a water-tight seal [IMHO]. I'm confused! Any help would be welcome.

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello John. If you've replaced the filling valve, and there's still water going into the bowl it'll be your flush valve that's letting by. Replace it, and everything will be back to normal. Thanks

[@johnslater5161]

@@plumbingwerx Hi Ivo. Many thanks for your swift response - very impressive for a no doubt busy plumber! Unfortunately, you misunderstood my possibly clumsy explanation. Yesterday, I installed a new flush valve (see above) in its entirety as one of the two clips was broken on the old one (I didn't know this until I tried just to install the top half), neither flush worked properly and water leaked into the toilet bowl. Now I've just got the water leaking into the bowl problem, so some progress! In essence, I can't how such a flimsy outlet valve washer with seemingly no pressure behind it could possibly provide a water tight seal against a ridged plastic seat in the bottom half of the unit. So my question really boils down to: How is the valve supposed to work, given that it doesn't seem to at the moment? Also, once the flush is operated, why does water still flow into the bowl while the cistern is filling - clearly quite a waste. Unless I've got one with a spring missing (or similar), my suspicion is that there is a design flaw with this valve. Hope you can help. Best regards.

[@plumbingwerx]

@@johnslater5161 Happy to help, if I can. If you've flushed, and there is still water going into the pan it's because the flush valve/washer is faulty, or could have some dirt on it. The water tight seal doesn't need to be particularly strong, as it isn't under a lot of pressure. It usually just sits in there, held down by the weight of the water. However, if it's still letting water come through, something is wrong. Maybe try taking it out, and giving it a good clean, checking for any imperfections, and also cleaning the "cup" that it sits into. There's only so much I can do via this format, so the best thing to do in this instance may just be to call a plumber, and have them look at (and fix) the problem for you. Sorry, pal.

[@johnslater5161]

@@plumbingwerx Ivo... You are a scholar and a gentleman! I really appreciate your taking the time to reply to my queries. I did as you suggested, but there wasn't any debris. I did notice that one of the clips on the bottom half of the fitting doesn't hold the top half as securely as the other one - i.e. the top half rocks slightly when in situ. However, I'm hoping that the weight alone of the top half is sufficient to provide the seal required - I could be wrong! IMHO, the valve unit is poorly designed and manufactured to a price - approaching £40 doesn't represent good value. If I'd bought a plastic toy of with a similar level of construction, I would have been aggrieved if it cost more that £15. Update: After further investigation, I've discovered that the inlet valve was also leaking. I've removed and cleaned it and was hoping to get a like for like replacement, but the model (Ideal Standard SV04667, bottom fill with screw thread) has been replaced by a side fill push fit (SV80367). I don't want to completely remodel the installation and I don't think there is enough room for it anyway, so I'm going to get a replacement diaphragm (hopefully locally) and trust that it cures the inlet problem. I'm going to remove the outlet valve again as well, completely re-seat it and see if doing all the above cures the original problem. Query: The outlet kit contained a loose rubber washer which doesn't feature on the diagram provided. I'm presuming that it can be used to provide an extra seal against the cistern base, which seems of have a washer fixed in place anyway. Is this correct? I didn't use it (there wasn't one on the one I removed) and the joint is leaking slightly, so I'll probably try to fit it this time around. Best regards... John

[@plumbingwerx]

@@johnslater5161 Always happy to help, if I can. It sounds like you're doing everything right. If it's still not quite getting there then I suggest it may just be time to call in a Plumber. Being a Plumber myself I know (from customers telling me) how hard it is to find a good one. Be assured that they exist in your part of the country, too. There's only so much detail we can go into before this becomes a "forum" for plumbing issues. Best of luck, and hope all goes well. Thanks, Ivo @ Plumbingwerx

[@evildead2002]

Hello mate just wondered, I’ve got water dripping through to the basin and it flushing by itself about every 10 seconds. So I’ve turned it off, cleaned up the rubber and it’s still doing it. Any ideas what I can do to try and help whilst we’re waiting on a plumber? Thank you!

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello. If it's flushing by itself it sounds like you have a self-flushing valve, which isn't what this one is. If you've already got a plumber on the way the best thing to do is just avoid using it (if you can, I know it's not always possible), and turn the water off to avoid water waste. Best of luck!

[@deadpool3099]

good video,but what to don if it still leaks into the pan after the washer is replaced?

[@plumbingwerx]

Check for any dirt or debris around the rim, where the washer sits. Also, check that the new washer is actually in a good condition. Failing that, call a professional - there's only so much you can do yourself before calling someone who knows exactly what else to look for.

[@nicholascharles3767]

Hello lvo I got the same cistern set up ,change the flush valve seal , what the seal fits on I took it off to fit the seal now can't get it back in , don't realise I don't have to take it off to fit the seal can you help please thanks in advance

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Nicholas. Not sure if you still need a reply, but this isn't the best way to get a quick response from me. In future, if you look up Plumbingwerx, you'll see my website and contact details. The same way you took it out, is the way you put it back in, but in reverse. You'll have to line it up correctly, and then twist to lock it into place. Hope all's well, and that you managed to get it fitted correctly once again.

[@yerwol]

I used this video a year ago to replace the seal on one of my toilets at home and it was very useful. However I've come to replace a seal on another toilet, but the way the flush valve is fitted, I can't turn it anticlockwise to take it out of the "cage" it clips into, as the body of it is already pressed up against the back of the cistern, so it can't be rotated further. Have you seen this before? Is there anything I can do to fix this?

[@NathanJ281]

Could try reaching down and rotating the cage clockwise?

[@yerwol]

@@NathanJ281 will the cage rotate just with a bit of pressure? I always thought those were pretty tightly screwed into the cistern from both sides so wouldn't rotate nicely. I can give it a try though!

[@Stan_144]

Where can I buy the whole flush valve like the one on video ? My problem is the plastic at the top (where you press) broke ..

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Stan. Any plumbing merchant should be able to supply you with one. My one of choice is City Plumbing, and they have branches nation wide. Thanks, and best of luck.

[@cma746]

Hi. Done everything you said in the video & after about 10 minutes water started running down the back of the bowl again. Any other advice you can give to stop it? Thanks.

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello. If you've done everything in the video, and water is still getting through, I would recommend getting in a professional. Can't fix it for you remotely, I'm afraid. Best of luck!

[@cma746]

Ok, will do. Thank u for your reply, appreciate it. 👍🏻😍

[@plumbingwerx]

@@cma746, no problem at all. Always happy to help, and wish I could do more, but some things just have to be done in person.

[@MatW1234]

I’ve done this on three toilets at once, two perfect now. The third is now worse somehow? Any thoughts on why that might be? I have cleared any debris out I think but not made a difference.

[@plumbingwerx]

Hard to say what the issue might be without seeing it in person. There are a few reasons why this may happen: 1/ There's still some dirt/debris in there which has "cemented" itself in, and isn't being removed. 2/ There's some kind of deformity/irregularity in the moulding that's revealing itself. 3/ The new washer has some kind of deformity/irregularity in it, which is preventing it from sealing correctly. 4/ The mechanism itself is faulty, and not allowing the washer to drop fully, and create a seal. Like I said, it's hard to know exactly what the issue is without seeing it in person, so if you've had to luck with just replacing the washer I would say to replace the removable section of the flush valve itself, and seeing how you go. Thanks,

[@MatW1234]

@@plumbingwerx Thanks for the advise. I do not see any obvious issues in the cistern or the seal. Equally the mechanism seems OK too. I guess I will try switching the mechanism with one of the other toilets to see if that works next.

[@plumbingwerx]

@@MatW1234, sounds like a good plan. Process of elimination, and all that jazz.

[@BillyBufter]

I'm hoping you can help me with another issue. My toilet will not flush.. No pressure from the push buttons. Any ideas?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Billy. I'd need to know what kind of push button flush valve you have; there are few different ones, and each type has to be treated differently. There's no "one size fits all", I'm afraid. Simplest thing, just get the exact same one again, and replace it yourself. Failing that, get a plumber to come out and have a look at it for you. Can't imagine it would cost you more than £80, inclusive of parts. Thanks, Ivo @ Plumbingwerx

[@adamspeight5256]

I changed my washer after switching valve off, now water won't cone back on when turning valve

[@plumbingwerx]

I'm sure you've figured this out already, but there's something wrong with the valve. Are you able to replace it?

[@Daisy78601]

Thanks for the video. You saved me calling a plumber who could easily charge me around £50

[@plumbingwerx]

£50 is actually quite a normal, and reasonable rate for the this kind of work. You're welcome, though.

[@stang266]

Replaced the Seal, but it still continues to leak? any ideas for troubleshooting?

[@plumbingwerx]

Try removing the valve from the internal "cup", and see if there's any dirt/debris stuck on the inside. That's usually what it is. It's possible it's a dodgy seal, but hard to diagnose any more than that, I'm afraid.

[@mohammadhussain725]

It’s the black hook that goes over the barrel of the filling part you can see it in the internal guts of it

[@robhodgson6927]

What is the part number for this please? I have the same flush valve

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Rob. No idea off the top of my head. Am sure you could find it easily enough with a quick search, or visit to your local plumber's merchant. Best of luck

[@MS-Patriot2]

Why speed up the hardest bit at 1:20? I can’t fathom out how to release the washer!?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Mike. It was a completely personal move, just because I don't like you. Seriously though... I just sped it up because it kind of "dragged" the video out. To get the washer out, just do what I did: get some grips, and pull/jiggle it out. It's clipped in there pretty firmly, so don't be overly gentle with it. Most suppliers will also provide you with the plastic clip, as well as the rubber washer. That way, if you break it, it's not a bit deal. Best of luck!

[@MS-Patriot2]

Ivo at Plumbingwerx Haha! Thanks for the deserved abuse... yeah I was being a fairy and didn’t want to chew anything up. Bog now sorted. Cheers!

[@plumbingwerx]

@@MS-Patriot2 Happy to help, Mike. :)

[@sebastianomandala7936]

I changed the diaphragm but still leaking what else can it be ?

[@plumbingwerx]

Hello Sebastiano. When you say "leaking", can you be more specific? If the water is still going through into the pan, it's possible the diaphragm isn't seating correctly, or that there's a bit of dirt still stuck there, which is causing it to not create a proper seal. Without seeing it in person, I'm a little limited in how much I can actually help. Thanks, and best of luck.

[@sebastianomandala7936]

@@plumbingwerx thank you very much for the reply! I wonder if changing the whole unit would help as otherwise I tried everything.

[@plumbingwerx]

@@sebastianomandala7936 if you've tried everything else, and it hasn't worked, then I'm afraid that may be the only option you have left. Thanks

[@mohammadhussain725]

there is a black hook that sits over the main barrel of the filling part, when you smack down the button violently it does dislodge

[@yokohamatomohawk1840]

Great except for the really difficult bit of taking off the locking nut is sped up and with no explanation.

[@plumbingwerx]

That's a fair comment. The locking nut is just clipped into place, and is pulled/wiggled out (use a pair of grips, as it makes it easier) until it pops off. There's honestly not much to it, and it's not difficult after you've done it once. If it was difficult then it's likely the part had partially seized up on your one, which I'm sorry to hear about. Hope everything else went well for you, at least.

[@yokohamatomohawk1840]

@@plumbingwerx I was worried I was going to break something as I prised it off. But you're right, it wasn't too difficult. Really useful video. Cheers.

[@plumbingwerx]

@@yokohamatomohawk1840 , always happy to help, and glad to hear all was well in the end.

[@chiluu4185]

Thank you.

[@plumbingwerx]

You're very welcome. Glad to be of help.