The water filling my older 13 litre toilet will not turn off when the tank is full. It continues to run and the overflow is wasted via the overflow tube. I have adjusted the float on the arm to both longer and shorter length, without solving the problem. Should this arm be replaced?

Helen, January 2009

Helen,

The arm moves with the float and opens or closes the inlet valve. If you pull up hard on the arm the water flow may stop or reduce to a trickle.

The rubber washers often perish inside the valve and can be replaced - as can the valve itself.

If you decide to dismantle the valve to have a look inside be sure to turn off the water supply first.

Peccavi, January 2009