Toilet Keeps Running? Fix a Brisbane Cistern in 15 Minutes
If you can hear water trickling into the bowl hours after the last flush, you have a running toilet. It's the single biggest silent waste in Brisbane homes — and usually a 15-minute fix.
1. Failing Flush Valve Seal
Lift the lid, flush, and watch the rubber seal at the bottom of the cistern. If it doesn't seat cleanly, replace the flush valve washer or the whole outlet — most brands sell drop-in kits.
2. Fill Valve Won't Shut Off
The float rides too high, so the valve never closes. Adjust the float arm or replace the fill valve — Caroma, Fowler and Stylus all use standard 15mm inlets.
3. Cracked Overflow Tube
Rare but common in cisterns over 15 years old. If water is running down the overflow visibly, replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a running loo cost me?
Around $150–$250 a year on a Brisbane bill. Fix kits are $15–$40 at Bunnings.
Can I DIY?
Yes — QBCC rules let you replace washers, seals and fill valves. New cistern install is licensed work.