Dripping overflow pipe
anon_l posted on the 17/10/2014 4:11:40 PM
The overflow pipe to what I assume is my flat has developed a constant drip. I'm guessing its mine as its the lowest one on the block of flats and I'm ground floor. I own my property but the building is owner by the GHA. Does anyone know who's responsibility it is to fix it. I'm hoping the GHA as i have no clue how to fix it! The toilet is working the way it should so I'm concerned it has something to do with the water tank which is handily tiled in!
- 13 Replies :
#1 - Malarki replied on the 18/10/2014 9:00:40 AM
Pretty sure it's your responsibility and will be the tank (which means it's a rather old system too ...). As far as I remember, tanks have a ball and valve system much like your toilet, and in the same way if that stops working properly it overflows - that might well be your problem. The way to stop it is probably to turn off the flow of water to the tank - hopefully there's an isolation valve - but that'll probably mean your without at least hot water until it's fixed. Your can also periodically empty the tank by running a tap for a bit (a waste of water and probably energy too) - that should stop the overflow for a bit. But at the end of the day you're probably going to need someone to investigate properly and sort out the sources of the problem, ie a plumber. Might also be worth ditching the old tank system and investing in a combi boiler if you can afford it and put up with a bit of disruption - ultimately will be more efficient and cheaper to run plus take up less space.
#2 - CuriousCat replied on the 18/10/2014 2:02:05 PM
Have you a factor? Do GHA factor the building? Might be worth a call to them to see if they can help out at all. Good luck
#3 - anon_l replied on the 18/10/2014 2:03:15 PM
Malarki thanks for all that info. Thats been very helpful. Unfortunately we just don't have the funds for a combi boiler. We also have electricity only, so im wondering if it would be any cheaper? We do find when we're in it doesn't drip as much and I'm guessing that's because we're running water more.
#4 - Malarki replied on the 18/10/2014 4:29:35 PM
Might be worth talking to the energy savings trust about any help that's available to replace an old heating system - google them.
#5 - anon _l replied on the 18/10/2014 6:02:58 PM
Yes it's factored by them. I'll give then a call see what they say. Malarki I don't have a heating system just storage heaters. I got them replaced recently so don't want to be ripping them out.
#6 - John replied on the 18/10/2014 9:44:36 PM
It might be something as simple as your ballcock in your toilet needs tightened. Have you checked to see if the water is overflowing from there ?
#7 - anon _l replied on the 19/10/2014 8:13:16 AM
As far as we can tell and we are obviously not experts :-) the ballcock in the toilet looks ok but come to think of it, the toilet doesn't flush great.
#8 - John replied on the 19/10/2014 3:08:39 PM
Look at the wee overflow hole at the top inside your toilet system where the ballcock is and see if any water is going away through it when your flush is full and ready . If it is this is the water coming out of the overflow. just move your ballcock down a wee bit and tighten it to stop the water reaching that level. If it's not then it must be coming from elsewhere.
#9 - Jurek replied on the 19/10/2014 10:45:14 PM
Gas is approximately half the price of electricity on per-energy-unit measure. This especially shows in the heating, shower and cooking. But the changeover does cost - I would guess, 500-1500 GBP; So the economics of it depend on how long do you want to live there and what your current expenses are. Then, gas obviously doesn't work for everything. I calculated that the saving on e.g. cooking water for my tea is just not worth the bother so I use electric kettle for that.
#10 - anon _l replied on the 19/10/2014 10:46:28 PM
John there's no hole but there is a white tube that sticks up and the level if the water is about 1 inch below this. I'm thinking it definitely is the water tank.
#11 - anon _l replied on the 20/10/2014 9:26:56 AM
Jurek, there's no gas in my building only electricity hence the reason I have storage heaters.
#12 - anon _l replied on the 20/10/2014 9:26:59 AM
Jurek, there's no gas in my building only electricity hence the reason I have storage heaters.
#13 - John replied on the 20/10/2014 6:33:19 PM
I would get the factor to check it out then as if it keeps overflowing it will damage the outside wall ...... good luck.
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