Taps and toilets · Sort out today

My toilet keeps running after I flush. What should I do?

General guidance for homes in Singapore. In a condo or other strata building, common property is for the management office; in an HDB flat, your Town Council.

A cistern that keeps filling is usually a worn or stuck part inside the tank, and it wastes water while it runs. Close the small valve on the pipe feeding the toilet between uses until it is fixed.

Check first

  • Lift the cistern lid and see whether water is overflowing into the pipe in the middle, or trickling into the bowl.
  • Check whether the flush button springs back fully after you press it.
  • Look for water on the floor around the base or under the cistern.

What you can try

  • Press the flush button again firmly and let it return on its own. A button that sticks down keeps the valve open.
  • Look at the float (a ball or cup that rises with the water). If it is caught on the side of the tank, free it gently by hand.
  • Between uses, turn the angle valve on the supply pipe clockwise to stop the refill. Open it again to flush.
  • Replace nothing you are unsure of. Take a photo of the inside of the cistern for whoever repairs it.

When to stop and get help

  • Water is leaking onto the floor, not just into the bowl.
  • The angle valve will not turn, or it drips when you touch it.
  • The cistern or its pipe is cracked.

Who to contact

  • Management office — Only if water is reaching a common area or the unit below.
  • Your landlord or agent — If you rent. Tell them before booking any repair, and check your tenancy agreement for who arranges it.

Find your building's management office

Every building in the estate.sg directory lists its management office's number and address.

When to hire someone

If the running does not stop after the checks above, or you would rather not open the cistern. A worn flush valve or inlet valve is a common, small job.

Ask before you book:

  • What is the total price, including call-out, parts and any after-hours charge?
  • Will you replace the part, or the whole flushing mechanism, and why?
  • If the work goes beyond the flushing mechanism, such as the supply pipe or valve, are you a PUB Licensed Plumber?

Prefer someone to handle it?

Ask about the call-out fee, full price and availability before booking. You can use the steps above without hiring anyone.