Hi all. I noticed today that some stains have appeared on my downstairs hall ceiling, just beneath the en-suite - there is a large sort of brownish or rust-coloured patch just about where the shower tray is and then a much paler patch over to the right, roughly below where the toilet pan sits. Upon going to investigate, I found a trickle of water from the inlet, which has presumably been running down the pipe, into the floor cavity and through the plasterwork. Although why it's such a dark sort of rust colour I don't know - can only imagine it's been stained by whatever grime is sat above the plaster.
As to why the larger, darker patch is well to the left of the toilet (and beneath the shower), I am hoping that it has simply been running that way because the surface isn't perfectly flat (a spirit level on the ceiling would appear to confirm that) - rather than it being down to a second problem around the area of the shower. I'm fairly sure both stains have appeared quite recently, although it's not like we look up at the ceiling all the time so it's hard to be sure.
Anyway, I've isolated the inlet supply and drained the cistern, and I presume the rubber seal/gasket where the fill valve is seated has just worn (doesn't look in great nick) so is letting water through from there. I've loosened off the plastic collar beneath the fill valve but the metal nut on the pipework is a bit more of a challenge - it's very awkward to access as there isn't much clearance, but I will have a go tomorrow and see if I can get the valve unit out to inspect it properly.
What I'm wondering is (and forgive me if it's a daft question) whether I could potentially get a replacement gasket once I've got the measurements or whether this is one of those situations where it's as well to replace the whole fill valve. Seems a shame if it's working fine otherwise, to chuck the whole thing and shell out for a new one just for the sake of a bit of rubber, but I don't know what the normal lifespan is on the rest of the unit (and it's been in there maybe 10 years or so).
It's a Roca valve - I don't have the exact model number, but the WC is a Roca Laura model.
I had a similar problem with my Ideal Standard cistern downstairs when the seal failed and caused a trickle into the bowl - I mentioned it to the plumber doing my boiler service and he reckoned I'd need to replace the valve, but in the end I found the seal and clip for about £4 and (touch wood) it's been going strong ever since, so I'm wary of replacing stuff unnecessarily.
Any wisdom welcome from the watery wise.
As to why the larger, darker patch is well to the left of the toilet (and beneath the shower), I am hoping that it has simply been running that way because the surface isn't perfectly flat (a spirit level on the ceiling would appear to confirm that) - rather than it being down to a second problem around the area of the shower. I'm fairly sure both stains have appeared quite recently, although it's not like we look up at the ceiling all the time so it's hard to be sure.
Anyway, I've isolated the inlet supply and drained the cistern, and I presume the rubber seal/gasket where the fill valve is seated has just worn (doesn't look in great nick) so is letting water through from there. I've loosened off the plastic collar beneath the fill valve but the metal nut on the pipework is a bit more of a challenge - it's very awkward to access as there isn't much clearance, but I will have a go tomorrow and see if I can get the valve unit out to inspect it properly.
What I'm wondering is (and forgive me if it's a daft question) whether I could potentially get a replacement gasket once I've got the measurements or whether this is one of those situations where it's as well to replace the whole fill valve. Seems a shame if it's working fine otherwise, to chuck the whole thing and shell out for a new one just for the sake of a bit of rubber, but I don't know what the normal lifespan is on the rest of the unit (and it's been in there maybe 10 years or so).
It's a Roca valve - I don't have the exact model number, but the WC is a Roca Laura model.
I had a similar problem with my Ideal Standard cistern downstairs when the seal failed and caused a trickle into the bowl - I mentioned it to the plumber doing my boiler service and he reckoned I'd need to replace the valve, but in the end I found the seal and clip for about £4 and (touch wood) it's been going strong ever since, so I'm wary of replacing stuff unnecessarily.
Any wisdom welcome from the watery wise.
