warning

Almost all toilets sold today do not have an external overflow that exits via an exterior wall, instead they overflow automatically via the syphon into the pan when the water level within the cistern reaches a critical point.  It is thought that water lost in this way is brought to the users attention more quickly than it would otherwise be, thus saving this scare resource.  

Several factors can contribute to water passing the valve, dirt ingress has already mentioned, secondly a badily fitted valve where the float rubs against the wall of the cistern preventing the water from shutting off fully and perhaps the third most popular reason is cheap internal components, the guts of the system.

I had family out in October and due to the flight times I asked the keyholder to do a clean for me, but forgot to ask him to turn off the water at the main stopcock within the apartment when finished. Be assured lesson learned, once bitten.........

Hi All,

And Happy New Year to you.  Recently returned from CdA and my experience was this.  Just about to go out for a beer (unusual for me as usually have lots). As people do, went loo washed hands. Only as I was about to close the front door I realised I could still hear the sound of running water.  On investigation realised toilet flush button had jammed down, leaving toilet in permanent state of flushing.  Happened a few times that week.  But because you move away from the toilet while cistern still filling you become oblivious to the sound. Just my experience, and only sharing it to make people aware.

Frank