The water in one of our toilets suddenly won't stop running. Thankfully, it's not overflowing or anything and the water level isn't rising. It's just that the water won't stop running down the back of the toilet, inside. This has happened a few times before, but when I would lightly press the flush button (like jiggling the button), it would stop. But this time, nothing seems to be able to make the water stop running. I also tried flushing it a few times but that didn't stop it either. I can't access the plumbing of the toilet because it's hidden behind a wall.

Our Hauswart appears to be Missing in Action today, too. And we're leaving for holiday on Monday morning. And my hubby is away for the next few days and is busy with conference calls all day.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get the water to stop running? I don't want to have to leave it running the whole time we're on our trip next week. I'm not about to cancel our vacation because of a toilet.

Is there an access plate on the wall near the toilet? That should get you access to the cock if that's the problem.
I've not opened one recently but I remember once that there was a valve you could close to stop the water as well.

Perhaps this would help someone to help you:
Could you post a photo of the type of toilet you have, and the type of "hidden behind a wall"?

One way or another, the plumbing of the toilet must be accessible to a plumber, for repairs. Sometimes there is a panel that needs to be slid or clicked of of position, possibly unscrewed. It may look very similar to the wall, but on closer inspection it is, in fact, removable. EDIT: Ato was faster than me!

Alternatively, sometimes the main plumbing is indeed hidden, just as you say, but access can be had through the flushing handle or bar. Sometimes that can be wiggled not just within it's usual position, but can be pushed up or to the side (the way you wouldn't usually use it) and then it will slide off or pop out. If you can achieve that, then you'd be able to manipulate the insides of the cistern, hopefully with instructions from someone here, or youtube.

Also:
Have you tried asking a neighbour, who may have the same system installed - which is likely if you live in a complex all built at the same time?

Is this of any use? I just realised that newer toilets have hidden their plumbing behind the flush button.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytfne27AM1A

that's only a solution for the camping trip though.

The problem is usually chalk. As you can't get to a water-tank like with the old ones, OP will probably need a pro to fix it. I hate those in-wall toiletflush sytems.

Thanks. I didn't even know that a toilet has a cock.



I can't seem to find an access plate or anything that looks like an access plate. I did see if I could remove the "plate" type thing that surrounds the flush buttons, but that doesn't seem to want to come off. I'll attach a photo in a minute... I have to upload it.

If it's on older type of toilet with a free-standing cistern (Spühlkasten) there is probably a cut-off valve where the water pipe comes out of the wall to feed the cistern. That can be used to cut off in an emergency but of corse you need to turn it back on when you want to refill the cistern so you can flush.

On the more modern type that are integrated into the wall you remove the panel with the flush button (typically the entire panel pushes upwards and comes off the wall in one piece) and there is a valve there that you can turn on or off with a screwdriver. It should be fairly self explanatory once the panel is off.

They make it look so nicely accessible while it isn't. The space you can put your hand through is tiny and you can't see what you're doing! Plummers apparently practice with every new style to do it blindly.

There are lots of youtube vids. Here's one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS-SLQ2vbOo

… and a robin(ette)

Thanks. I wasn't able to access the video for some reason (it keeps saying that an error occurred. This just isn't my day!). But I'll see if I can find some other similar videos.

This is a photo of my toilet. lol.



I'll try again to see if I can get that flush button panel off.

Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions here!

Oh, those awful in-wall installations. No wonder the family Geberit has one of the most gorgeous old villas on our street...

I have a feeling that Spinal might be the go to person for all things plumbing. Maybe send a message?

Apologies if I'm wrong.

Thank you so much for this. I wasn't able to easily get the button panel off, so the next option will be to try to pry it off using a butter knife or something and then see if I can find the valve that you mentioned, to turn it off. I'll wait a while first, though, to see if the Hauswart calls me back, because I don't want to accidentally break that button panel while trying to remove it.

good video although it's 10.19 long to show a 5 minute fix.

The blue of the guys eyes was worth watching it.

Pancakes, I've never seen one mounted horizontally, but the ones on the wall are held on either by a spring that goes all the way around the plate, or 2 flexible pieces you have to press. You take 2 blade screwdrivers and press each end of the spring until you can lift the button-panel off. It will probably take 2 people.

Keep us posted.


How long ago did you contact the Hauswart?


Is there someone with a spare key you'd trust entering your home when you're not there, in case any repairs need to be done whilst you're away?

Never ever saw this version on the top. I suspect that is better as you can look down into it while fiddling with those cheapish plastic bits.

Thanks. When I fiddle with it again, I'll see if I can get it to pop off by trying something like that.

It was a few hours ago that I tried to contact him. Well, actually, it was the new "hauswart service" that we have. Basically, we're not allowed or supposed to contact the Hauswart directly anymore. There is now a service that we first have to contact. It's really stupid, and especially in emergency situations. We also have a new Hauswart that is not nearly as good or reliable as the old guy was (who recently retired).

But yeah, I'd be perfectly fine with that if they needed to come in while we're gone. I just hope they call me back before the weekend starts and their office is closed!

Click the link below his video rather than on the video itself, it will bring you to it in youtube directly.