Help! My Ball Valve isn’t Working!

What is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve, also sometimes known as a float valve, inlet valve or ballcock, is a component which is usually found in an older toilet cistern. The job of the ball valve is to regulate the water level inside the toilet tank. 

What Does a Ball Valve Look Like? 

A ball valve is very easy to recognise. When you lift your cistern lid, if you have a ball valve you will see a floating ball attached to a long arm, which operates the valve mechanism. 

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

The ball float part of the valve does just that, floats on the surface of the water. When the toilet is flushed, the water level in the toilet cistern tank drops, which causes the ball float to drop. This action opens the valve, and allows fresh water to flow into the empty tank.

As the tank refills, the water level rises, lifting the ball float. Once the water reaches the correct level, the valve closes, stopping the water flow. This mechanism ensures that the tank refills to the correct level without overflowing.

What Are Ball Valves Made Of?

Most ball valves are made of plastic or metal. In some older toilet cisterns you may discover a ball valve made of brass. 

My Ball Valve is Faulty. How Should I Replace it?

In most circumstances, traditional ball valves are being phased out in favor of more compact and efficient designs. Understanding how a ball valve works can help in diagnosing and fixing common toilet issues. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts can ensure the ongoing operation of your toilet with no leaks and water wastage. 

Over time, ball valves can wear, making the seal less efficient. A good start is to check that your ball float is actually floating, not partially submerged. Another problem can be a constant trickle of water into the toilet bowl, which may be accompanied by a constant filling sound. In this case, it’s likely the valve is not shutting off correctly, resulting in an overflow. If this filling noise is sporadic, you may have an issue with water loss through the flush valve, rather than your ball valve.

Replacement Parts

Replacing your faulty ball valve is a quick and easy maintenance job. Whatsmore, if you choose the right kind of replacement, you may be able to save yourself many litres of water per day, and money on your water bills if you have a water meter! 

Here are just some of our replacement options for you to consider. Of course, remember to choose the right type of valve for your toilet cistern. And, if you are unsure about how to select or install a new valve for your toilet, always contact a trusted local plumber. 

Option 1: Torbeck Side Entry Fill Valve

Our useful Torbeck side entry fill valve has a high quality brass shank compatible with 1/2″ connections, which prevents cross threading. 

It is a popular choice for smaller cisterns and incorporates a removable filter and anti-syphon design for simple maintenance and longevity. 

• 1/2″ brass shank connection
• Small footprint
• Exceptional performance, even at low pressures
• Quiet and fast refill
• Removable filter
• Air gap fill valve

Option 2: AirGap 6000 Water Saving Side Entry Fill Valve

The popular Fluidmaster Airgap 6000 is our revolutionary, next generation toilet cistern fill valve. 

This model features a delayed-fill, which offers water savings of up to 1 litre with every flush. The easy service options means that no tools are required and the spiral vortex generator ensures a smooth, quiet refill. 

• Brass shank to prevent cross threading
• Side entry
• Water saving fill valve – saving up to 1 litre with every flush
• Fits virtually all cisterns
• Airgap technology – prevents back siphonage and the need for an additional check valve.
• BREEAM compatible
• Full recyclable

Option 3: Delchem Side Inlet Valve

Our Delchem side inlet ball valve is supplied with an adjustable arm for versatility and has an anti-syphon design to prevent contamination of the water supply. It is adaptable and suitable for a toilet or storage tank.

• 9.5″ height
• Arm can be adjusted from 6 to 9″
• WRAS approved
• Anti-siphon design
• 1/2″ bottom entry connection
• Suitable for storage tank

If you have an installation query about any of our replacement cistern valves, feel free to contact our technical team.