PLUMBING INFORMATION - Why is the Overflow Pipe Dripping? - Why is there a Leak from the Overflow?

Why is the Overflow Leaking?

If water is dripping from an overflow pipe outside of the property,
there is probably a faulty float valve (also called a ball valve or ball cock).

If the dripping overflow pipe is coming out of the property just under the roof
then the leak is probably from the main cold water tank or the F & E tank in the loft.

To find out if the float valve in the main cold water tank is leaking, run the cold water
in the bathroom for a minute by opening the cold water tap at the bath or basin.
The level in the cold water tank will start to fall and the overflow pipe will stop dripping
when the water level falls below the level of the overflow pipe. When the cold water
in the bathroom is turned off, the water level in the cold water tank will start rising.
Soon it will go above the overflow level and then the overflow pipe will start dripping again.

If running the cold water in the bathroom does not stop the overflow dripping
then the leaking float valve is probably in the F & E tank.

To stop the overflow dripping you must repair or replace the faulty float valve
in the main cold water tank or the F & E tank. They are both in the loft.

If the dripping overflow pipe is coming out of the property through a wall,
then the leak is probably from a toilet cistern or a pressure relief valve.

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