Frustrated wrote:

noise when flushed so he took out the old style plastic float ball
valve and installed a fluid master. This caused banging in the pipes

Good move...

(reduced the flow with the stop cock to reduce this) and after he'd
left there was a leak from the toilet cistern! This didn't fill me with
confidence so I hired another plumber.The second plumber installed a
Torbeck valve but without the high pressure flow restrictor. I still

Much the same sort of thing...

need the flow turned down too low otherwise at the end of the flush
cycle not only do I get water hammer it also leaks slightly from the
stop cock. Even with the flow restricted I still have to hold the arm
of the Torbeck valve down at the end of the flush cycle to prevent
water hammer. HELP !!!

Sounds like the problem is your pipework rather than your valve.

1)I suspect that the water pressure maybe high (but I'm not sure). Do I
need to find out if this is the case before hiring a fresh plumber so I
can advise him about this so he can put the right valve in the cistern.

Nope. High water pressure is typically considered a "good thing". All
the valves you find for use in a toilet cistern will be able to cope
with high pressure mains. The Torbek and Fluidmaster are among the best.

2)What valve do I need ? Should I insist on the old plastic ball style
valve ? Or can anyone advise on exactly what type of valve I need ? In

If you currently have a Torbek in there, then leave it. Obviously you
need to get any leaks fixed though.

3)How do I find a reliable good plumber the first was recommended by a
local plumbers' merchants. The second was registered with the Institue
of plumbers.

Probably best to tell the second one there is a leak, and get him back
to fix that. Failing that DIY, it is a very simple job.

To cure the water hammer, it is either case of changing the pipework (or
making sure what you have is securely clipped along its length), or
fitting a shock arrester. Have a look at catalogue item 11355 he
http://www.bes.ltd.uk/products/109.asp


--
Cheers,

John.

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