Stairs.  Entry group.  Materials.  Doors.  Locks.  Design

Stairs. Entry group. Materials. Doors. Locks. Design

» How a toilet cistern works: design and principles of operation of the device. Toilet flush system. Design and adjustment of the toilet cistern flush mechanism Diagram of the toilet flush mechanism with a button

How a toilet cistern works: design and principles of operation of the device. Toilet flush system. Design and adjustment of the toilet cistern flush mechanism Diagram of the toilet flush mechanism with a button

The toilet is the main element of the toilet in an apartment or country house, which ensures the administration of natural needs. Regardless of the model of the plumbing fixture, the quality of its operation is directly affected by the flush mechanism for the toilet.

general information

In the process of arranging a bathroom, the modern user is faced with the problem of a huge range of models of plumbing fixtures. We have to take into account the material of their manufacture, design style, size, etc. It is important to understand that external beauty is not always supported by functional reliability. Therefore, the quality of such a part as a toilet siphon cannot be overestimated.


Despite the wide design variety of hygienic devices, the principle of draining water inside them is almost identical. This greatly facilitates the maintenance and repair of the toilet filling. Problems with the water supply usually indicate problems with the drainage mechanism. It should be kept in mind that it is this unit of the plumbing fixture that breaks down most often. Therefore, when choosing a toilet, it is important to pay attention to its quality and durability.

Types of drain mechanisms

A tank for draining water is included in the design of any toilet bowl, and is a container with 2-3 technological holes. Through them, water enters the tank or drains from it. The top of the container is closed with a lid, which increases the decorative effect of the entire device. The operating process of the flush mechanism for a toilet cistern with a button is no different great complexity. At the first stage, water enters the container and remains there until the button on the tank is pressed. This occurs mainly through the application of mechanical force, after which a certain volume of water is poured into the bowl. Its flow washes away sewage, removing it into the sewer pipe.


Classification of waste cisterns by type of material:

  • Ceramic (faience). They are reliable and cheap. Classic budget options that are most common in homes.
  • Metal. While they are inferior to the ceramic version in terms of decorativeness, they are superior to it in terms of strength and durability.
  • Plastic (polyethylene). The main advantage of plastic waste tanks is their light weight and easy installation.

Depending on the mounting method and location point, drain tanks are divided into 2 groups:

  1. Low-lying. Placed directly on the toilet bowl.
  2. High-lying. Attached to the back wall or inside an installation niche. High-mounted containers are included in the design of separate toilets. Products of this type are special in that their tank and bowl are separated. Used to connect two parts a drain pipe, along which the water moves. The power of water supply for drainage depends on the height of the storage tank. Read also: "Shut-off valves for the toilet - selection and rules for replacing the valves of the cistern for flushing water in the toilet."

In terms of aesthetics, separate modifications are inferior to combined models, because a container hanging separately does not look very nice. However, if a toilet is being installed, then it is recommended to purchase such designs for installation. In most standard situations cistern placed on the edge of the toilet bowl. Such devices have a more compact and aesthetic appearance.

Methods of water supply to toilets

The push button toilet flush system includes the following parts:

  • Float valve (gate valve).
  • Float (usually made of plastic).
  • Levers.

Water enters the container through a side hole in the housing. It can be on the right, left or bottom. If the supply is from the right or left, the float is installed at the end of the horizontal lever: this element is connected to the valve ball valve. When the hole for filling the tank is located at the bottom, the float is attached to a vertical rod. This device is placed inside the supply pipe.


The algorithm for the functioning of the drain tank with water does not contain any difficulties. After the water is drained and the container is empty, the float, along with the water level, will sink to the bottom. Its downward movement provokes activation of the valve on the water supply, which ensures the filling of the storage tank. When water begins to flow again, along with an increase in its level, the float begins to move in the opposite direction. Once the highest point is reached, the water supply will be stopped.

What are the drainage mechanisms?

All you need to do to flush the toilet after visiting the toilet is to press the button on the tank. Then the whole mechanism works independently: the water drain valve opens via the drain valve. After this, the contents of the tank flow into the bowl, washing away all feces and sewage with its flow.

The toilet flush mechanism can be activated in several ways:

  • By pressing a button.
  • Focus on the lever.
  • We pull the chain.

The simplest type of drain siphons are pear-shaped products, similar to ordinary rubber plungers. When water begins to press on them, the products lie tightly on top of the drain hole. As a result, the movement of water through the tube stops. After activating the lever, the plunger rises under the influence of mechanical force. After this, the drain opens and water flows into the toilet bowl. Liquid begins to accumulate in the empty container, which makes the siphon heavier: it again sinks into the niche, blocking the movement of water. And so on in a circle.


There are two types of toilet flush design:

  1. Horizontal. The most common option is where water flows in a continuous stream from one compartment of the container. The horizontal mechanism refers to budget options. However, the water consumption when using it is quite large, and the level of washing the bowl is average.
  2. Circular. This method water supply has improved characteristics, because When the liquid enters the bowl, it forms streams around its circumference. One of the disadvantages of the circular system is the small diameter of the drain hole. If very hard water is supplied to the mains in a given area, this can lead to blockage of the drain and a decrease in the number of streams.

How does a two-mode drain work?

Most modern flush cisterns are equipped with dual-mode toilet flush mechanisms. This significantly saves water when using the toilet.

Devices of this type operate in the following modes:

  1. Ordinary. The entire volume of the flush tank (4-6 l) is released into the toilet bowl.
  2. Half. Part of the contents of the container (2-3 l) is used to drain. A more economical operating mode, in which water consumption is reduced by up to 50%. However, such designs are less reliable and break down more often than standard ones. This is due to the increased number of internal parts, which, as a rule, increases the likelihood of failure of the toilet flush mechanism.

To regulate the water supply, dual-mode devices can be equipped not only with two, but also with one button. In the first option, each of the buttons is responsible for its own mode. In the second, the activation of one or another mode depends on the force of pressing a single key. Strictly speaking, the water drains while the lever is under pressure. As soon as the person removes his hand from the button, the flow of water into the bowl stops.

Tips from experts:

  • When deciding on a toilet cistern model, they resort to the traditional price/quality ratio formula. Metal products demonstrate greater reliability and durability, but their cost is an order of magnitude higher than that of plastic products.
  • Expensive models with a bottom water supply to the tank are considered less noisy. It is important to take into account that installing devices of this type takes an order of magnitude more time and effort.
  • There are two types of float design: an empty sealed cylinder or an inverted glass. Cylindrical floats demonstrate greater reliability. However, any hole in the hull disables them, because Water begins to get inside the product and it loses its functionality. Full time job cylinder is only possible when it is filled with air. A broken float must be replaced.

Why is the drain leaking?

People often wonder what to do if the toilet leaks after flushing. One of the reasons for drain leakage is dirt getting inside the drain valve. As a result, between the rubber pad and seat solid particles accumulate. It could be corrosion metal pipes or silt. In this case, you can do without replacement. The problem is eliminated by simply removing the tank cap and cleaning the space underneath. rubber cuff. To do this, use a rag or sponge. The only exception is when the rubber element has become old or worn out, which requires its replacement.


Siphon repair for floor-standing toilet is done in the following order:

  1. Remove the float from the surface of the drain container.
  2. Disassemble the head of the float mechanism, carefully wiping each part.
  3. By visual inspection, determine where the membrane is damaged.
  4. If the damage is serious, replace the defective head with a new one.

How to adjust the water level

The problem of too much or too little water is the most common problem with a universal toilet flush. When the supply hole is placed on the side, the level is adjusted by changing the length of the spoke. This filling element serves to fix the float. In almost all old models of the cistern, the spoke was made of brass wire. To move the location of the float down or up, the lever is bent in the middle. Increasing the level of its location leads to an increase in the filling volume of the tank.

IN modern models For toilets, the levers used are not metal, but plastic. As you know, bending plastic is quite dangerous, because... Because of this, it may break. To adjust the level of water entering the tank, a shift is carried out here in one direction or the other. This makes it possible to increase or decrease the lever arm. To increase the volume of water in the container, the float must be moved away from the valve. If the tank is filled through the bottom hole, the float arm is oriented in a vertical position. This makes it much easier to adjust the volume level: just move the float up or down. When the desired position is found, the glass is secured with a clamping nut.


The main difficulty when adjusting the filling volume of the tank is that you have to remove the container lid. The fact is that there is a drain button on it, which is most often connected by a rigid coupling to the release mechanism. Therefore, you have to act very carefully and slowly. First of all, carefully unscrew the clamping plate on the button. This makes it possible to move the lid without fear.

Most elements of modern drain mechanisms are made of plastic. Metal parts are found mainly on old Soviet models. This explains the reduced durability of toilet siphons: they are much easier to replace than to repair. To facilitate service in plumbing departments, assembled modules or their individual nodes. Therefore, in the event of a breakdown, you must remove the damaged element and take it to the store. There, experienced consultants will tell you how best to proceed - change this part or the entire mechanism.

Bottom line

During the operation of the toilet, problems sometimes arise with the flush tank. The most common of them is a tank fill level failure. To adjust it, you need to remove the cover and change the size of the lever arm.

It is impossible to imagine a comfortable human life without a toilet, and its necessity is determined, first of all, by the presence of a toilet in it. The heart of this device is the toilet flush system. The basis of this system is the cistern. Usually it is located in the same complex with the toilet or can be mounted on the wall. If the drainage device for the toilet cistern breaks down, a local emergency may occur, as a result of which your own apartment, as well as the apartments of your neighbors, may be flooded. You can, of course, call a plumber, but, firstly, this is not a cheap pleasure, and secondly, a man can enjoy doing the repairs himself.

Operating principle of the drain mechanism

The main difference between a toilet and a potty or plank toilet is the presence of a flush system. Water flows through a flexible hose into the toilet tank, which has special mechanisms - fill and drain. Using the filling mechanism, water accumulates in the tank up to the upper level, after which the supply valve closes.

It begins to be activated the moment you press the button on this device, or by lowering the chain, mainly in older models of toilets. This mechanism triggers a flush - a large flow of water enters the toilet bowl, flushing almost everything into the sewer pipe.

The mechanism of the flush tank with a button represents the operation of two systems: for collecting water and for draining it.

Water enters the cistern using fittings (the entire interior of the cistern is called this), which can be located at the top or bottom of the cistern.

Water enters from the side if the fittings are located on top. The float is located at the end of the lever. As soon as it reaches a given certain level, the opposite end of the lever presses on the rod, shutting off the water supply.

In the case of bottom feed, the float moves along a vertical rod. The locking membrane operates due to the movement of the float due to the draft, which serves as a regulator of the water level in the tank. IN in this case the collection of water into the tank feels quieter compared to the previous method.

Major breakdowns and their repairs

The most common breakdowns are the following: excess water in cistern, slow water supply, broken float levers; for the drain mechanism, this is the failure to retain water in the tank. The last breakdown occurs due to the fact that water can be passed through the shut-off valve, or as a result of overflow.

Repair of a flush tank with a button is carried out depending on the cause of the breakdown. If the membrane is clogged and water flow is slow, you need to clear the water supply hole of debris. You need to carefully dismantle the membrane mechanism and then reassemble it so that no spare parts remain. This work is done with wire cutters or pliers.

If there is too much water in the tank, then it is necessary to adjust the water level in the drain tank, which depends on the method of water supply. With top feed, the level is adjusted by unscrewing the nut of the lever and lowering its side with the float. With lower feed, the level is set by rotating the plastic screw rod. In this case, the float must be monitored so that it goes down.

If the float levers break, it becomes necessary to replace the entire mechanism of this device. In some toilet models, the float inside is hollow and filled with air. In this case, if water gets inside the bulb, this will lead to the fact that everything will have to be changed. In other models of toilets, the float is an inverted glass, the main problem of which is that it becomes overgrown with dirt, which simply needs to be removed.

If water is not retained in the cistern by the shut-off valve, then the diaphragm should be checked and it is best to replace it as it is the bottleneck in the float system. If everything is in order with the membrane, then you need to lift the drain valve in the toilet with tanks and remove debris and sediment. Replacement of the rubber membrane is carried out by dismantling the upper part of the drain tank. If the water overflows, it is necessary to adjust its level. To do this, it is raised with an adjusting screw or rail no higher than the side housing holes with the float installed so that the water is below the overflow level. If there are no such holes, then you need to focus on the body of the drain mechanism - the water should slightly cover it.

Toilet flush system parts

Toilets with tanks have a pressure valve.

It is designed to replenish the water level in the tank after the drain mechanism is activated. The filling valve includes a float. The shut-off valve closes the hole only at the end of the water intake.

The next spare part for the toilet is the overflow and flush system.

Toilet flush systems vary depending on whether the toilet is a push-button toilet or a lever-flush toilet. In the second case, a sealed bulb is placed in the drain tank, closing the drain hole upon completion of the drain. Modern toilets with cisterns that have a button have fittings associated with the filling and overflow systems. The new toilets have 2 buttons to save water, one of which does a small flush, and the other a large one. The flush fittings for the toilet cistern include rubber gaskets and plastic elements, therefore, if necessary, it can be replaced completely or with spare parts for the toilet for this area.

To prevent overflow, the drain mechanism is connected to the overflow. When too large quantities water, it goes directly into the sewer.

Installing a cistern

To carry out this operation, you will need several tools: a screwdriver, wrenches: open-end, special and adjustable, as well as gloves. Installation of the cistern is carried out in several stages:

  1. The washer is placed on the tank fastening screw until it stops.
  2. The centering washer is tensioned until it comes into contact with the metal washer.
  3. After this, the tank securing screw is placed in the mounting hole.
  4. A gasket, a nut, and a metal washer between them are placed on the screw on the outside of the tank.
  5. The nut is tightened with an open-end wrench, after which we repeat paragraphs. 1-5 for the second fastening.
  6. Place the drain valve screw into the hole in the tank.
  7. We press the drain valve to the tank from the inside or make a pulling movement on the drain valve screw.
  8. We tighten the nut first by hand, then using a special wrench.
  9. The sealing ring on both sides has protective film, which must be removed, and then attach the o-ring to the tank.
  10. We put a plastic washer and a rubber gasket on the float valve, which is placed in a special hole designed for it.
  11. After this, the valve is secured and the nut is tightened.
  12. We install the tank on the toilet shelf; installation begins by inserting screws into the holes on this shelf.
  13. A gasket and a metal washer are placed on the screw and then the latter is tightened. The nut must not be overtightened, as this may cause the tank to warp and the shelf to break off. It is better to not tighten it enough, and if a leak occurs, then tighten it little by little.
  14. A lid is installed on top of the drain tank.
  15. A flush button is installed in the hole on this cover.

If the toilet has two buttons, you need to install a small button so that the small valve is activated when it is pressed, and the large one - the large one.

Release forms for toilet flush systems

The toilet flush system can be produced in three forms:

  • Vertical release - previously used. The sewer outlet to the riser was located at the neighbors below, under their ceiling.
  • Horizontal release - appeared relatively recently. The main advantage is complex sealing. The toilet can be installed directly to the riser, the toilet outlet can be inserted into the tee on the riser.
  • Oblique release is the most common form. Through the use of corrugations, which are plastic pipes with sealing cuffs, a toilet with a horizontal outlet is connected to an inclined socket.

Provided that the sewer system in a house or apartment has not been altered, it is necessary to select a form of toilet outlet that will correspond to the shape of the socket.

Types of drainage system

This system is divided into circular and rear. When flushing from the back, water from the tank flows in one stream along the back wall of the toilet, creating a strong stream of water that cleans the area of ​​contamination, but splashes fall on the front surface of the toilet, which must be removed using special chemicals.

With a circular flush, water enters the toilet from holes located around the bowl, the entire surface is washed, but back wall may remain partially contaminated. Managers trading floors More often they offer a circular system, but the choice of drain is yours.

In addition, drain systems come in the form of a bell, using corrugation or a pear.

The bell is a heavy cast iron plug with a gasket on the bottom wall. Mainly typical for overhead tanks, in which the tank itself is made of cast iron and connected to a steel pipe that goes to the toilet. Inside the tank is a lever with a chain on one side, and the opposite arm of the lever is used as a mechanism to raise the bell. When the plug is lifted, water rushes into the drain pipe; when the plug is lowered, the water creates some vacuum in the upper part of the pipe.

The main problems with drainage when using a bell are the accumulation of rust and other deposits that form over a number of years inside the overflow, reducing the efficiency of flushing (eliminate by annealing the bell over an open fire, shaking out the scale and replacing the gaskets), as well as deformation of the rubber gasket, as a result of which it loses its elasticity and requires replacement once every 1.5-2 years.

The work when using a corrugation is as follows: a rope located on the corrugation lever is pulled, the latter tilts and water is sucked in. When the rope is released, the corrugation maintains an inclination until the water is completely drained from the tank. The main problem is that the corrugation at the bend begins to leak after a few years, so it needs to be replaced. This is a simple operation if the drain pipe is plastic and quite complicated if the pipe is steel, so you need to go under the tank with a tap when replacing the corrugation.

Those drain systems that are used in modern tanks use a bulb located in the saddle. When you press the button on the toilet, it raises the rod up, the bulb rises from the saddle and a passage opens for water. The seat may become contaminated with sand or slag (need to be cleaned). The bulb is made of rubber or rubber gasket. Over time, this material loses its elasticity and requires replacement.

Types of water mirrors

Highlight the following types water mirrors:

  • Front mirror. In front of it is a visor with a counter-slope, in which is located small portion water. Flaw - bad smell.
  • It has a sloping slope. Advantages - no unpleasant odor, minimal amount of splashes.
  • Funnel-shaped bowl - the mirror is in the middle. This is where a potential splash occurs when using a toilet with this type of bowl, causing splashes that can land on your body. The drainage lingers and the smell is not very pleasant.

Classification of toilet cisterns

Tanks are classified according to a number of criteria.

  • By type - lever and push-button with varied placement of the above elements. Usually they are installed on top in the middle of the tank, but it can be installed on the side on the wall. The water is drained by directing the chain downwards. The button can also be installed above the toilet, but from above.
  • According to the installation method: the tank can be mounted into a wall, which requires reconstruction of at least one wall; the tank can hang from above the toilet - although this method is considered outdated, there is still a demand for such models, such toilets are suitable for toilet rooms, decorated in retro style; The tank is located on the toilet shelf - traditional style toilets, allowing for quick and timely repairs.
  • Based on the material used: cast iron tanks - reliable, but not very aesthetically pleasing; earthenware cisterns are the most common option in this group with various color solutions; plastic tanks - designed mainly due to their lightweight weight for installation in the wall.
  • By type of release mechanism: manual system - the tank valve opens at the user’s request; mechanical system - adjustment is carried out without user intervention.

Economic costs of toilet parts

The main parts of the toilet are the cistern and fittings.

Currently, tanks are produced, made of porcelain and plastic, ceiling and floor, different in size and shape. The price of flush tanks can vary widely - from 2000-2500 rubles to amounts exceeding hundreds of thousands of rubles. As with any other product sold through a retail chain, the price largely depends on the manufacturer.

As already noted, fittings are also an important spare part in addition to the cistern. Its price ranges from 500 to 1200 rubles.

A single-mode flush button costs about 400-500 rubles, lids for the tank - 800-1100 rubles.

Finally

There are many toilet flush systems available. When choosing a toilet and its flush system, you need to be guided by many factors, including price, room area, aesthetic perception and the possibility of repairing the mechanism.

In every modern house plumbing structures necessary for comfortable living have been installed. Among them special importance purchase toiletries. Their high performance characteristics are achieved by improving the system of the flush tank release mechanism. The flush cistern is one of the main elements of the toilet, which is a ceramic bowl with mechanisms for releasing and collecting water.

Differences between toilet cisterns

The modern plumbing market offers a range of drainage devices different types and types. Toilet tanks are classified according to many criteria, which are presented below.

Location

Modern drainage devices are still installed in the traditional way, creating one-piece design with a toilet. This design is good because there is no need to install an outlet pipe, which serves as a conductor between the drainage device and the toilet bowl.

Wall-hung toilets and hidden designs. In the first case, the tank is suspended at a certain height above the toilet. This attitude helps strong water pressure, which means good plum. Basis minus suspended structure- This is the excessive noise created when the toilet is flushed. In general, this design is considered very convenient and practical. Appearance This system will fit perfectly into the interior of a retro room.

For apartments with European-quality renovation ideal option will become installation installation . The tank is installed in the wall in such a way that it becomes completely invisible in the restroom. To start such a system, just press a special button on the panel.

Trigger type

The most common are drainage tanks that have push-button trigger mechanism. It has proven itself to be a reliable and durable system. Push-button release located in the center or on the side drain bowl. This design is always used for closed types drain cisterns.

Increasingly, they began to produce drainage devices equipped levers or chains. Typically, such a mechanism is placed on the side of the drain system. To drain the water, you need to pull the chain or lever. This is a fairly convenient design for a hanging drain bowl. The trigger mechanism itself, regardless of the installation method, can be either manual, when the user himself sets the volume of flushed water by pressing the button for a certain time, or automatic.

Material

Based on material, waste tanks are divided into: ceramic, cast iron, and plastic.

For now cast iron drain bowls are practically not produced. Some houses have preserved such rarities. They continue to use them, not wanting to replace outdated material with more modern analogues.

The most popular and accessible are considered earthenware cisterns, which are used for both continuous and suspended structures. Plastic bowls are used for drain systems built into the wall. Such tanks have a non-standard less voluminous shape

Method of operation of the mechanism

According to this criterion, tanks with mechanical and automatic modes are distinguished. In the first case, just press the start button. For cisterns with a mechanical lever, the principle of operation is that water flows as long as the user presses a button.

Basic elements of the cistern

Knowledge of the components of the drainage device allows you to repair the tank or replace failed parts yourself.

  • Filling valve. This is a device that regulates the water level in the tank. A float acts as an indicator of the amount of water, which is connected to the filling valve using a brass rod. In early models of drain devices, the filling valve was located on the side, the float was in a horizontal position. IN modern systems Manufacturers, maintaining the traditional operating principle, placed the filling valve at the very bottom of the drain bowl, and placed the float vertically.
  • Mechanism for draining and overflowing water. The modern drainage system is plastic fittings equipped with start buttons. The drain is connected to water collection and overflow devices. When you press the trigger, the drain system comes into action. To prevent excess water from spilling out, the drain mechanism connected to the overflow device. Thereby excess water goes into the sewer system. In this mechanism, a float valve plays a very important role, which is connected to a float that regulates the water level. When the float valve fails, water in the tank begins to leak.

The principle of operation of the tank (one-piece design)

Operating principle of a wall-mounted cistern

Unlike a traditional cistern, the main element of a wall-mounted cistern is siphon. It is a soft corrugated tube. The trigger mechanism usually uses a metal lever, which, when pressed, releases water through the open end of the corrugated siphon tube. Principle of operation wall cistern is as follows:

  • When you press the release lever, the valve opens the siphon.
  • The siphon hole gets water flow.
  • When the volume of water in the flush tank decreases level indicator (float) goes down, thereby opening the float valve. Through it the tank is filled with water.
  • Water fills the bowl until the float rises. As soon as this happens, float valve closes, thereby preventing the tank from overflowing with water.

Common cistern problems

Thus, the choice of a cistern depends on its material, mechanism and installation of the structure. Knowing the principles of operation of the drainage device, you can independently adjust the mechanism if it fails or correctly install the toilet if you purchase a new device.

A toilet flush mechanism usually comes with the toilet. However, you need to choose a reliable drainage device for the tank. If you understand all the nuances of the drain system, the features of installing the drain tank, as well as correcting the most common problems, you will significantly save yourself money, time, and nerves. Moreover, you will not have to conflict with your neighbors due to their flooding.

  • 1 Methods for installing a drain
  • 2 Features of drains
  • 3 Malfunctions and solutions

Drain installation methods

The drain, that is, the cistern, can be installed in one of three ways. Each of them has its own characteristics. In this case, the choice of flushing method for the toilet is selected individually.

  1. The tank is mounted quite high above the toilet. From an aesthetic point of view, this is not the best the best option. Such designs seem to send us to Soviet times. But such a system has clear advantages. These include ease of access to the drain and easy repairs. Also, do not forget about the force of gravity. Since the tank is located higher than the toilet, water will flow to the drain hole, through the pipe and into the toilet at a faster rate. Consequently, flushing efficiency will be significantly improved.
  2. Installation on a toilet or platform. When choosing this option, the connection is made using rubber cuffs. As a result, the design is more attractive in appearance and also takes up much less space.
  3. Wall installation. They started building a tank inside the walls not so long ago. This installation option is possible provided that the house is undergoing major renovations. Embedding will significantly save space, and access to the system for tank repair will be provided through the hole in the drain button.

Features of drains

It should be noted that toilet flushes, from the point of view of the mechanism of their operation, can be divided into two types:

  • Single-mode;
  • Dual-mode.

The feature of single-mode is simple - the drain is carried out once, using all the water that is in the tank at once. In the case of dual-mode, only half the tank is used. This is relevant for large families who are thinking about saving water.

Despite the difference in the operating mechanism, the operating principle remains identical for all toilets. Only shut-off valves may have certain differences in their operation. In some cases, shut-off valves are located at the ends of tubular rods, which act as overflows for excess water. In other situations, shut-off valves are opened and closed using a chain made of plastic or metal. Such systems are not the most successful because they break down quickly.

If we talk about the buttons in the toilet flush system, they are divided into two types. The first type is independent of each other; fastening is carried out to the lid using chains, or by screwing into the drain mechanism. The second type opens the valves using levers made of plastic.

Descenders can be of two types:

  1. Lateral systems. They are used on those tanks that are located high enough above the toilet. To start the mechanism, pull the attached chain on the side. There are also side systems with buttons. On such tanks the button is located on the side, and they are used when the tank is low.
  2. Upper systems. They are relevant for waste tanks that are located below or built into the walls. The mechanism operates via a button, a head installed on top of the tank. By the way, the mechanism can be manual or automatic.

Malfunctions and solutions

The drainage system has a number typical malfunctions, which we encounter quite often. The main ones are related to the inability to retain water inside the tank, or to damage to various components.

  1. The most common problem you encounter is a damaged lever. Alas, their design has become quite complex in modern toilets, and the elements themselves are made of plastic. It turns out that it is not possible to repair them. Therefore, the only solution to the problem is to replace the broken, damaged structural element on new.
  2. Another common breakdown is water overflow. To correct the situation, you will need to adjust the mechanism, namely, raise the overflow a little higher so that it is located below the holes that are located on the tank body. After this, the position of the float is adjusted so that the water shuts off at a lower level than the overflow of the drains.
  3. If water leaks through the shut-off valves, you need to determine the cause. There may be two of them. The first is the drying out of the rubber membrane. To correct the situation, the drain tank is disconnected, in the upper part of which there is a gasket. It is removed by turning it counterclockwise. After this, replacing the membrane is very simple. The second reason may be that the valve is clogged with debris, sediment from dirty water. The problem can be fixed by simply cleaning the space under the valve.

Do not forget that when repairing the tank, you should turn off the tap that supplies water to the tank. Otherwise you will encounter puddles. A couple of scrolls to the right side will save you from unnecessary hassle, will make repairs easy, quick and simple.

We can say that a toilet flush can work for a long time and is very effective if sufficiently observed. simple conditions. The first thing is to buy a good toilet with a reliable, effective system plum. The second is to carry out periodic maintenance, which will significantly extend the service life of the drain system, as well as save you from unnecessary repair hassle. Whatever one may say, prevention is much cheaper than repair. This applies not only to toilets, but also to a number of other equipment used in every house and apartment.

Z looking into the leaking toilet tank, another House master First he scratches his head, and then he calls the plumber.

But if, without rushing to understand the structure of the mechanism that ensures draining and filling the tank, the apparent accumulation of parts appears simple and logical.

Let's see how the toilet flush system works, is installed, and is adjusted. Let's figure out why it fails and try to repair this ingenious device.

How does a toilet flush work?

With a huge variety of drainage systems, the principle is identical. And if you know how one model of a toilet flushing system works, then, after thinking, you will understand any other.

The drainage system consists of two parts.

Drain valve

It is controlled by an external lever or button. The purpose of the drain valve is to open the way for water when flushing and to keep it securely in the tank the rest of the time.

In older models with a high cast-iron tank, the drain hole was plugged with a heavy iron plug. They lifted it by pulling the chain connected to the lever. The lever, in turn, lifted the plug, opening the way for water.


If the chain was dropped, the plug would fall again, blocking the pipe. And to get the required volume of water, you had to stand next to the toilet and hold the lever.

The inconvenience was eliminated by replacing the heavy plug with a hollow pear-shaped valve. Opening the way for water, the plug floated, and the drain remained open until the water left. The valve goes down with the water and plugs the outlet again.

The hollow “pear” still serves today, but more complex systems consisting of an overflow tube, a rubber valve and a plastic float, operating on the same principle, are more often used.

Water supply unit with float valve

The base and here is a float connected through a lever to the membrane of the water tap. When the water was released drain valve, the float is at the bottom, releasing the membrane. Water pours into the tank.

The water rises, and the float rises with it. At a certain level, through a lever and a rod, it presses on the faucet membrane, which shuts off the water supply. The tank is full of water and ready for a new flush (Fig. 1).

By adjusting the height of the float relatively, we set the amount of water that will fill the tank. Usually from 6 to 10 liters.