What makes toilets flush

As the toilet flapper closes off the water to the bowl, the toilet fill valve, sometimes referred to as a ballcock, begins to bring water back into the toilet tank to recharge for the next flush. The fill valve sometimes referred to as a ballcock brings water into the tank after the toilet is flushed and stays on until the tank refills. Any time water exits the tank such as when a flapper is leaking , the fill valve will turn on in order to maintain the water level.

The toilet flapper valve sits on the flush valve and is connected to the flush lever by a chain. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper lifts up off the flush valve seat and allows the water to exit the tank. When the toilet is flushed, water flows from the tank into the bowl through the flush valve. The purpose of the tank to bowl gasket is to provide a leak free seal between the toilet tank and bowl. The wax free gasket creates a tight seal between the bottom of your toilet and your bathroom floor.

Solution: To solve this problem, you need only adjust the length of the chain to shorten it so that the chain can provide pull sufficient to raise the flapper off of the flush tube and allow water to flow when the handle is pulled. These four situations are by far the most common reasons for a toilet failing to flush properly, so we hope this post will help you take care of flushing problems quickly and easily next time they occur.

Andrews, Inc. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice. All information is subject to change at any time without notice.

A toilet works because of gravity. When a flush lever is pulled, a plug opens, allowing water to flow out to fill the basin. When the basin is full enough, gravity causes the liquid to flow out through a bend in the pipe, called an S trap. A flush toilet disposes of our waste products by using water to send them through a drainpipe to another location.

The picture below shows a typical toilet. The toilet bowl usually has a ring-shaped seat on top, which is covered by the lid when not in use. Alternatively, you may remove the lid, leading to an upper decker design. The water used for flushing is stored in the tank also called a cistern. The tank contains some important parts. The next picture shows the parts of a typical tank. The inlet valve controls the water supply coming into the tank.

It lets water in when the tank is empty and stops water coming in when the tank is full. The " float ball " rises as the tank fills with water. As it rises, the float rod attached to it presses against the inlet valve. When the tank is full, the rod is pressing against the inlet valve hard enough to turn the water off. This stops the tank from overflowing. Never flush anything other than toilet paper and waste down your toilet.

Wipes and other items can build up and block your sewer line. A partial clog somewhere in the line could mean that your toilet will still flush but not very strong. A way to test for a partial clog is to pour a bucket with a gallon of cold water into the bowl. What to do: Use a plunger or toilet auger to loosen things. Make sure you use a flange plunger , since the cup will help you create a better seal in the toilet bowl.

Let the water sit for several minutes, then flush it. The handle connects to the flapper the valve that holds the water in the tank via a small length of chain. A simple explanation may be that the chain got disconnected at either end. What to do : Lift off the lid of your toilet tank.