Assembly of toilet flush mechanisms. How does a toilet cistern work? There is no water supply to the tank: what to do
Availability of equipped toilet room– the most important guarantee of comfortable living in any apartment or house. In fact, no one can imagine their everyday life without such a device as. But how many of us know how its main component is structured and how it works? Awareness of these issues is useful for two reasons: firstly, knowledge of the features of the device simplifies its selection and purchase, and secondly, having an idea of the “insides” of the equipment, it is easier to determine which part of the mechanism was deformed in the event of a unit failure. That is why below we propose to study the drain tank in detail with a video: the structure, the operating principles of the fittings and the differences between the models.
Design of the cistern
A standard tank consists of two mechanisms: filling; plum and overflow. In old and modern models the fittings are slightly different.
The filling mechanism includes two components:
- Valve – regulates the volume of water in the tank: ensures its supply and shut-off in a timely manner. In older models, the valve is located on the side of the body, and in new ones - in its lower part.
- Float - controls the position of the valve: float is lowered - the valve is open, float is raised - the valve is closed. Initially, the float functioned in a horizontal position, but in modern models it moves only in vertical plane.
Thanks to the modernization of the design of the tanks, the filling mechanism has become several times more efficient: in the new models, the shut-off valves do not shut off the water gradually, but completely at the very end of the set, which guarantees the rapid flow of water into the container.
But the most serious improvement occurred with the drain and overflow mechanism. In old tanks, the drain system meant a rubber bulb that hermetically closed the outlet hole. It functioned as simply as possible: pull the chain or lift the lever - and water begins to flow into the drain. But modern mechanism is a complex reinforcement assembly that includes two main components:
- Overflow – protects the tank from overfilling: when the volume exceeds the maximum mark, liquid begins to flow into the toilet bowl.
- Drain – provides direct drainage of water when the tank release is pressed.
Advice. For ease of use and saving water, it is recommended to select a drain tank with two buttons: for complete and partial drainage.
Principles of operation of the tank
Most of Both old and modern tanks are fused structures. They work according to the following scheme.
Flushing water:
- after clicking on trigger(button, lever, etc.) a special thrust is created, under the influence of which the float stops exerting pressure on the valve and the latter opens;
- the drain into the overflow system is closed;
- water from the tank is supplied to the toilet bowl for flushing.
Functioning of the drain
Filling the tank with water:
- when the volume of water in the tank drops to the minimum level, the valve closes, the inlet valve opens and water begins to flow;
- as the tank fills, the shut-off float rises and the flow of water decreases;
- When the container is completely filled, the float closes the inlet valve and the water supply stops.
Important! In order for the float to function effectively, after installing the tank it must be adjusted and tested: an incorrect position of the float may result in the container not being able to fill with a sufficient volume of water.
- Pressing the trigger causes the siphon to open: through its corrugated tube, water enters the toilet bowl, flushing.
- After the siphon is empty, the tank float lowers and opens the inlet valve, through which water begins to flow into the drain tank.
- When the tank is completely filled, the float lowers and the inlet valve closes.
Types of cisterns
Drainage devices may have certain differences in design, operating principles, and appearance– in order to understand them, let’s consider the main criteria for classifying tanks.
Criterion #1: trigger type. There are two types of descents:
- Push-button is the most modern and reliable solution. It is used in almost all closed cisterns of the new modification. The button can be located either on the lid or on the side of the drain device.
- Suspended - chain or lever. Used primarily in hanging cisterns. The trigger mechanism is usually located on the side of the device body.
Push-button trigger
Criterion No. 2: placement. Most often, the cistern is installed flush with the toilet - such traditional models are attractive because they eliminate the need to connect a special outlet pipe from the cistern container to the toilet bowl. The second option - a wall-mounted hanging tank - is more complex in execution: you need to securely fix the device on work surface and install additional incoming and outgoing pipes. But the hanging tank wins in terms of aesthetics - it can be disguised as a wall niche.
Criterion No. 3: material. Modern flush cisterns are manufactured mainly in two variations: earthenware - devices of a wide variety of shapes and colors, which have gained popularity due to advantageous combination relatively affordable price And High Quality; plastic - cheap models that are most often built into walls, which protects them from external influences.
As you can see, the familiar cistern turns out to be not such a simple device. Here are the main elements of the equipment, the principles of its operation and distinctive features different models- this information will help you both when choosing a tank and when diagnosing its malfunctions, so do not neglect them if you want your everyday comfort to be safe.
How the toilet cistern works: video
Toilet cistern design: photo
The flush mechanism itself comes complete with the toilet itself and the flush cistern. However, choose the most reliable design is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. If you properly understand this issue before purchasing this device, you will be able to prevent a number of serious problems from arising.
Types of drain mechanisms
Today you can find two types of drainage devices on sale:
In the first case, draining is carried out by emptying the entire tank; the second has two buttons in its design - they are responsible for pouring out a certain amount of water. This volume can be adjusted; in addition, the use of such systems is completely justified, since water is seriously saved here.
Although the type of drain mechanism may be different, it operates on the same principle. A little differently, the impulse of movement occurs to the valve, which either opens or closes the hole through which the water leaves.
The principle of its operation depends on how this valve is designed. Sometimes this valve is placed at the end of tubular drains that act as an overflow. In other cases, a similar structure opens and closes thanks to special chains made of metal or plastic. The last type of design is far from the most successful, since such a system often fails.
Depending on who the manufacturer of this device is, the design can have quite significant differences. However, all these systems can be divided into two key components:
- Water drainage system;
- Water collection system.
Due to the water collection system, the tank is filled. It can be either side or bottom. If the design has a bottom feed, then they are very convenient for several reasons. First of all, main the positive side is almost silent operation, but the design of this system is very complex.
It includes the following elements:
- Vertical rod float;
- Traction;
The water supply shut-off unit begins to work due to the traction, which is connected to the buoy in one general design, which in this case represents a water level limiter.
If water is supplied from the side, then this design will be more reliable, but when filling the tank it will make quite a lot of noise. Here the operating principle of the entire system will be much simpler. There is a special membrane in the tank, thanks to which water is supplied and stopped from flowing into the tank, as well as a small one connected to the supply tap by means of a lever.
When the tank is filled, the float rises and the lever begins to move, gradually cutting off the water supply when the required volume of water is collected.
Drain water from the tank from above or from the side. The side design is used mainly for hanging tanks, which are almost never used today. In the majority modern products applies drainage system with the upper principle of water drainage.
As a rule, the trigger structure is a bulb made of rubber or rubberized plastic. This equipment is not too expensive, but at the same time very reliable.
In order for water to pass from the flush cistern directly into the toilet, a rod or a special button is placed on the lid, which will move the lever. As stated earlier, modern systems Draining water in tanks can have one or two operating modes.
The second type has two buttons, which release either half of the tank or the full one. This option is most suitable for people for whom saving water is not just empty words.
Options for installing a toilet cistern
There are three key methods for installing a cistern in an apartment or private house:
- Under the ceiling;
- Connection directly to the toilet itself;
- Installation in the wall of the toilet room.
Almost no one installs a drain tank under the ceiling, since for this you will need to buy the appropriate fittings. The key disadvantage of this system will be its not very convenient operation, however, water is both collected and drained under fairly good pressure. Today, such a design is very rare, as it has been replaced by more attractive modern systems.
When the tank is connected directly to the toilet itself, then this technology will have a decent number of positive aspects. In this case, the tank will be in a fairly convenient position - if necessary, repair work you don’t have to think about how to get to this device. It is also very convenient to monitor the tank, see if everything is in order, and so on.
If you plan to install the tank in the wall, then you need to remember that this is a very labor-intensive process. Of course, from an aesthetic point of view, this will be the most advantageous option, since a tank of this type will be practically invisible, in addition, with the help this decision You can seriously save useful space, which is not enough in the sanitary unit.
Adjustment, repair and replacement
Like any other structure, the drain tank can break. There are quite a few causes of breakdowns, but some of them can be eliminated yourself.
Malfunctions in the drain mechanism
If the drain mechanism has become unusable, this may be due to the following points:
- The intake valve is already very worn;
- The rocker arm has become warped;
- The buoy began to work incorrectly.
The buoy is constantly in the water, which is why when long work cracks begin to form in it. This leads to water penetration inside. Accordingly, the float begins to sink. To rid yourself of this effect, the easiest way is to change this part.
If the lever is deformed, then it should be returned to the correct position, which should be approximately 2 cm below the hole from where water enters the tank.
The shut-off valve may simply not cope with the high water pressure, so you can just install a float valve.
Replacement
Replacing any part in the drain tank is not too difficult. Here it is only important to complete the preparatory work:
- Turn off the water;
- Empty the drain tank.
After this, you can begin to carry out work. Usually the float fails. It is held on the lever using a special clip. It will need to be unfastened and the float will separate from the structure. Instead, they install a new float and carefully turn on the water to determine whether it holds securely on the surface or not.
Changing the entire drain mechanism is also not too difficult - it is held in the tank by only two bolts that need to be unscrewed, and the mechanism will be easily removed. When installing a new structure, care is taken to ensure that it is as airtight as possible.
When installing the tank directly, it is best to first place all the relevant fittings in it and check that they do not touch the walls of the tank there. Only after this can you install the tank in place, not forgetting to place a special rubber sealing ring between it and the toilet to protect against leaks.
When installing a new structure, care is taken to ensure that it is as airtight as possible.
Adjustment
They usually regulate the volume of incoming water, making sure that it does not overflow through the system and does not go into the toilet. To do this, the float is placed so that it is about a couple of centimeters lower than the edge of the reinforcement.
- Spare parts for the toilet should be purchased of high quality;
- When purchasing gaskets, it is advisable to take products made of silicone - they are very durable and reliable, and will not dry out over time and from water, like rubber.
Toilet cisterns can be made from different materials, can be various shapes and differ in the installation method, but their operating principle is almost the same, and the design of all drain tanks does not differ very much. Let's look at what types of such mechanisms there are.
According to the installation method, drain tanks are divided into only three types:
- The tank of the system is compact, which is installed directly on the toilet bowl itself;
- A cistern built into the wall, most often used in conjunction with wall-hung toilets;
- A hanging tank, which is mounted at a certain height and connected to the toilet bowl via a drain pipe.
Features of the mechanism for supplying water to the cistern
All flush tanks have only two main structural elements - a water supply mechanism and a drain mechanism. The water collection system can be made in two versions:
- with side feed;
- with bottom feed.
The first are float valves designed for tanks, into which water is supplied to the upper side. These models are produced mainly by domestic companies, they are simple and low in cost, but they create a lot of noise during the water intake process.
Diagram of the toilet flush cistern
Such a valve includes two main parts - a body with a membrane located in it, which shuts off and opens the water supply to the tank, as well as a float connected to the body via a lever. Thus, falling and rising along with the water level in the tank, the float moves the lever, which in turn acts on the rod with the membrane attached to it, opening and closing the access of water to the tank through the valve.
The mechanism with bottom water supply is a little more expensive, but it is much quieter. This system is somewhat more complex; in it, the float moves along a special vertical rod, although the operating principle itself has not changed. The water supply shutoff mechanism is activated by a special rod connected to a float, which is also a water level limiter in the tank.
How to adjust the amount of water in the tank
When installing any of these systems, in order to save or increase flushing power, the amount of water drawn can be changed. We'll tell you what steps you need to take to do this:
The device of the flush mechanism of the toilet tank
The drainage system for the cistern can be top or side. The latter, however, will not be considered, since it presupposes the presence of a hanging tank, which is now practically out of use. But upper system The flush is used on almost all models of modern toilets.
Toilet flush mechanism
Installation procedure for a toilet cistern (video)
You shouldn’t have any difficulties during the process, since everything is done very simply and quickly enough:
Possible malfunctions during operation of the drain tank
- Water is not supplied to the tank or its supply is not shut off. The culprits for this are either the water supply valve or the float. Floats are made either in the form of a hollow cylinder or an inverted glass. In the first case, the damaged float cannot be repaired, and the problem can only be eliminated by replacing the float or the entire valve. With a float in the form of an inverted glass, only one problem can happen - it becomes overgrown with dirt and various deposits, which is why it begins to work poorly. In this case, you should simply clean it.
Video
- If the float is ok, but water does not stop flowing into the tank– the reason is a worn valve membrane. Usually a spare membrane comes complete with another float. If you don't have one, you can purchase it separately. The protective cap is removed from the valve, after which the old membrane is removed and replaced with a new one. It is also useful to clean the small hole in the valve through which water enters the tank. If it gets clogged, then, accordingly, the tank stops filling or this process occurs extremely slowly.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the design of the toilet cistern, so if necessary, anyone can easily install or repair it.
Many years ago one of most important inventions humanity has become a toilet. Today, every home must have such a design. To maintain this device, do preventive maintenance and repairs, you need to know the structure of the toilet well. It is manufactured in several types. This affects its design features.
The floor-mounted toilet is convenient and easy to install.
A wall-hung toilet is also called a wall-mounted toilet. This device may have a drain tank that is installed in a wall niche. Sometimes the tank is not installed. In addition, there are:
- floor toilet;
- compact toilets equipped with a cistern;
- separate toilets;
- attached;
- Turkish;
- Genoa bowl.
Compact devices
In Russia during the Soviet era, it was decided to make a toilet that would take up little space and be multifunctional. This is how compact toilets appeared. This design remains the most popular model today.
The toilet design is equipped with:
- bowl;
- flush cistern;
- fittings.
This device is very easy to install in almost any apartment where the bathroom is small in size. This toilet belongs to the floor-standing class, in other words, it is attached directly to the floor. The entire load falls on the floor, which holds the weight of the device and the rider.
One of the disadvantages of such a device is the flush tank. It takes up a lot of space. At small sizes toilet, the user's feet sometimes touch the door.
It is very difficult to maintain such a device. To maintain hygiene, it is necessary to keep the bowl and tank clean. Cleaning such a system is a very labor-intensive task.
This design of the toilet requires keeping all communication lines, as well as the sewer outlet, clean. It must be said that monolithic toilets have begun to be produced today. For these devices, the body merges with the wall, all communications are hidden. To make a toilet similar type, engineers developed designs newest type. This model is different modern design and spectacular appearance.
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Wall hung toilets
Widespread in Europe hanging devices. In the last 10 years, such suspended structures have become very popular in our country.
The advantage of such a device is:
- easy care;
- high hygiene.
Due to the fact that the toilet bowl does not have a support, it has become very easy to clean the floor of such a toilet. The flush tank is hidden in the wall and is almost invisible. However, this design requires installation load-bearing frame, which must have a rigid metal frame.
The frame is fixed to the floor anchor bolts. For higher reliability, if possible, it is additionally attached to the wall. This design can withstand 400 kg.
A toilet bowl is installed on the frame, together with a flush cistern. The entire structure is lined plasterboard sheets. Only the toilet and the flush button remain visible.
Main details of the toilet:
- Cistern.
- Bowl.
- Seat.
The main detail of the bowl is considered hydraulic valve. This is a crooked channel that is always filled with water. His work allows wastewater go down the drain. Such a siphon does not allow bad odors to pass through and blocks blockages.
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Hydraulic valve
The main principle of operation of this mechanism is the change in the parameters of atmospheric pressure, which is formed in the sewer system and riser. When the atmospheric pressure exceeds the sewer air pressure, the amount of liquid in the water seal begins to decrease, and a small part of it is sent to the riser.
The water seal inlet is almost always made in a vertical plane, its outlet is made at an angle of 90 ° or slightly inclined. If you do not use the water seal for a long time, the liquid may simply evaporate.
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Cistern
The main task of this device is to supply water to clean the toilet bowl. When a tank is made, a variety of materials are used:
- ceramics;
- plastic;
- cast iron;
- stainless steel
The main parts of the cistern are:
- pear;
- valve;
- craving;
- float.
The bulb is made of ordinary rubber, the float is made of plastic materials, and non-ferrous metal, such as copper, is used for traction. When the water drains, the rubber bulb begins to rise. When the tank is empty, the bulb takes its original position, completely closing the drain hole.
The overflow is a cylinder equipped with a neck.
When the float valve breaks, excess water escapes through the overflow and ends up in the toilet. Sometimes the overflow design is made together with the pear, but most often it is made as a separate unit.
A long time ago, toilets were installed in houses with a separate, highly mounted cistern. These devices used a siphon descent system. The negative side of this mechanism was its high noise level.
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Connecting communications
The water pipes and the tank are connected by rubber hoses with brass nuts equipped with O-rings. Plastic hoses with plastic nuts are very unreliable in operation. They can only be used as a temporary option.
The pipe to which it is connected cold water, is set depending on the type of tank. When supplying liquid from the side, it is attached to the side; when supplying water from below, it is attached to the bottom of the tank. It should be noted that when the liquid is supplied from the bottom, the noise level when the tank is filled is much lower. This option is much more beautiful and pleasant.
Compact toilets have holes on the side where the water supply is connected. One is closed with a plug attached to the tank of a very ordinary nut. If necessary, the float valve can be swapped and become a plug.
The most complex part of the flush tank is the float valve, made together with the float. There are several valve manufacturing options:
- adjustable;
- unregulated.
Regardless of its design, its main task remains to automatically shut off the flow of water into the drain tank when the required level reaches a critical level.
Today, dual-mode devices are widespread. They make it possible to regulate water flow in cistern. To remove the top cover in these designs, you must first remove the drain button.
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Drain system
When purchasing a toilet, you must first become familiar with the existing neck. The future design of the entire sewer system And normal operation toilet.
The neck can have several types:
- vertical;
- horizontal;
- corner
The specialist who will install the toilet will tell you which model you need to purchase.
The main criterion will be installation. The main difficulty will be the laid communications.
Anton Tsugunov
Reading time: 4 minutes
Plumbing equipment is subject to intense operating loads and often fails. When the toilet tank constantly leaks, it causes great losses due to excessive water consumption. It is not advisable to call specialists because the device fails, since repairs mostly involve adjusting the tank mechanism. But to understand how to fix a toilet, you first need to know how it works. Let's figure out how to independently repair a toilet cistern with a button.
Toilet device
The toilet includes the following elements:
- Toilet bowl connected to sewer pipe sealed cuff.
- Drainage tank with fittings that allow it to be filled with water and drained.
A water supply hose is connected to the tank. Depending on the design, it is connected from the side or from the bottom. The bowl and cistern are usually connected to each other using bolts and a seal.
Accessories components:
- rod release mechanism with drain button;
- a shut-off device (inlet valve) connected to a float;
- rubber sealing gaskets.
How a toilet with a button works
A toilet tank with a button is a water seal that is filled with a portion of water, which is supplied to the bowl when the valve is opened. The flush is controlled by a button that needs to be pressed. At the same time, the valve opens and the water flows down under its own weight, washing the bowl. After releasing the tank, it opens stop valve at the inlet, the container is filled with the next portion to a certain level, regulated using a float. Access to the mechanism is provided by opening the top lid of the tank.
Preparation for repair
Before you can repair the toilet cistern, you need to open it. It is only accessible from the top if you remove the cover. In many modifications it is attached using a ring around the button. This ring must be pressed and turned counterclockwise. After prolonged use, the ring may not turn. Then a few drops of oil are applied to the attachment point. After the ring has turned, unscrew it, and then release the button from the plastic clothespins and remove the cover.
Do-it-yourself methods for repairing the tank mechanism
Through the upper hole in the tank the entire mechanism of the drain fittings is visible. It may have the following faults:
- The tank is constantly leaking.
- There is no water pressure at the inlet.
- Uncontrolled drain mechanism.
The causes of these malfunctions can be different, and the method in which the toilet cistern will be repaired depends on them.
- The plug (bulb) does not fit tightly to the drain hole. To avoid this, you should purchase high quality plumbing fixtures. The possibility of repair can be checked by pressing the rod with slight force. If water does not flow, the plug can be slightly weighted with additional weight or the stem can be leveled. You also need to periodically clean the seal from rust and salts, due to which the seal is broken and liquid constantly flows into the bowl.
- The regulator does not shut off the water supply. At the same time, the tank will never overfill, thanks to the presence of an overflow tube. The serviceability of each element of the device is checked: float, intake valve, fasteners, rod. The failed part is replaced or the float mount is simply tightened.
- Leaking from the tank into the room. It may have a crack or the gasket seal may be broken. Special attention You should pay attention to the quality of the connection between the current tank and the bowl. It needs to be tightened, and if this does not help, the rubber gasket is changed. Another cause of a leak may be wear of the cuff at the junction of the bowl drain with the sewer pipe. The seal is replaced with a new one, having cleaned the connection of contaminants and treated the surfaces with sealant.
- Weak pressure through the inlet valve. This usually happens if it becomes clogged. This can be prevented by cleaning or installing a filter in front of it.
Intake Valve Replacement
Before repairing the toilet, you should turn off the water supply valve. It is connected to the pipeline from the riser. Afterwards it unscrews flexible hose from the intake mechanism. It can be easily removed if the fastening is loosened. A new or repaired one is installed in its place. Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Plastic threads do not require sealing, and fluoroplastic tape is wound onto brass threads.
Replacing the drain valve
The main reason is the wear of the o-ring under the valve. To replace it, you need to remove the fittings and install a new gasket. Then reassemble in reverse order.
The water release button should always be used carefully and pressed without any sudden force.
Adjusting the water level in the tank
The water level can be easily adjusted with your own hands. To do this, the float is installed in a certain position.
The optimal level is considered to be when the water supply to the container has stopped, and a few centimeters remain to its upper edge.
The adjustment method depends on the design of the valve. The simplest one is bending a metal rod. If the float moves along a horizontal plastic guide, it is fixed using fastening elements in a certain position. With a vertical layout, it is moved with an adjusting screw.
When choosing the filling level, do not forget about the overflow tube. Its upper edge should be a couple of centimeters above the water level in the filled container. If it is located lower, water will constantly flow into the bowl through the overflow.
Tank Troubleshooting
The tank may leak water due to a crack in it. The same applies to the cup. In this case, the question of how to repair the flush tank or bowl does not arise: the entire toilet is usually replaced. A small crack V upper parts ceramic products can be sealed. To prevent it from spreading further and increasing water seepage, it is drilled at the ends and processed along the entire length sandpaper. The work is done carefully.
The surface is degreased and the gap is filled epoxy resin. After hardening, the seam is sanded.
Repair of a built-in tank (with installation)
It is more difficult to get to the tank mechanism installed behind a false wall. First of all, you should purchase a device that is highly reliable and rarely requires repairs. There should be inspection hatches in the wall through which you can get to the tank and replace the gaskets if the seal is broken. It is not possible to repair the drain fittings yourself due to the complexity of the design.
A coarse filter is installed in front of the hidden tank, which captures solid particles, which in most cases cause leaks.
How to choose the right plumbing fixtures?
When choosing a toilet, pay attention to the following.
- Mounting method: monoblocks, compact and separate toilets. The choice is made taking into account the size of the room, design and labor intensity of servicing the tank.
- Accessories. Most parts that have low strength and reliability are made of plastic.
- The presence of positive reviews, a well-known manufacturer, a guarantee and a certificate.