Modern toilets are easy to use. Their external simplicity conceals the complex mechanism inside the tank. Most people never really need to think about what goes on within them until something breaks. Then they try to understand what happened and what they could do to fix things. A quick peek inside the toilet tank reveals multiple components with each having their own unique function. Let us uncover the mystery behind the toilet tank and its operation.
How Does A Toilet’s Tank Work?
Contents
In this article, we discuss what homeowners need to know about the function of toilet tanks.
Components Of A Toilet Tank
This system works without the need for external power by using gravity, buoyancy, and clever design that has been continuously refined over the past decades. Below is a short introduction to the internal components and their roles in the toilet’s flushing and refilling processes.
- Handle- The external component that we press to flush the toilet.
- Handle Arm- A long and slim interior stick that connects the handle to the chain.
- Chain- The one responsible for pulling up the flapper that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank.
- Flapper- Commonly a circular rubber item that seals the flush valve. When pulled up, water is released downwards thanks to gravity to flush waste.
- Flush Valve- Keeps the seal open to let water flow out unimpeded.
- Fill Valve- After the tank is emptied, the fill valve makes sure that the tank gets a fresh supply of water for the next flush.
- Refill Tube- A rubber tube that guides the water from the fill valve to the overflow tube and into the tank.
- Float Ball- This gauges the water level by floating at the surface. It turns on the valve when there is no water and turns it off when there is a full tank.
- Overflow Tube- Prevents overflow if there is a component malfunction. Excess water is sent to the toilet bowl.
How Do You Flush Waste?
Flushing waste down the toilet can be done manually by pouring several gallons of water into the bowl. However, this requires a lot of effort and it can take a bit of time. It’s also a difficult task for small children, the elderly, and the disabled. A toilet tank makes the whole process easier by storing water directly on top of the bowl and making the liquid go down whenever necessary. All we see from the outside is the handle but we already know by now that there is so much more going on in the background.
It starts by pulling down the handle with our fingers. This handle arm on the other side yanks the chain up which, in turn, open the flush valve. This provides a natural path for the water to go down from the tank into the toilet bowl. The weight of the water pushes the waste down into the pipes. All you should see after this is clear water in the bowl. This liquid serves as a barrier that prevents gas from going up and fouling up the toilet. Sometimes you have to flush repeatedly to get rid of the waste completely.
How Does The Tank Refill Itself?
There is a float ball that detects the water level inside the tank. It stays on the surface of the water and falls to the bottom when the tank is empty. At this state, it will make the fill valve provide water until it can float back up and signify a full tank. Any excess water will go to the overflow tube and into the toilet bowl. Flushing happens in an instant while refilling follows seamlessly in the background without any fancy electronics but with plenty of smart design.
Conclusion
It’s fascinating to think about how some pieces of plastic, rubber, and metal can come together to make the modern toilet work smoothly. Just remember that the mechanical stress of repeated flushing can lead to breakdowns in different parts of the system. When this happens, you can contact your trusted local plumber to help you fix the issue. Plumbers can diagnose the situation, find the problematic component, and formulate a plan to get things back to normal in a snap. Call immediately to avoid expensive leaks and keep the toilet working smoothly.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Expert Toilet Services
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer a variety of plumbing services ranging from plumbing fixture upgrades, drain clogs, water leak repairs, toilet replacements, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best option for your budget and home.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Additionally, our experienced plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work is backed with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!