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 required volume water, I 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 often they use more complex systems from an overflow tube, a rubber valve and a plastic float, working on the same principle.

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 is released by the 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.

A typical toilet tank and the water drainage mechanism included in its kit are a mandatory accessory of any comfortable home (more precisely, the toilet in it). The toilet flush cistern is most often located directly above the plumbing fixture or is mounted higher along the wall at some distance from it.

The domestic market offers a wide range of drain mechanisms that are quite simple in design. The classic design of a toilet involves the operation of all its elements according to a similar scheme, which allows the use of a unified approach to current repairs the insides of the tank.

standard set of internal piping of the tank

The latter is explained by the fact that the principle of operation of the toilet flush for everyone famous models one and the same, which provides the possibility of a universal approach to their restoration in the event of a breakdown.

Toilet cistern device

Basic provisions

The flush system with trigger mechanism is the most important element this plumbing fixture. It is a container of a given volume with technological holes on it. Two of them are necessary for the input and output of water masses from the flush tank, and the third is used to place the inspection cover.

note: The inlet mechanism has a special toilet flush valve that limits the flow of water into the tank.

When the flush mechanism of the tank operates, water first accumulates in the tank, and after that (by pressing a special built-in button) it is flushed into the toilet bowl.

The most convenient way to understand the structure and principle of operation of the tank is to consider the features of the toilet flush system.

Purely constructively cistern contains the following main components and mechanisms:

• water supply control device;
• a special hollow “float” included in its composition;
• mechanism for shutting off water flow into sewer hole(toilet flush).

Based on the type of material used in the manufacture of the body, known examples of drain systems are divided into ceramic, metal and plastic products. All of these varieties have their advantages and disadvantages. In this case, the issue of choosing a specific sample is decided by each user personally.

Depending on the method of fixation and location, the toilet flush system can have the following designs:

• a low-mounted device installed directly on its body;
• high-mounted release tanks, which are hung on the wall or built into it through the use of a special niche.

Note that the device of a toilet flush cistern with a separate arrangement assumes the presence of a special channel, made in the form of a separate drain pipe. The higher the placement point storage tank above the toilet unit - the stronger the pressure of the water flush it creates.

The only drawback of separate waste tanks is that they are not very aesthetically pleasing. appearance. In contrast, devices attached directly to the device body in the interiors of toilet rooms look much better.

Features and types of flush toilets

In anticipation of an emergency (if the toilet is broken, for example), a special overflow mechanism is provided in the design of the drainage system. If the water in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined level, it begins to flow into a special tube and flow directly into the sewer.

The entire toilet flush system works in such a way that, by definition, liquid cannot spill out through the edges of the storage tanks.

Important! When this safety mechanism is triggered, the cold water flow meter readings naturally increase. However, at the same time, the toilet drain system will not overflow, which is guaranteed to avoid flooding of the apartment.

The design of a toilet flush can be horizontal or circular. At horizontal version water drains from the cistern in the classic way(in a continuous stream) through the hole in the bowl.

The second of these approaches involves the formation complex shape a stream flowing in a circle from its rim. The simplest outdated designs use a special rubber bulb (sometimes called a siphon), which prevents the flow of water by sealing the drain hole.

Toilet cistern repair

Any (even very reliable) water flushing mechanism fails over time, which, due to the special importance of this element of plumbing, requires emergency measures.

Repairing a toilet with your own hands requires basic skills in handling plumbing tools, as well as the ability to quickly detect sudden damage.

Before you fix the toilet on our own– Please read these instructions carefully and watch the video at the end to reinforce the material.

In the event that water does not flow or drain from the storage tank, the cause of the malfunction is most likely the following damage to the toilet tank:

1. If the automatic water supply mechanism is disrupted, it is necessary to check the needle valve of the valve, through which the flow is shut off. This malfunction can lead to emergency situation, disrupting the normal filling and flushing of the toilet;
2. in the case when water constantly flows into the sewer channel through the drainage device, you should check the reliability of the fit of the closing “pear” to the sealing collar of the drain hole;
3. and finally, if a poor supply to the tank is detected from waterway you need to check and thoroughly clean the fine water filter.

Note: The diagram of the toilet cistern and the location of its elements is shown in the photo on the right.

general principle toilet fittings work

To restore an old-style drain tank, first of all, you should worry about purchasing parts that are rarely available for sale. If a malfunction is detected, you should check the integrity of the float, the “bulb” and the rubber o-ring located on the drain of the toilet flush system.

For a person to live comfortably, water supply and lighting of the premises are necessary, as well as properly functioning plumbing fixtures connected to sewer system. One of the most popular plumbing fixtures are a toilet and a cistern. Currently, cisterns are most often equipped with buttons responsible for the smooth flush of water into the toilet. The toilet cistern button becomes unusable over time or requires repair. Read on to find out how to do this.

Tank device with button

A cistern is a container that holds water for flushing. For operation, the tank is equipped with elements. Toilet cistern device with button:

1. drain mechanism. The device connected to the button is responsible for draining the water. At the bottom, the flush mechanism is equipped with a sealed membrane that protects against water leakage into the toilet;

The drain mechanism can be equipped with:

• single-mode button. The water is released when you press a button. In this case, all the liquid from the tank enters the toilet;

• dual-mode button. The button with several operating modes is divided into two parts: small and large. When using a smaller portion, half of the liquid in the tank ends up in the toilet. When draining the water most of the button, the water is drained in full.

Using a button with two operating modes allows you to save cold water.

1. filling valve responsible for collecting water into the container. The filling mechanism is equipped with a float that regulates the water level in the tank. The mechanism may have:
   • lateral water supply. Most often found in tanks Russian production. Distinctive feature the mechanism is the formation of noise when collecting water;

• lower water supply. When installing a valve with a bottom connection, it is important to achieve complete tightness of the connection.

All fittings installed in are interconnected. After pressing the button, the water drains. In this case, the float of the filling valve drops to the bottom of the container and opens the inlet valve. Water begins to flow from the water supply and raise the float to the set level. When the container is full, the inlet valve will automatically close.

Button repair

Tank fittings may become unusable for the following reasons:

• use of low-quality mechanisms. Professional plumbers recommend installing tank fittings manufactured by companies such as Cersanit, Vidima, Jika;
• natural wear and tear. Any device is designed for a certain number of years of use or number of flushing cycles;
• mechanical damage. Careless use may result in damage.

Button malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

The most common malfunctions of the push-button mechanism are:

• “sticking” of the button, that is, the water is flushed only after pressing the drain device multiple times;
• failure of the button, that is, the button mechanism is lowered into the container of the cistern.

Removing sticking

If the water is flushed after pressing the button multiple times, then the malfunction is associated with the rod connecting the drain device and the drain mechanism.

To resolve the problem you must:

1. shut off the flow of water into the tank;
2. remove the tank cap. To do this, first of all, the inner part of the button is removed, and then the locking ring located on the button is unscrewed counterclockwise and removed;

1. the button is removed;

1. the rod is being repaired;
2. the system is assembled in reverse order.

The rod is made of plastic. Therefore, repairs most often come down to a complete replacement of the product. To temporarily eliminate the malfunction, the rod can be replaced with wire.

Failure Elimination

If the toilet cistern flush button fails, the reasons for the breakdown may be:

• incorrect setting of the drainage device (insufficient height of the button location is selected);
• failure of the spring that returns the button to its original position. The problem is solved by replacing the spring.

To configure the drain mechanism, you need to:

1. turn off the water supply to the container and completely drain the remaining liquid;
2. remove the drain mechanism (the whole thing turns to the left until it clicks);
3. press out the latches securing the glass;
4. increase height;

1. install the valve and cover;
2. Check that the problem has been resolved and repeat the procedure if necessary.

How to adjust the drain mechanism is shown in the video.

Replacing a button

If the above actions do not help eliminate the malfunction of the tank release mechanism, then the drain button must be replaced. You can do the work in the following way:

1. remove the button according to the diagram described in detail above;
2. disconnect the button from the exhaust valve;
3. install a new device.

The new toilet button must completely match the broken device. Otherwise, the drain valve will need to be replaced.

All work to troubleshoot the button must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the remaining elements of the fittings. If you can’t fix the problem on your own, it’s best to turn to specialists for help.

Drain mechanism for the toilet, as a rule, it comes complete 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 back to Soviet times. But similar 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, where they think 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. Because only decision problems is replacing 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 purchase good toilet with 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.

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:

1. The tank of the system is compact, which is installed directly on the toilet bowl itself;
2. A cistern built into the wall, most often used in conjunction with wall-hung toilets;
3. 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

1. 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

2. 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.