The functioning of a toilet may seem very intriguing to some people. It is fascinating how we only press a button, and it efficiently cleans up all the mess within seconds. Imagine living without these modern toilet systems that we have taken for granted. This article will enlighten you regarding the functioning of toilets.
How Does a Toilet Work?
Toilets are the most frequently used systems in our households. With the advancement in technology, toilets are upgrading from time to time. Be it a standard toilet or a bidet toilet; innovative toilets have made our lives easier. They comprise a simple mechanism along with a natural pull of gravity to flush all the waste out. However, every toilet is susceptible to low functionality with time. Whether it's getting clogged, unable to flush, or leaking water inside, your plumber will help you get rid of the problem at hand. By learning the intricate details regarding the working of a toilet, you can use various methods to diagnose the issues and fix them at home.
Types of Toilet Systems
There are three different types of toilet systems, namely the bowl siphon, the flush mechanism, and the refill mechanism. These systems work simultaneously to run the toilet system.
The Bowl Siphon
The pipe under the toilet bowl is called the bowl siphon. Upon flushing the toilet, it serves as a passage for the water and waste to flow into the sewage system. It has a distinct s-shaped structure that allows the flow of gasses from the septic tank to prevent the risk of release into the atmosphere and avoid overflowing within the toilet bowl. The extra water collected due to flushing falls into the sewage pipe instead of sitting on top of the toilet bowl.
Flush Mechanism
The flush mechanism is one of the essential components of a toilet system. It comprises the flush valve, the water tank, and the handle. When a person presses the flush button on the toilet, it pulls a chain inside the water tank that lifts the rubber stopper and flush valve from the drain hole within the tank. As a result, water flows from the water tank into the toilet bowl. After 2-3 seconds, the flush valve restores to the top of the drain hole to avoid the risk of excess water into the toilet bowl.
Refill Mechanism
The refill mechanism refers to the process after completion of the flush mechanism. Once the flush valve shifts back to its original place, the water starts flowing into the tank for refilling. It occurs when the filler valve inside the water tank allows the flow of water. As soon as the tank gets refilled, the cylinder composed of rubber or plastic located on the rod goes up to trigger the filler valve to stop the flow into the tank. Therefore, the extra water transfers into the toilet bowl to refill the water tank simultaneously.
How to Fix the Toilet Parts?
Different toilet parts are susceptible to wear and tear and breakage as they keep moving within the system. If you notice water continuously running through the toilet, it is best to repair or replace its parts instead of seeking help from professional plumbing services. By doing so, you will save a lot of money and better understand its functioning.
At first, you may find it gross to look within the toilet as it may contain water scum, stains, or corrosion. However, the quality and appearance of water do not change. To perform the inspection, you will require the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Locking pliers
- A screwdriver
- Tape Measure
- Bucket
- Vacuum
Here is a list of issues that may arise within the toilet system.
- If the toilet works continuously, the fill valve does not stop the flow of water by not closing completely.
- If the toilet works in irregular intervals, the flapper valve remains open for a short time.
Given the toilet issues listed above, it is crucial to determine why the valve allows extra water to flow within the toilet. Also, you must check if any part of the system requires repair or replacement.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix issues within the toilet system.
Leakage
If you notice any leakage within the toilet, it will require removing the tank from the toilet bowl to replace the rubber washer, tank bolts, and gaskets on the flush valve. Use a screw driver to tighten up the bolts within the system to fix leakage in your toilet.
Worn Flapper Valve
The flapper allows the flow of water into the toilet bowl to fill it up after flushing. With time, it may wear out or damage. An issue within the flapper valve can lead to continuous flushing. You can adjust the valve to fit it well into the system.
The abovementioned steps are easy to follow. You can efficiently resolve issues within your toilet at home without any external help.