Toilet bowls remove waste using water, and then transport it through a drain pipe to a treatment plant or septic tank. After flushing the toilet, the cistern automatically fills up until a certain level is reached in the tank. To prevent overflow, a float is installed in the cistern that controls the water level. This is the main principle of how the flush and the entire flushing process works. As you can see, flushing is a complex mechanism! The problem arises when the flush mechanism gets damaged. Therefore, let's check how to fix a leaking toilet flush and restore the proper functioning of the toilet.
How the flush works - what should you know?
A standard compact flush, available as a set with a toilet bowl, consists of two valves - a filling valve and a flushing valve. The first one serves to supply water to the flush, while the second one is for flushing the bowl; the flush is activated by pressing the flush button, which empties the contents of the bowl. A very important part of the mechanism is the float that rises on the surface of the water and closes the valve. To prevent water from spilling out of the toilet, a so-called bell is installed in every toilet, which closes the flushing valve.
Repairing a leaking flush - where to start?
If you notice even a small leak, don’t ignore it! A leaking toilet flush is not only annoying, but it can also generate huge water bills. Imagine water dripping continuously for 24 hours down the bowl. The longer you ignore the issue, the greater the chance that the stream will expand, and the meter will be spinning faster and faster. Where to start?
- Turn off the filling valve.
- Remove the cover and flush the toilet - once the valve is blocked, the water should not fill back into the flush mechanism.
- Try to locate the outlet valve (usually located in the center).
- Unscrew the nuts under the flush.
- To replace the washers, push them out with a screwdriver and install the new parts.
Float - the most common problems
A constant water flow into the flush is a signal that may indicate incorrect positioning of the float. If it is set too high, the filling valve remains open, causing water to continuously leak through the overflow into the toilet bowl. Fixing this issue involves changing the position of the float. To restore proper functioning of the mechanism, simply remove the top cover of the cistern (sometimes also unscrew the flush button) and using a plastic screw, place the float at the optimal height.
Do not be discouraged if the first attempts prove unsuccessful - you will get it right eventually! And if it doesn't work, the float is probably damaged. If you have not been able to restore the desired position of the float despite your repair attempts, you have two options - replace the valve or call a plumber to repair the filling valve.
Self-repair or professional help?
If you don’t feel confident and are afraid of making a mistake when installing a new mechanism, call a professional. Buying the materials needed to replace the valve will not break your budget - in construction stores, you can find good quality sets priced between 20-30 PLN. Before making a purchase, pay attention to the diameter of the connection pipe.
In the offerings of manufacturers of bathroom fittings, you can find models with a connection pipe diameter of 1/2 or 3/8 inches. Once you have the necessary equipment, turn off the water supply and remove the flush cover. Remember to protect yourself against potential minor flooding! Bring a bowl to catch any residual water. After unscrewing the faulty valve, install the new one and connect the water supply pipe. Finally, remember to adjust the float level.
Related products
