Components of a Toilet

wing how your toilet works is the best way tothe parts include the overflow pipe and the seat for
decide if you can fix a problem yourself with partsthe valve. There are two different types of flush
and tools from the local hardware store, or if youvalves that are used to seal the valve seat. Normally,
need to call a plumber in order to fix a more seriousit is either a tapered rubber float ball or a flapper ball.
problem. The components of a toilet start with theThe flapper balls are on newer models and connect
tank, where problems arise most of the time. Theto the handle with a chain.
toilet tank's purpose is to hold water that isKnowing how your toilet works can help you fix
necessary to flush the toilet and to keep thecommon problems. One of the biggest problems that
plumbing parts hidden from view that fill the tank andpeople experience with toilets is having them run
empty it when you flush the toilet. Most of the time,constantly. This can be caused by several different
your toilet tank can be accessed by lifting thefactors, from the basic to the complicated. A
ceramic lid.disconnected or kinked chain can cause this problem
Toilet tanks are often quite different inside becauseas well as the lift wire being kinked. This can also
of different manufacturers or new technologies andhappen if the float ball is rubbing the side of the tank,
materials. However, there are two components thatcausing it not to fill completely. Also, the water level
make up toilet tanks, often varying a bit from modelin the tank could be too high and water could be
to model but basically the same. The first is the fillrunning into the overflow pipe.
valve system and the second is the flush valve. TheKnowing the different parts of a toilet and the
fill valve is the component that fills the toilet tankcommon causes for certain problems will enable you
with water and is sometimes known as a refill valve.decide whether you need to call a plumbing
Generally, there are four types, the Plunger type,professional or you can do the simple repair yourself.
Float Cup type, Float less System and DiaphragmFor instance, if obviously the chain has become
Type Fill Valve System.unhooked or kinked then you can easily fix this
The flush valve system allows water to leave theyourself, but other problems that can cause the toilet
tank and keeps the water from leaking into the toiletto run, or other plumbing concerns, especially with
when it is not needed, as well as allowing the tank tomain lines such as water or sewer lines, or anything
refill completely for the next flushing. You will see thisrelated to gas lines should be worked on by a
component bolted to the bottom of the tank andlicensed plumber and not by the average homeowner.