How Does a Toilet Tank Work?

The professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing understand the anatomy of a toilet tank inside and out. To help you understand how this essential plumbing fixture works, let's start by exploring its anatomy.

Components of a Toilet Tank

• Toilet Chain

This is a lift wire that lifts the flapper valve to release water into the bowl. It connects the flushing handle to the flapper valve, making it possible to flush the toilet.

• Overflow Tube

This is a tube that runs vertically inside the tank of a toilet. It’s responsible for directing excess water from the tank into the bowl to prevent overflowing. An overflow tube comes in handy when the water level in a toilet rises too high.

• Toilet Flapper

This is a piece of rubber or plastic that opens to allow water to exit the tank when you press the handle. Once the tank is empty, the flapper seals the opening between the tank and the bowl to prevent any more water from entering the bowl. Just like other parts of a toilet tank, flappers wear out over time, causing continuous running. If you suspect that your toilet is continuously running, contact a nearby plumbing repair service to help you fix the flapper or any other defective component.

• Fill Valve

This is a plastic tube that allows the tank to refill after each flush. The tube is connected to a water supply line and opens to allow water to flow into the tank. This component automatically shuts off the water supply once the water level rises to a sufficient level. The fill valve can crack over time, thereby interfering with a toilet’s flushing mechanism.

Replacing a faulty fill valve is as simple as unscrewing the mounting nut that holds the fill valve in place and swapping the old one for a new one. If you need professional help from a trusted plumber, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

How a Toilet Tank Works When You Press the Flush Handle

• When you press the handle, the chain raises the flapper valve to allow water to move into the bowl.
• The rushing water creates a siphon effect to draw more water from the tank into the bowl until the tank is nearly empty.
• As the water level in the tank drops, the fill valve opens to replenish the water supply.
• Water flows into the tank until it reaches a predetermined level, at which point the fill valve closes.

Common Toilet Tank Problems

• Slow refill rate
• Leaking tank
• No flush at all
• Weak flush
• Noisy tank
• Water level problems
• Running toilet

If you’re experiencing any of these toilet tank issues or any other problem, call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for toilet repair services.

Need Professional Toilet Plumbing Services? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Do you need help fixing a faulty toilet tank? Is it time to replace your toilet? Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We take pride in providing a full range of services, including unclogging toilets, replacing defective components and full toilet replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.