Toilet repair: types of faults and troubleshooting methods

It is sometimes impossible to do without many household items, including a toilet bowl. Unsurprisingly, things like this often fail. The reason for this is frequent exploitation. As a result, the toilet breaks down much faster than other plumbing items. The most vulnerable and fragile component in it is the tank, which consists of several internal elements. It is mechanical damage to internal parts that is the most common cause of toilet breakdown. Other reasons for which the device loses its functionality include negligence and non-compliance with the rules of its operation. What to do and how to fix the toilet yourself, you will learn from this article.

In order not to break the device and make high-quality repairs to malfunctions, you need to know the device of the tank and its features. All toilets have a similar structure. There are differences, but they are insignificant and consist in the mechanism for starting the water.

There are several types of cisterns: with one or more flush buttons and a lever. Regardless of which drain system is used - lever or push-button, this does not fundamentally affect the operating mechanism. However, an important advantage of a device with a push-button system is its affordable price and quality, which is confirmed by years of operation.

There are also devices that have an installation. They are separate structures between the appliance's cistern and the bowl itself. This is one of the most advanced modifications of the bathroom, the height of the tank may vary depending on the model of the toilet. The height of the location determines the level of remoteness of the cistern from the bowl and is often about a meter. The elements in this structure are interconnected by a hidden pipe. This type of bathroom has become very popular not only because it is high-tech, but also because, thanks to its excellent design, it will fit well into any interior - from classic to high-tech.

The technical capabilities of such models guarantee quick flushing and good water pressure. Often, in models with a separate design, the drain tank is hidden in the attic or in hinged structures - for example, a false ceiling.

There are also variations when the drain tank is at a low level. - it is mounted in the wall not far from the toilet bowl itself. These elements are connected by a short pipe, and the drain mechanism is located directly at the end of the tank, but this affects the speed and pressure of the water.

There is also a classification of devices according to the type of installation.

• There are hanging cisterns that are attached to the toilet bowl at a short distance and connected by a special pipe.
• Drainage compact device. Tanks of this type are attached directly to the so-called toilet shelf without the use of additional devices, for example, connecting pipes.
• The most sophisticated design is the built-in cistern, which is used in hanging devices known as flush-mounted toilets. The drain tank in this design is installed inside the wall.

Despite the fact that there are several types of designs of overflow tanks, their structure is the same and they can be represented as several elements that are in constant interaction with each other.

The main one is the filling valve, which is designed to maintain the water level in the tank at a certain level. This can be done by the float, which is attached to the filling valve and controls its action. It is he who opens and closes the channel through which water enters the drain tank. It works due to the fact that when the tank is filled, it rises and opens access for supplying water to the device.

The overflow valve, or the so-called "drain" valve, operates depending on the type of toilet bowl and its parameters. Today, most toilet tanks have a special button that triggers the flush valve. In other variations of this type of plumbing, there is a manual control, presented in the form of a lever or a chain. If you pull on them, water will begin to flow into the toilet.

Another element, without which the design of the drain tank is impossible, is the overflow, designed to set the maximum water level for each specific device. If this mark is exceeded, the water, due to the overflow action, will not pour out through the walls of the tank, but will flow into the sewer through a special overflow tube.

As noted above, there are several types of systems for launching water into the toilet. The design of tanks with automatic water drain (water is supplied after a short press of the button) works quite simply: the float is at the bottom, in the lowered position, which triggers the action of the filling valve. Thanks to this simple manipulation, the water supply opens through the filling valve. As soon as it reaches the required level, the float rises, thereby blocking the flow. The flush system in this design is controlled by pressing a button, which is located on the upper end of the drain tank: the overflow valve opens and lets water directly into the toilet itself.

Often, manufacturers install several drain buttons in their devices, which greatly complicates the structure of the drain tank and its operation. Despite this, devices of this type are designed for a reasonable and economical consumption of water, since when one of the buttons is pressed, only a partial discharge of water into the toilet occurs. For a complete drain, you need to hold down the second button. Thus, a person can independently regulate the required water consumption, which will have a positive impact on his budget.

Manufacturers create a variety of device options to suit different washroom sizes. For small toilets, it is customary to use new models of toilets, in which the flush tanks are equipped with a lower water connection. The main feature of such a device is the presence of a valve made of a special membrane. It opens under the influence of water pressure and, opening slightly, supplies water to the device. In case the water reaches a certain level, this diaphragm valve closes and stops the water flow. This is due to the pressure that the float exerts on the piston rod, thereby closing the diaphragm valve.

Having familiarized himself with the device of the drain tank, the master will be able to assess the problem and repair typical malfunctions that do not require a call of specialists.

Toilet repair is not the most difficult procedure, which requires only care, some skill, time and the presence of the simplest tools. Among them are pliers, a set of keys, a universal screwdriver, side cutters - these ordinary tools can be found in every home and will be indispensable helpers in plumbing work.

Let's take a closer look at some of the atypical devices that may be required when repairing plumbing. Among them is the pipe deburrer, which allows you to clean pipes - for example, to remove the remnants of the metal left after cutting the pipe. This tool can be replaced with a countersink. Also needed are soj sprays and special lubricating oils.

Despite the fact that the device of this plumbing fixture is a fairly simple structure, it can be subject to mechanical damage. If the toilet is broken and does not work, it is not necessary to call a team of specialists, since you can fix it yourself.

Before repairing, it is necessary to make the correct diagnosis of the problems. This stage of the work is the most important, since it involves an assessment of the state of the device, and to make a mistake at this stage means to do the work of poor quality.

Nevertheless, self-repairing plumbing is not difficult, but it requires a lot of time and effort, which significantly exceeds the finances spent on calling the masters.

It should be understood that there are several types of plumbing systems used in the drain tank device. The most modern of them is the lower water supply to the device. In a toilet cistern of this type, the inlet mechanism, that is, the valve, is located in a special tube located inside the cistern. The mechanism of operation of this device practically does not differ from the models of the old type: if the valve is open, then water enters the tank. When it is full, the float rises, acting on the valve that closes the water. Otherwise, the water drain and overflow system remains unchanged and differs little from the classic models: the same valve and tube are used, the latter is brought out to the drain and is equipped with a regulating screw.

Based on this, you need to choose those techniques and tools that will have to be guided in the subsequent repair. The most common problems are discussed in detail below, but it is worth noting right away that most problems with the plumbing fixture can be resolved by adjusting the tank fittings or by fully replacing the fittings.

There are many types of breakdowns. They can be more or less serious, but they all lead to the fact that the toilet comes into a spoiled position and ceases to fulfill its functions. This is often accompanied by increased water consumption, for example, when the device leaks. Of course, this affects the family budget, which few people will like. In order to avoid such unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to pay attention to the problem in time and carry out high-quality repairs, which can be carried out independently without calling a team of specialists.

Floor water leakage is one of the most common problems faced by consumers. The problem occurs both in older models and in the most modern devices with a lower water supply. The leak is associated with an O-ring through which the water flows. This element is located between the so-called toilet shelf and the bottom of the cistern. It often happens that the ring is out of order - cracked or changed shape. Another possible option is a cracked gasket on the mounting bolts - they attach the tank to a special shelf or so-called bowl. To solve the problems of a leaking toilet, it is necessary to replace the mechanisms.

It so happens that the water does not stop in the device, the toilet flushes it by itself, even if the flush button is not pressed. This breakdown is associated with the overflow of the drain tank. In this case, liquid flows through the overflow pipe. This often happens due to a shift in the height level of the overflow or a malfunction of the float. It can lose its tightness and, as a result, it does not fit tightly onto the filling valve. Another reason may be wear of the shut-off valves. To solve this problem, you need to change the float. In the event of a malfunction of the shut-off valves, the drain must be replaced.

In the event that the flush button sinks, you can try without removing the tank lid, repeatedly press it several times - often it automatically falls into place due to mechanical action. If this does not happen and the button is still stuck, you need to remove the top cover, remove the retaining ring at the flush button and subsequently install a new button. Also, this problem can occur when the shaft of the button is clogged, which needs to be cleaned and reinstalled. For a toilet with an installation, the masters are advised to disassemble the push-button mechanism itself and evaluate it for breakdowns.

If the system uses a push-button flush mechanism, then often the problem lies in a malfunction of the built-in lever that connects the drain, where the water should flow, and the buttons. In this case, it is necessary to repair the fittings in the cistern and the linkage itself. This problem is typical not only for automatic flushing systems, but also for unises with a flush chain or handle.

In case of noisy filling of the device, it is necessary to remove the upper end from the drain tank and examine the state of the mechanisms inside the tank. If the toilet "beeps" and emits other unpleasant sounds, then this may be due to the disconnection of a special tube that supplies water to the tank. This problem is most often encountered in toilets with side water supply, where, due to the disconnection of the tube, a noisy flow of water into the device occurs. In order to get rid of this problem, you need to connect this tube to the fitting in the drain tank.

If the toilet does not flush, then this is due to the obstruction of water in the device. Plumbing can be repaired - you need to check the inlet and clean it with a thin tool - for example, steel wiring. After that, it is washed with water and the valve removed from the tank is installed.

There may be a small amount of water in the drain tank, which will not be enough for flushing. This happens because some of the system elements are in the wrong position: for example, a float does not rise. You need to study its position and adjust it.

During the operation of the device, both plumbing and aesthetic problems can arise - for example, cracks and other cosmetic problems can appear. In order to solve them, it is not at all necessary to call a plumber or buy a new tank: any home craftsman will be able to fix the breakdowns and return it to its original appearance with his own hands.

A crack is often formed due to the fact that there is a temperature difference, which leads to an uneven and uneven distribution of the material. This, in turn, creates a large internal stress, due to which a chip or gap is created in the material. If the toilet is cracked, then mechanical damage becomes another cause of destruction.Often, some objects fall on it, because in modern apartment buildings, rather small rooms are allocated for toilets, in which residents want to fit not only the bathroom itself, but also various shelves. Household chemicals are placed on them, which fall and create a crack.

A bursting piece of material on the toilet can be gluedif using sealants made of sanitary silicone, which prevents the formation of mold and mildew. Moreover, this material is characterized by high resistance to chemical and hydraulic influences. Therefore, it is advisable to use this particular type of sealant for any part of the toilet bowl and even the sewer pipe. The entire area of ​​the breakdown must be covered. In order to close the hole, it is necessary to leave a small margin and take into account the total area of ​​the future seam.

The process of repairing mechanical damage is not complicated and consists of the following steps:

• You need to take a plastic spatula and moisten it, after which the applied silicone layer is leveled due to the correct spreading of the crack.
• Next, you need to collect soapy water and rinse it with a spatula. This must be done quickly, before the material hardens.
• The same soap composition can be used to completely level and harden the composition. You can smooth the material with a used spatula, a bar of soap, or soapy fingers. When performing these manipulations, it is important to remember the pressure force: do not press too hard on the sealant.
• You need to know that within 10-15 minutes after applying the material, it can deform and change its shape somewhat. In this regard, it is necessary to give smoothness to the oiled seam and polish it.

To fix plumbing faults, you need to pay attention to some of the nuances that can greatly affect the result.

First of all, you need to take care of the component parts of the device., this especially applies to the process of removing the lid from the toilet bowl. It is important to understand that designs with a button mechanism are disassembled only in the case of a temporary dismantling of the button.

During the repair, it is necessary to turn off the water, then you need to remove the water from the drain tank. Next, unscrew the nut located near the flush button and remove the cover. This sequence must be followed constantly, otherwise the incorrect removal of the upper end may be the cause of new breakdowns of the toilet.

Another possibility to remove the cistern cover is to press the button and turn the ring around the flush button. If difficulties arise, then you need to consider the inner bezel by pressing the button to the limit. There are special holes on the inside. Next, you need to take a screwdriver and turn the button ring with it. After that, the button is unscrewed and the button is removed. Now you can remove the cover, since the button is no longer built into the end and does not interfere with the removal of the cover.

You can regulate the amount of water entering the toilet yourself. It is necessary to remove the lid from the tank and make simple manipulations to change the position of the float, which determines the water level.

Plumbing should be given due attention, since a recently purchased toilet bowl may malfunction due to improper installation, improper connection of pipes, hoses to the device. On the other hand, old appliances can often face problems that may be insignificant at first glance, but can be detrimental to plumbing if it is not repaired.

Breakdowns can be of various kinds, but if the diagnosis is difficult, then you should contact a certified specialist who will help you understand the problem. Delay in the event of a device breakdown can cost not only a threat to the wallet, but also the well-being of the home - both your own and your neighbor's.

For information on how to fix a toilet bowl drain, see the next video.