Understanding the Parts of a Toilet Tank
When something goes wrong with your toilet, the first thing you need to do is identify the problem. This can be difficult, however, if you don’t know what each part of the toilet does.
In this guide, we will discuss the different toilet tank parts, and what they do. Once you understand how each part works, it will be easier to diagnose and fix any problems that may arise.
What is a Toilet Tank?
A toilet tank is the part of the toilet that holds the water. The bowl is the part of the toilet that you actually sit on, and it is connected to the tank.
The two most common types of toilets are gravity-fed toilets, and pressure-assisted toilets. Gravity-fed toilets rely on gravity to push the water from the tank into the bowl, while pressure-assisted toilets have a pump that helps push the water into the bowl.
Different Parts of a Toilet Tank and Their Functions
There are several different parts that make up a toilet tank, and each one has a specific function. In this section, we’ll take a look at all the parts of a toilet tank and their functions in detail:
1. Toilet flush valve
Toilet flush valves are located at the bottom of the toilet tank, and they are responsible for releasing water into the toilet bowl when you flush.
There are two types of flush valves: ballcock valves, and diaphragm valves. Ballcock valves are the most common type of flush valve. They use a float ball to control the flow of water into the toilet bowl. Diaphragm valves are less common, but they are more efficient than ballcock valves.
2. Toilet tank lever
The toilet tank lever is located on the side of the toilet tank, and is used for flushing the toilet. When you push down on the lever, it lifts a rod that is connected to the flush valve.
This allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Tank levers come in a variety of styles and designs, so you can choose one that matches the décor of your bathroom.
3. Toilet tank lid
The toilet tank lid is located on top of the toilet tank and covers the tank. Most toilet tank lids are made from porcelain or ceramic.
The lid is not necessary for the functioning of the toilet, but it helps to keep the inside of the tank clean and free from debris.
4. Toilet overflow tube
The toilet overflow tube is located inside the toilet tank, and its purpose is to prevent the tank from overflowing. The overflow tube is connected to the flush valve, and it extends up to the fill line on the tank.
When the water level in the tank reaches the fill line, it will flow into the overflow tube and down into the bowl. This prevents the water from spilling out of the tank and onto the floor.
5. Refill tube
The refill tube is the part of the toilet that refills the tank with water after it has been flushed. It is located inside the tank, and is connected to the fill valve. The refill tube extends down into the bowl and has a small hole at the end.
6. The float cup
This controls the water level in the tank. The float cup has a small hole in it that allows water to flow into it.
As the water level in the tank rises, the float cup starts to fill up with water. When the float cup is full, it stops the flow of water into the tank. This helps prevent the toilet from overflowing.
7. Toilet float ball
The toilet float ball is located inside the float cup, and it helps to control the water level in the tank.
As the water level in the tank rises, the float ball starts to float. When the float ball reaches a certain height, it shuts off the flow of water into the tank.
8. Toilet fill valve
The fill valve is what brings water into the tank. Without a fill valve, your toilet would not be able to flush. The fill valve is usually located at the back of the toilet tank.
Fill valves come in different sizes and have different functions, but they all serve the same purpose: to bring water into the toilet tank.
9. Toilet tank to bowl gasket
The tank-to-bowl gasket is located between the toilet tank and the bowl. It is made from rubber or silicone, and its purpose is to create a seal between the two. This helps prevent water from leaking out of the tank, and into the bowl.
10. Toilet tank bolts
The toilet tank bolts are located on the sides of the toilet tank, and are used to attach the tank to the bowl.
There are usually two or three bolts, depending on the size of the tank. The bolts go through holes in the side of the tank, and into threaded holes in the bowl. Tightening the bolts helps create a tight seal between the tank and the bowl.
11. Flapper lift chain
The flapper lift chain is located inside the toilet tank, and is used to lift the flapper.
12. Toilet tank flapper
The toilet flapper is a rubber or silicone seal that covers the hole at the bottom of the toilet tanks. When you flush the toilet, the flapper lifts up and allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. The flapper then falls back into place and seals the hole.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Does the flush valve seat come with the tank?
The flush valve seat is usually sold separately from the tank. However, you can find tanks that come with a flush valve seat already installed. If you are replacing an old toilet, you may need to purchase a new flush valve seat.
2
Why does my fill valve keep running?
If your fill valve keeps running, it may be because the float cup is not shutting off the flow of water. This can happen if the float cup is damaged, or if it is not properly installed. Another possibility is that the float ball is not sitting properly in the float cup.
It may seem like there are way too many parts in a toilet tank, but it’s important to understand that they all serve a specific purpose. Knowing how each part works will help you understand how your toilet works, and how to fix it if something goes wrong.
This knowledge will also come in handy if you ever need to replace any of the parts.