How Does a Toilet Tank Work?

What’s Inside a Toilet Tank?

The primary purpose of a toilet tank is to create a siphoning action that washes away waste during the flushing process. Common components in a toilet tank include the handle, handle arm, chain, flapper, flush valve, drain opening, and filler float, among many others. Each component plays a vital role in the overall function of your toilet, and we can help you understand what each part does. Before attempting DIY toilet installation or repair, we recommend hiring a plumber to ease guesswork and rookie mistakes that compromise the efficiency of your system.

How Does a Toilet Flush?

It is easy to see how something can go wrong with so many components in play, but we can ensure every part is in tip-top condition. Every toilet should flush effortlessly and efficiently, but that’s not always the case. When you press the handle, the arm raises and lifts the chain, opening the flapper to activate the flush. Water rushes into the bowl via the drain opening, pushing the waste down the main drain.

If your toilet cannot flush when you press the handle, open the tank lid and check if the chain is hooked, which is usually the problem. However, if you can’t detect the problem, don’t attempt a DIY repair without the knowledge and tools for the job. The slightest miscalculation can cause severe damage, hence hiring a professional to handle the heavy lifting.

How Does the Tank Refill Process Work?

As the tank empties when you flush, the float ball or filler float lowers. This signals the fill valve to turn the water on, and water pours back through a refill tube simultaneously. The flapper seal prevents the fresh water from flowing into the toilet until there’s enough water in the tank to raise the floater to the set level, and water stops filling the tank.

If water continues flowing into the bowl, the flapper seal is worn out or requires change. We can inspect your toilet and detect minor signs of damage before things get out of hand. If the various components of your toilet aren’t working properly, you will notice a change in function and efficiency. Americana Plumbing can help you optimize the use of your plumbing by ensuring all the fixtures, including the toilet, are running at high performance. Contact us and schedule an appointment with our representatives. We guarantee exceptional plumbing services at competitive market rates.