The flush valve is placed inside your toilet tank, and you may not even suspect how it looks or that there is something behind the lid. Yet, once the problem with your toilet occurs, you may want to open the tank and find the solution. Any type of toilet has a flush valve, whether a corner toilet or the D-shaped one. Here you will find out more about this device and how to check it in the first place.
What Is a Flush Valve?
The flush valve has the description of its feature in its name. It is a toilet’s detail installed in the cistern with the water, responsible for the water flushing. It helps you wash the toilet’s contents into the sewer system via the drainpipe. The water flows through this device. The standard size of it is 2 inches, but there are also 3 and 4 inches models for higher performance.
Underneath the tank, there is a lock nut that attaches the flush valve to the toilet. Only after the valve is installed, you can install the bowl gasket. If you notice that the toilet is leaking, you may open the tank and make sure that the gasket is sealed.
The Work of a Flush Valve
Here are details on the work of the toilet flush valve, which might be helpful for everyone. It is better to understand the specifics of its work, so you can find the problem and fix it. Read this detailed and brief guide:
- The valve is in the center of the tank. It is attached to the bottom and has the neoprene or rubber flapper called the “float ball.” The flapper stands behind the valve’s opening and ensures that the water is kept in the tank and not leaking.
- The flush happens when you press the handle on the tank and the lift wire or chain inside the tank connected to the handle, and the flapper lifts the flapper. The valve is open, and the water runs down to the toilet bowl from the tank.
- Once all water is gone, the flapper returns and seals the valve again until you press the handle and start the procedure from the beginning. Meanwhile, the new water fills the tank again.
- If you are worried that the water will overflow the tank, it won’t happen. There is a smart mechanism that keeps an eye on it. It is called the vertical overflow pipe. It goes to the tank from the base of the flush valve. It looks simple, and it works simply too.
- At the top of the overflow pipe is the refill tube that is small but powerful. It makes the water fill the bowl after the refill cycle is over.
Basics of Flush Valve Work
Now when you are familiar with the details, you can open the lid and make sure everything is alright with the flush valve. It is better to do it only if you notice the leakage, and remember that you have to move carefully not to damage the mechanism.
Have you ever repaired leaks before? Do you have your own ways of diagnosing the problem? Express your thoughts in the comments below.
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