Toilets

Toilets - Mechanism and Common Problems

Toilets are essentially a fairly simple mechanism, designed to carry away waste and prevent sewer gasses invading the home.

Toilets are comprised of two main parts made from vitreous china: the tank and the bowl. In some toilets these parts are made separately and joined together, while in others they designed as one whole piece.

Before use, the toilet’s tank and bowl are partially filled with water. Between the bowl and the toilet bend, passages create a trap that is constantly filled with water, and exists to prevent the rise of sewer gasses.

When the toilet is flushed, the flush valve between the tank and bowl is lifted, which allows water to flow into the bowl. The water’s pressure forces the unclean water and waste down the pipe, thus also cleaning the bowl. A refill tube from the tank then replaces the toilet bowl’s lost water.

As the toilet empties, the float ball drops with the water allowing the ballcock valve to release new water into the tank. On toilets without a float ball, the ballcocks are activated by water pressure.

The standard toilet plumbing mechanism of the float ball and tank has been installed without change for many years. Its simple design results in an efficient plumbing system. In older toilets however, around 5 to 7 gallons of water are used to flush. To prevent this waste, newer toilets can only use a maximum of 1.6 gallons.

To prevent flooding from the tank, an overflow pipe leads from the tank in case the water rises too high.

From the simple mechanism however, several problems can arise if your toilet is not checked.

In the case of toilet blockage, first make sure that no other drains from your bath or sink are blocked. If they are, the problem may be the main drain and a plumber should be called.

Toilet blockages are most commonly caused by objects that shouldn’t be there in the first place. Do not dispose of sanitary items or nappies down the toilet, and make sure that toilet bowl air freshener attachments are securely attached to the bowl.

Usually, a plunger will take care of general toilet blockages.

If the toilet pan is full, scoop some of the water into another container, and using wither your toilet brush or plunger, pump vigorously around 10 times to create a vacuum and cause pressure to move the blockage. Then flush the toilet to see whether it has worked.

This process may need to be repeated before it works. However, if you are not succeeding after a few attempts, it’s time to call the plumber!

If you are experiencing water seepage into the bowl after the tank has refilled, there may be leakage from the tank itself. To trace any leaks in your toilet’s plumbing, simply add some food colouring and you will able to follow the water’s path, and see if your float ball is the problem.

If your float ball has a leak or is excessively dirty, it will hold the ballcock valve open and not shut off the water.

If the connecting rod from the float ball to the ballcock valve is bent, the ball may not be reaching its required height and therefore allowing leakage from the valve. To keep this mechanism smooth, ensure the rod is straight and lubricate the lever.

What if the toilet is not blocked, but the wastepipe is slow to drain? Position a bowl under the trap, and unscrew the joints to remove this part. Clean it thoroughly, checking and replacing seals if necessary and securely screwing the part back in place.

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