One of the main elements of a bathroom is a cistern. In order to repair it quickly and efficiently, if necessary, you need to know some of the nuances. About what parts the tank consists of, the features of the functioning and adjustment of the button, read on.
How does the flush tank work?
The content of the article
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How does the flush tank work?
- Filling
- Draining
- The subtleties of the button
- Why can the system "junk"?
- How to adjust the operation of the tank?
Regardless of which design the container is installed - modern or Soviet era, it contains certain components that differ in appearance, but perform similar tasks: filling with water and subsequent draining.

Filling
The mechanism provides the supply of liquid to the inside of the accumulator, this process ends when a certain level is reached. The nodes that make up the system:
- float element;
- stop valve.
The displacer is located on a plastic (or metal) lever, it changes its position depending on the volume of liquid in the tank: it lowers during draining and rises as it fills. At the minimum mark, the float activates the flow circuit, at the maximum, it blocks the water flow.
Draining
This regulator is used to drain fluid into the toilet bowl. Its constituent parts:
- drain siphon;
- drain lever;
- overflow tube.
The siphon device closes the drain opening and, if the button is not pressed, blocks the arbitrary loss of liquid. The lever scheme can be represented as a pneumatic chamber, a rod or a classic lever. It is designed to drain water by pressing the button element by hand. The overflow tube is marked with a number of marks and is located under the float. It blocks further filling of the tank when the volume reaches a certain level.
The subtleties of the button
Similar drainage options are implemented in modern cistern models. They can be presented in the form of one (using all the collected water) or two keys.
If a dual regulator is built in, this feature determines the amount of draining liquid: pressing a larger element completely empties the tank, using a small button resets half of the volume.
Some products work combined scheme, when the water pressure going into the toilet bowl depends on the force of pressing the trigger. Such a model will be the most economical, because it allows you to use the volume of the tank that is needed.

Why can the system "junk"?
Hardware problems occur for the following reasons:
- mistakes made during installation work;
- incorrect configuration of nodes;
- individual parts have been worn out or broken;
- accumulation of deposits and rust inside the container.
How to adjust the operation of the tank?
After the installation of the equipment, situations often arise that require additional adjustment. Let's consider the order of actions:
- Make sure that the moving parts of the valves are at a distance from each other. The fittings must never come into contact with the tank walls. This is very important for proper functioning.
- The flow of liquid into the tank should stop when 150 mm remains between its level and the edge of the overflow sensor; if there is a discrepancy, it will be necessary to adjust the float. Let's make sure that it does not have distortions, if they are detected, we correct the situation with the help of a rocker (located at the top of the device), tilt or bend it.
- The overflow tube can be adjusted by first loosening the lock and disconnecting the rod. The last action is not always required: there are structures where it is enough to unscrew the nut. By moving the part lower or higher along the marks, we accordingly decrease or increase the volume collected in the tank.
- Some models contain a special strip to indicate the optimum value. This value will provide the best washout of dirt.
- Attention! You can find options when the overflow element is located on the inlet fittings. In this case, its configuration scheme does not change.
- The filling tube can be too long, as a result - water is sprayed during the filling process. To solve the problem, it is enough to trim the unnecessary part.

There is limitations, which manifest themselves only after long-term use.
In modern devices, the liquid is drawn through the bottom line. A common malfunction here is a clogged filter through which the pressure enters. The component is located under the inlet valve displacer. The accumulation of debris in this area leads to two problems: sound effects during operation and slow filling of the tank.
The defect can be eliminated by washing the filter.. To do this, turn off the water valve, empty the tank and unscrew the water supply hose. The filter element inside the filling valve is removed and cleaned. We carry out the assembly in the reverse order.
Rust and various deposits on the walls of the container able to influence gaskets and assemblies. This source of problems contributes to structural failure or creates a gap between seals and parts. A leaky connection, in turn, causes a leak. To prevent such episodes, it is necessary to regularly clean the inside of the tank.
On a note! If one of the valves breaks down, you will have to purchase a new component. Damaged gaskets are replaced.
The circuit of the tank only at first glance seems complicated. In fact it is the device is designed so that the owner can easily disassemble and assemble the filling. Knowing these nuances, you will change any part with your own hands or, if necessary, replace the entire kit without resorting to the help of a plumber. This will save you time and money.