How to change, in what cases the drain mechanism must be replaced

A breakdown of the toilet bowl flush mechanism is always an unpleasant situation, sometimes accompanied by serious consequences, up to the complete flooding of the room. Calling a plumber in such a situation is not always possible, but this is not a reason to despair - it is often possible to fix a breakdown on their own, with only a minimal set of tools, the knowledge gained from this article, and an indomitable enthusiasm.

Flush tank device

In simple terms, there are two units in the design of any tank: one collects water into the container and regulates its amount, and the other drains it. The first, the so-called set node, consists of the following elements:

• set fitting;
• locking mechanism;
• flexible hose;
• twists;
• float.

Water enters from the water supply to the fitting of the set through a flexible hose. At the same time, the nozzle valve regulates the amount of water: when, under the action of the collected liquid, the float rises to the required level, this valve closes, stopping the flow of water into the tank.

If we talk about the drain unit, then there are usually fewer components in its composition. The drain of virtually any toilet bowl is "tied" to the button used to flush the water. Most often, it is connected to a lever that, when a button is pressed, lifts the shut-off valve, allowing the water in the tank to drain freely downward by gravity. When the water level drops, the float opens the nozzle valve, and the tank begins to fill again.

Reference. Many designs have another element: the so-called overflow tube. Its main function is to "insure" the tank against overfilling in the event of a breakdown of the nozzle valve, float or its lever.

In what cases the drain mechanism must be replaced

Experts in the field of plumbing identify only three of the most common breakdowns, in which all the "insides" of the toilet bowl flush must be replaced:

• wear of the float or drain valve (usually leads to the fact that the tank begins to collect water continuously and does not stop, even if it is overfilled);
• bending of the twist or malfunction of the ratchet;
• breakage of the fitting.

There are, however, many situations in which it is possible to do without replacing the main parts. For example, a banal blockage or even a bend in a flexible hose can become the reason for a shortage of water.

In this case, to eliminate the malfunction, it will be enough to shut off the water supply to the tank, unscrew the hose from the tank and put it into the toilet or bucket, and then open the supply: if water does not flow or the pressure is too weak, it is necessary to blow through the hose with a compressor or clean it carefully with the help of a handyman funds.

Reference. A shut-off valve may also require cleaning from contaminants inevitably formed during operation. Dirt on this part can be easily cleaned with a hard wire or knitting needle.

How to replace the drain mechanism

If the breakdown is more serious than those described above, then the need to change the drain becomes inevitable. Next, we will consider a detailed algorithm of actions describing replacing the drain in the tank with the simplest and most common design.

Training

Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to shut off the water supply and prepare the necessary tools. The latter includes:

• a set of wrenches or an adjustable wrench;
• pliers;
• flat screwdriver;
• ruler.

Advice. Some craftsmen advise purchasing replacement parts in advance, but we believe that it is more expedient to go to plumbing store after parsing the main unit, so as not to miscalculate with the size and model of one or another details.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing

The replacement process consists of the following steps:

1. Step 1: remove the toilet lid. Today, the most common covers are with one or two drain buttons. In the first case, the ring around the button must be unscrewed (most often it rotates counterclockwise arrows), and then move the device cover to the side and remove the clothespin, which serves as an additional fastening. In the case of two buttons, you must first, by pressing one button, find a small hole located in the side of the second button, and then carefully remove it with a screwdriver. After that, it is necessary to unscrew the slotted screw and remove the cover of the structure.
2. Step 2: localize the malfunction. Carefully inspect the assembly for mechanical damage and heavy contamination. If the entire system has been covered with years of plaque, then the wear and tear of its main elements is a very expected result, and all of them must be replaced. Before starting work, it is worth draining the water from the tank. Most drains are sold assembled only.
3. Step 3: purchase and prepare for installation a new drainage system. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, just take the old drain device with you and ask the consultant in the plumbing store to choose the same or its analogue.
4. Step 4: mounting. When the old system is completely dismantled, the new drain is assembled according to the attached instructions and installed in the tank. The removed tank lid is mounted in the reverse order to the analysis, after which the water supply is connected and the system is checked for operability. The filling level can be adjusted by the set position of the float, so that if the water starts drain into the toilet through the overflow tube - adjust the position of the float relative to the valve fitting. If all elements of the system have been installed correctly, no problems should arise with the further operation of the device.

Advice. If, instead of draining into the toilet, excess water from the cistern is directed directly to the floor, the problem is most likely in the overflow tube that is too high. It can be shortened, but do not overdo it: a too short tube will simply prevent the device from picking up the proper water level and will have an extremely negative effect on the metering devices.

And finally: if possible, it is better to give preference to a drain device made of brass rather than plastic. Brass structures are more reliable and wear out much more slowly, which means that such a tank will bother you much less often.