A toilet bowl flows: why, what to do and how to eliminate leakage from the tank to the toilet bowl

In our today's material we will talk about the main causes of toilet tank leakage, and also tell aboutways of troubleshooting.

The problems with a toilet that has started flowing in different places are caused by three reasons. Sometimes, individually, and sometimes provoke the failure of joint efforts:

1. When installing new plumbing often allowed installation errors, assembly.
2. With prolonged operation, the reservoir flows due to out-of-operation or worn-out structural elements, fittings. Natural breakdowns usually occur only three years after installation.
3. Mechanical damage, violation of operating recommendations. This is a sharp jerk for the levers, strong pressure on the buttons, random shots and stuff.

Now consider several types of leaks separately.

• After pressing the drain button, leaks may occur. This indicates the need to check the structure of the drain system. Often the cause is the broken functionality of the shut-off valve. Hold it by hand, gently press it. If this helped, then the valve just loosely attached to the surface. Replace the old valve gasket with a quality new one, and it's done.
• The drain button is shifted, the height of the regulator is violated. In such situations, the valve is located higher than the drain hole. The formed gap leads to leaks. Correct the regulator slightly, try to return the button to its original position. To do this, tighten the fasteners with which the tank is attached to the pipe or the plumbing itself.
• The water leaks due to the tightness of the nut attached to the outside of the bottom. The reason is simple - leakage is broken. Most likely, the replacement of a gasket or the installation of a new nut with a gasket of high quality will help.

Remember, if the failure is insignificant and is caused by a seal failure, then use simple sealants. In case of more serious problems, change the damaged parts of the tank.

Correct first the lever of the float system, and also check the condition of the valve and the float itself. Water sometimes does not stay inside the tank, but flows directly into the bowl through the overflow. It is possible that the lever has shifted from its original position, or skewed.

See if there is a liquid in the float. Often it is because of this that there is a flow through the overflows. If it really is there, then the float has failed. To return it "to life" is simple:

• Remove the float;
• Pour out the accumulated water;
• Dry properly, even using a hair dryer, which will speed up the process;
• Eliminate cracks and holes through which water has entered. For this, epoxy glue is useful. If you add a bit of super cement to it, the quality of the repair will be even higher;
• Return the element.

If the valve of the float system fails, it is easiest to replace it with a new one. It is not difficult to do:

• Let out all the liquid from the tank with water;
• Disconnect the fitting using a wrench. It connects the valve to the water supply system, that is, the water supply;
• Remove the lever, but operate neatly so as not to damage other elements;
• Remove the inner as well as the outer nut with which the lever is held;
• Remove the float valve;
• Install the new element using the fixing nuts;
• Fill the reservoir with a liquid;
• Secure the lever in the correct position;
• Do a trial drain, which will determine if you did all right.

For siphon membrane seals, replace it. Solve the problem by applying glue, sealants will not work. Buy a new membrane, and similar to the old one. Take it out, in the sanitary ware shop find the same. To carry out repairs, follow the simple instructions:

• Lower the water so that there is nothing left in the drain tank;
• Use a rope to tie the float arm to a crossbar. The element must be securely fixed;
• The crossbar can be any strap, a piece of wood, delivered instead of the tank cap;
• Remove the nut that connects the flush pipe and the tank;
• Slightly loosen the other nut by unscrewing it from the siphon. It is located at the base of the container;
• From the lever, carefully disconnect the siphon and pull it out;
• Now take the new membrane and put it on the right place;
• Assemble the entire system in the reverse order.

1. Inspect the condition of the cuff. It will have to be adjusted or tightened using a yoke. Do not over tighten the bolts, but at the same time do not make the fasteners too weak.
2. If there is a corrugated section on the cuff, they are sometimes displaced from their original position. Return to the site will help clamps or plumbing insulation. The latter option will give a temporary result, because the collar is the optimal solution.
3. The reason for this type of leakage may be a weak attachment of the tank and the shelf. Check that the nuts and bolts are tight. Brass bolts are eternal, and metal counterparts lose their original characteristics over time.
4. If the previous version did not work, look at the gaskets on the tank. Unscrew all nuts, bolts, inspect the condition of the gaskets. Replace them is not difficult and not expensive.
5. If the shelf is damaged, you can not help the clamps and sealants. It will require a complete replacement of the shelf or even the tank.

The primary reason is poorly tightened or deformed over time and under the influence of moisture bolts:

1. If they are badly twisted, but fasten new ones, just work with the appropriate tool by tightening the fasteners.
2. If you lose the quality of fasteners, you need to change them. Shut off the water, drain off any remaining water, and partially disassemble the valve in order to have more or less convenient access to the bolt heads. After removing old ones, replace them with new ones, not forgetting about rubber seals.

It is not superfluous to use sealants at the joints. This is generally a useful thing for solving a lot of leakage problems. Rely exclusively on gaskets and seals is not worth it, because even the best quality products do not always cope with the loads. An additional measure of protection in the form of a sealant will extend the life of the plumbing and make life easier for you.

This is not a complete list of possible leaks that arise as a result of the use of toilets. We will mention a few more of them, as well as ways of elimination:

1. The button that responds to the flush does not work. You will need to remove the cover and check the condition of the drain system. Often the stem from the drain jumps out, as does the pressurizing valve. You just need to put them in their places. Check the dirtiness of the button, clean the dirt and put it back. The problem is solved.
2. High noise level when recruiting water. The plumbing system can have a different head. If it is high, then a high pressure is created on the float valve and the element does not cope with the load. As a result, increased noise. Replace the valve that will be able to cope with such a set, or mount the stabilization valve.

If the tank is leaking due to the formation of condensation, you need to find out the cause and eliminate it:

• It is necessary to repair the intake and exhaust valves. If it is broken, water goes to the toilet, it heats up to room temperature. At the same time cold water flows from the water pipe, which creates condensation;
• The amount of drain must be reduced. This is true for regularly operated toilets. It is recommended to replace the conventional drain button with a double one, where one will provide a drain for a smaller volume of liquid and the second for a larger one;
• Eliminate high humidity in the room itself. If it is a combined bathroom, it will be more difficult. You can put an electric towel warmer, plus be sure to provide an effective ventilation system.

These recommendations will allow you to independently understand the causes of leakage, as well as eliminate them without recourse to specialists. But is it worth doing this?

Many prefer professional assistance in case of failure of sanitary equipment. The advantages of a professional inspection are as follows:

• A specialist can pay attention to something that you would never have looked at;
• Professional experience allows him to quickly find the causes of malfunction, qualitatively correct them;
• Master has its own proven locations for the purchase of plumbing and components;
• The responsible specialist uses a professional tool, reliable sealants, because he is interested in positive feedback about his work;
• Before installation, a professional will be able to point out the weaknesses of the pipeline, help install, connect the toilet, offer its services for the prevention and maintenance of plumbing.

It is better to prevent damage at the stages of its origin, than to eliminate the consequences. Carrying out preventive measures, you will significantly extend the life of your plumbing and will spend significantly less money in case of some problems.

To preventive measures include:

• Periodic inspection of joints, joints;
• Inspection of gaskets, condition of nipples and pipes;
• Accurate use of levers and flush buttons, providing no sharp clicks;
• Installation of coarse filters, which prevents the ingress of impurities, large particles that can contaminate and clog the system;
• Use of quality fittings for the replacement of toilet elements;
• Application of high-quality sanitary ware, the purchase of which in itself guarantees a longer, trouble-free service life than products of questionable production;

Appeal to professionals for solving problems and malfunctions.