Drainage mechanism for toilet: adjustment, selection, installation and replacement

The defective drain mechanism does not allow the discharge procedure. A special mechanism is responsible for his work. To understand the nuances of its work, repair, it is necessary to get acquainted in detail with the device itself, its types and other parameters. This is what we are talking about today with you and will talk in our material.

Today there are two types of drainage mechanisms:

• Single-mode;
• Dual-mode.

In the first case, the discharge is carried out by using the entire volume of liquid that is present inside the tank.

The second has two buttons, responsible for draining a certain amount of water - bigger and smaller. The use of such systems is justified, since they save water without using the entire volume when there is no need for it.

Despite the differences in the type of the drain mechanism, the principle of its operation remains the same. In different ways, only motion is transmitted to the valve, which locks the drain hole.

Before we begin to perform any repair or maintenance work, we will understand the drain device itself.

Each toilet model is equipped with two main elements - a bowl and a container, that is, a drain tank.

Remove the cover from the tank, beneath it you will see the drainage system. It includes the float, levers and seals. Conditionally the whole system is divided into two subsystems - a set and a drain.

By releasing the button, the drain hole is closed, the flow into the liquid reservoir begins. With the help of the float, the level of water intake is regulated, and when necessary - the tap is closed.

Different manufacturers produce different designs, but this will not change the meaning of the drain operation.

As we have already noted, the operation of the drainage system depends on the functionality of the of the two subsystems - the set and drain systems.

It is possible to understand the intricacies of the entire assembly only by considering each unit separately.

The valves for adjusting the water supply are of different types:

1. With side feed. In such cases, the fitting is mounted at the top. As a rule, such systems are found among domestic manufacturers of toilet bowls. This is explained by the cheapness of the mechanism. But it is characterized by increased noise during operation. Models of medium and expensive price category provide for the installation of a tube. Through it water is fed to the bottom, thereby reducing the noise level.
2. With bottom feed. This system is found in the toilet bowls of foreign and our production. Noise is minimal, which explains the popularity and relevance of the system.

To activate the drain, pull the stem or press the button. The most popular and modern version is equipped with a button and a lever. If the tank is hidden, that is, it is built into the wall, the button is placed on the wall. Because of this, the hanging toilet bowls have both advantages and disadvantages. A characteristic negative feature is the complexity of the repair, since it is possible to reach the reinforcement only through a small hole.

Some models with two modes of operation are made with one button. Here, the drain of a smaller or larger volume depends on how much the button was pressed.

Today, there are several ways to install a drain tank. Each of them has its own nuances, advantages and disadvantages.

1. Fixation above the bowl of the toilet bowl. In terms of aesthetics is not the best option. Reminds the decisions of Soviet times. But repair lends itself easily, it does not require special skills. The plus is the fact that the water moves down under the force of attraction, from this bowl is washed more effectively.
2. Mounting on a toilet or a special stand. There is a similar option more often than others. To secure the fastening and avoiding leaks between the bowl and the tank, rubber gaskets are installed - a cuff. Aesthetic, compact, rational.
3. Wall mounting. The method is relevant only if you are planning a major overhaul for your bathroom. For this method, it is necessary to install a container in the wall, and the drain button to be pulled out. It is interesting that only the bowl is visible. This saves space, provides a more attractive appearance of the room. But the repair is complicated, because you can get to the armature only through the hole under the drain button on the wall.

The purchase of spare parts for repairing the toilet is a natural thing. Many problems can be solved by replacing components, reinforcement elements or entire assemblies.

The spare parts of the drainage system include valves, overflow system, pear, buttons, all kinds of fittings, supplying flexible hoses and even a full tank. After all, this is a ceramic product, and therefore it is not difficult to damage it by mechanical influences.

Of course, some components are repairable by using epoxy glue, sealants and so on. But experts do not recommend doing this, since most of these mini-repairs give only a temporary effect. Still have to change the part. So why not just buy a new spare part? This will save you time, energy, and also guarantees the ability to continue to safely operate the toilet, without fear that at the most inopportune moment, temporary measures will turn into a whole problem.

Buying spare parts is not such a simple process as it might seem. Our tips will help simplify the solution of the problem.

1. If you have an upper drain, then the nodes can be made from different materials. It is best to take bronze or brass. They are reliable, durable metals that are not afraid of corrosion and chemical agents.
2. In standard tanks, the mechanisms are predominantly separate. That is, flush and fill valves have been separately implemented. This greatly facilitates the repair, does not require additional costs for the purchase of the node, which remained intact.
3. Be sure to check the quality of the products. Particular attention to the valves. Under their own weight, their operation should be clear, the nodes must move smoothly, without obstacles. If you notice that there is a seizure, then such an element is not worth buying.
4. When buying new gaskets, pay attention to silicone products. They differ in strength, reliability, in this component significantly surpass rubber analogs. Bend them, straighten them, squeeze them. Good details do not start to crack, no deformation marks are formed on them.
5. Adhere to the rule "more expensive, it means better."Good spare parts can not cost cheap, despite the high competition among manufacturers, which forces them to reduce prices.
6. If the element is reinforced with rubber, this is excellent. This indicates a high degree of responsibility of the manufacturer for their goods.
7. If you choose bad parts for draining, the consequences will not be the most pleasant. As a rule, they appear as leaks.
8. Learn the quality of metal products. They may be chipped, cracked, scratched, broken geometry, frank traces of welding. All these are signs of bad details.
9. If you decide on your own with difficulty, act as simply and competently as possible. Remove the damaged element from your toilet bowl and take it to the store. The specialist will help you find a worthy analogue of high quality. But in that case, you need to be sure of the store where you are going.

Even the highest quality and reliable drain systems may fail over time. As practice shows, the most popular problems are the constant flow of liquid into the tank, or leakage from the tank.

There may be several reasons for this:

• The float jumped. This problem is the simplest in the solution, since repair in such a case is required. Open the lid, pominate the float so that it rises to its rightful place. Although sometimes the check valve itself can not sit on its saddle. You can fix this manually, by opening the valve in the hole.
• The float mechanism does not work properly. Filling of water to the required limits in theory, after which, nevertheless, the replenishment does not stop. Check the serviceability of the system by raising the float as far as possible. If the water does not stop flowing, the news is not very good - you will have to change the float.
• The shutoff valve loosely sits in the seat, or the sealant is aged. The problem is the wear over time of the seal. He is old, and nothing can be done with him. If you press the valve with your hand and water stops, the culprit is exactly the sealant. It is not difficult to replace it. But there are other reasons associated with the small weight of the locking mechanism. There is nothing to change. Just add a few weights inside, which will weight the element.

As you can see, the drain system works differently because of the design features, but the essence of its operation principle does not change at the same time.

The best solution to avoid breakdowns and unpleasant leaks is to purchase high-quality plumbing fixtures, and also to periodically carry out preventive measures. But most importantly - learn how to handle the plumbing carefully. No sharp jerking with excessive force on the ropes, no strong pressure on the button, avoid blows on the tank. It is recommended to put the filter on the pipe, through which water comes from the aqueduct into the tank. It will allow to detain large particles, thereby you will avoid blockages, excessive wear of elements.