A bathroom flush is the process of rapidly eliminating waste from a toilet bowl with water. This system may consist of either a tank (cistern) and valve, or it may be operated manually by pouring water into the bowl.
Some modern toilets also employ a siphon, which is composed of vertical pipes and perforated discs to provide an extended flush time. This system works by applying lower pressure inside the tube to water in the bowl, creating higher pressure there and enabling faster flushing action.
The Tank
The tank in your bathroom is where your toilet uses water to flush. It has a special siphon tube that helps move water out of the bowl faster than with standard supply lines.
To activate the siphon, water must be quickly rushed into the toilet bowl to create enough pressure change that begins the process. A tank provides this force by holding about one gallon of water that cascades down during flushing.
If you’re having difficulty flushing, check the tank level and float ball for movement inside. If they aren’t moving freely, there could be an issue with your tank to bowl seal.
Another potential issue could be the refill tube or overflow tube on your toilet. These tubes connect near the top of the ballcock mechanism on one end and to inside of an overflow tube on the other.
The Lever
The toilet lever is the handle you press down to flush a toilet. It works together with either a siphon or flush valve, which delivers water into the bowl for cleaning and rinsing away waste.
The siphon is a vertical pipe that connects the toilet pipe to a domed chamber inside the cistern. A perforated disc fits inside this chamber and is connected by rod to the flush lever.
When the lever is depressed, a disc rises and forces water into the siphon. This process continues until the cistern is empty, at which point air enters and stops the flushing action.
Fixing a flush handle that is malfunctioning or broken can usually be accomplished with just tightening its mounting nut on the back. However, if this doesn’t solve your problem, it may be necessary to replace the handle entirely.
Modern bathroom designers often opt for a button flush as it offers several benefits over its lever counterpart, such as an organized look and the option to conceal the toilet tank behind the wall.
The Stopper
The stopper is an essential element of a bathroom flush. It helps refill the toilet tank and keeps it from leaking after each flush.
It also keeps the water level in the toilet bowl consistent, even when there isn’t running water. This prevents clogs or other plumbing issues from occurring.
Different stoppers serve the same basic purpose: keeping water from escaping into the toilet bowl after flushing. They vary in cost, durability and ease of installation and upkeep required.
A lift-and-turn drain stopper is a cost-effective, straightforward mechanical design that rarely needs attention. It attaches to the drain with a setscrew located beneath its cap for secure attachment.
The push-and-pull style is similar to the lift-and-turn model, except it is pushed down to close and pulled up to open rather than being twisted. Furthermore, this model requires less complex removal than its larger counterpart does.
The Refill Valve
The refill valve, commonly referred to as a ballcock, adds water into the toilet tank after each flush. It keeps the level high until full and then shuts off, creating silence in the tank.
Fill valves come in a range of styles. Some older models utilize a float ball and rod, while more modern designs use a float cup to regulate water flow.
If your toilet doesn’t refill after flushing, the issue likely lies with the refill valve. This part controls how much water is thrown into the bowl via an overflow tube and must be installed correctly for a successful flush.
Over time, your fill valve may begin to experience diminished performance, leading to slower tank refills and ghost flushes. Blue Bear Home Services recommends that you clean the inside of your toilet tank regularly and keep the washer at the top of your fill valve clean as well.
