Plumbing breakdowns happen in every apartment; such a malfunction must be eliminated quickly, because there is a risk of flooding the neighbors below. Fortunately, the design of the toilet is so simple that you can deal with the problem yourself without calling an emergency team. How to fix a toilet with your own hands? Let's look at the causes of the most common breakdowns and steps to eliminate them.

Toilet device

In order to correctly find the fault and carry out repairs, you need to study the structure and operating diagram of the toilet, determine the parts and components that are replaced.

Toilet elements:

• the bowl is fixed to the floor or wall, a seat and a lid are attached to the top, which closes mechanically or using a microlift;
• water from the bowl goes into the outlet pipe, which is connected to the sewer with a special cuff;
• The tank is filled with water to rinse the bowl and can be mounted either on a stand on top of the bowl (compact) or hidden in the wall.

The fittings installed in the cistern can be located in two places:

• flexible hose connects from the side;
• water supply is carried out from below.

The tank fittings consist of the following parts:

• trigger mechanism, activated by one or two drain buttons, which release 3 or 6 liters of flowing water and allow you to regulate the flow rate;
• the inlet valve through which the tank is filled, the float is connected to the shut-off valve, it shuts off the water when it reaches the upper level;
• rubber seals that ensure complete tightness of the system.

The cistern consists of several elements

The toilet is bolted to the floor or wall and installed on a special frame built into the wall. In this case, water enters the bowl from the tank through a connecting pipe. The drain tank is hidden in the wall, and for free access, if necessary, a false panel or door is made, disguised as a general finish. Only buttons or levers for draining are visible from the outside.

Do-it-yourself toilet repair: a practical guide

It is better not to delay troubleshooting the bowl and drain mechanism, and before work you need to turn off the water by turning the inlet valve, prepare the necessary materials and tools:

• open-end wrenches;
• screwdriver;
• fumlenta;
• silicone sealant;
• pliers or pliers.

The most common toilet breakdowns:

• water leakage, noise, constant drainage;
• water does not fill into the tank;
• shut-off valves do not work;
• microlift breakdown;
• drain buttons do not work;
• The buttons are pressed, but the flush does not occur.

These problems can be easily fixed by replacing components that are broken; it is important to make a correct diagnosis.

Problems with the tank

The tank lid is made of ceramics or sanitary ware; it is fragile and heavy. For a preliminary inspection, you need to carefully remove the cover to identify faulty parts. If water constantly fills the tank, then the worn inlet valve needs to be replaced. If water slowly flows into the bowl all the time, the reason is a malfunction of the drain fittings, which operate spontaneously.

If no water is drawn in at all, the inlet hose or connecting pipe may be clogged. The cause of leaks lies in the wear of the sealing gaskets and a violation of the tightness.

Adjusting the water volume

The water level in the tank, upon reaching which the shut-off valve is activated, is determined and regulated using a special float sensor, which can be set and adjusted as desired. In Soviet times, the float was held on a thick wire, which could simply be bent so that less water would accumulate.

You can regulate the volume of water in the tank using a float sensor

In modern models, the float is adjusted with a screw or moves down along guides.

You can adjust the water volume by sliding the special limiter up or down

If the toilet was purchased recently, then most likely the water is supplied from below; in such models, the inlet membrane valve is located inside a special tube in the tank. You can adjust the volume of water by moving the overflow tube, which is located in the middle of the mechanism. To do this, first lift it to the very top and, after waiting until the tank is full, set it to a height of approximately 0.5 cm above the water level.

In modern toilets, it is enough to move the overflow tube to increase or decrease the volume of water in the tank

Water does not fill into the tank

Fixing this problem will take less than an hour; first, fill a bucket with water from the tap and pour it into the bowl.

Here's how it works:

Constant water flow

The opposite problem, where water constantly flows into the tank, requires replacing the drain valve if it is leaking. Perhaps the float has become misaligned; here you just need to return the float to its working position. You can buy a new valve at a plumbing store; it costs around 300 rubles. Sequence of actions when replacing the drain valve:

If the pressure in the water supply is very strong, then even with working parts there will be a slight leak.

Noise when filling the tank

The problem of increased noise levels or extraneous sounds, for example, squeaking, whistling or splashing, gurgling, is caused by a possible disconnection of the internal water supply tube; to solve this breakdown, you need to reconnect the tube to the fitting. The cause may also be a clogged filter, especially if the whistle is accompanied by a slow intake of water into the tank. How to clean the filter:

Elimination of internal and external leaks

This problem is the most dangerous; at best, it threatens with huge costs for utilities, and at worst, flooding of neighbors and your apartment. If water flows onto the floor, you need to act quickly. The most vulnerable places are connections in which the tightness is broken.

In compacts, the tank is installed on top of the bowl, with a rubber gasket between them. Over time, the gasket deteriorates and a leak occurs; the cause may also be poor-quality installation of the structure initially.

Replacing the gasket:

A leak can also occur at the junction of the outlet cuff with the sewer pipe; the reason is improper installation of the toilet, a movable fastener that destroys the sealing layer, or wear of the sealing element. In this case, you need to make a high-quality fastening of the toilet to the floor and replace the gasket. Additionally, coat the connection with silicone sealant.

If a leak occurs, check all connections

If water flows over the top of the tank, then the problem is a slightly open shut-off valve. It can be solved by adjusting the float or replacing the locking mechanism.

Troubleshooting button problems

The buttons are attached with special rods to the lever of the locking mechanism; when pressed, the drain valve rises and the drain hole opens, draining water. If a malfunction occurs in the operation of the buttons, they either fail when pressed or get stuck and do not release water. It will be quite difficult to find spare parts individually, so the best solution would be to replace the entire push-button mechanism.

Microlift repair (replacement)

The microlift smoothly lowers the toilet seat and lid, without unnecessary noise and the risk of chips and cracks. The microlift operates on the principle of a door closer; the device can be extremely simple, or with presence sensors and remote control. The hinge mechanism with a spring and rod can be disassembled, but the piston mechanism with cylinders cannot be disassembled. Breakage can be caused by incorrect use or wear and tear from prolonged use; most often, the microlift breaks when the lid is abruptly slammed “out of habit,” in which case the lid either falls or closes jerkily.

The toilet lid comes with special fastenings

In case of serious damage, it is better to change the entire cover with the seat and the elevator:

The simplest failure that you can fix with your own hands is a prolonged creaking sound when the cover moves, which means that you need to apply lubricant to the moving elements of the mechanism.

If the mounting bolts are broken, they must be replaced:

You can tighten loose supports as follows:

1. Remove the decorative caps on the mounting legs.
2. Open the lid and seat and carefully lift it up and remove it from the fastenings.
3. Move the fasteners to the desired position and tighten the nuts or screws; there is no need to touch the closer mechanism, then install the cover in place.

Replacing shut-off valves

Operating procedure:

The design of the toilet is simple, most faults can be eliminated yourself, and spare parts are inexpensive. Exclusive models use non-separable mechanisms; it is better to entrust the repair of such toilets with additional options to specialists.

Proper operation of plumbing means budget savings and a good mood. However, it is not always possible to avoid a toilet leaking after flushing. Unnecessarily leaking water from the tank causes excess water consumption. You can deal with the breakdown yourself, without resorting to the help of a plumber, if you know the algorithm for identifying the problem and how to fix it. The toilet is leaking, if you flush it, what should you do in this case?

Why does the toilet tank leak when I flush?

Why is water running in the toilet and how to fix and repair it? Leaking water from the toilet indicates that the plumbing fixture tank is faulty. The following facts speak about this:

1. There is a constant sound of water entering the toilet bowl between flushes.
2. A rusty coating appears.
3. Condensation collects on cold water pipes.
4. The numbers on the cold water meter exceed normal values.

Initially, correct installation of plumbing equipment will help to avoid such inconveniences.

Breakdowns that occur in the future can be easily corrected on your own by familiarizing yourself with the causes and methods of repair.

How does a toilet work?

Before determining the cause of the breakdown, why water is slowly dripping, you should remember the principles of operation of the toilet flush device.

How does a toilet work? Water flows from the water pipe into the flush tank. Recruitment in progress, p The reservoir fills, raising the float. Having reached a certain volume, the water closes the drain valve and further filling stops. When flushing, press the button (lever, pull the chain), the valve opens, water rushes into the toilet bowl. Next, the filling process should be repeated, however, the toilet tank leaks, preventing the water from reaching the shut-off valve or, on the contrary, overflows the float.

Causes of failure when the tank leaks water and leaks

Before you fix a problem, you should find out its possible causes. So, we can highlight the main ones.

Incorrect installation and can it be fixed?

Typically, new plumbing fixtures that are not installed to code will leak within the first 6 months of installation.

You can find out and eliminate the cause of the malfunction yourself by disassembling and inspecting the tank for visible cracks, defects and checking the shut-off valve.

Water flows after drawing and filling - a malfunction of the drainage device

After a long period of use, the fittings wear out, causing breakdowns. Also, problems may arise much earlier if low-quality materials for the tank fittings were used in the plumbing.

To identify the problem, you need to close the water supply connected to the tank and observe the leakage. If water leaks when the water supply is turned off, the drain valve is broken. This can be due to blockages, salt build-up from water, or normal wear and tear. You can get rid of damage by giving the tank a “general” cleaning to get rid of plaque and random debris.

If the water remains in the tank and does not flow into the bowl, then the cause is an incorrectly adjusted float, or a clog in the automatic water supply system. In this case, you should try to adjust the water supply pressure.

We identify and correct the breakdown that causes water to constantly flow from the toilet tank

Tank leak can happen in different ways, so you first need to decide how the water flows:

1. Leaking through the overflow.
2. The leak occurs before the overflow begins.
3. Leaks between bowl and tank.
4. Along with the drain.
5. The water leaves through the overflow.

The toilet tank overflows and excess water spills over the overflow. This problem occurs for several reasons.

Mechanical damage to the flush valve body (button), due to which water leaks

Breakage occurs only with plastic fittings. Deformation or weak, not tight seal of the gasket.

Worn pin holding the automatic drain lever. Float lever displacement.

Before starting repairs, prepare the necessary tools: gloves, wire cutters, pliers and new parts to replace the old ones. Don't forget to turn off the water supply.

Displacement of the lever after flushing the toilet - how to repair

The lever shifts when you flush– The most common cause of toilet leaks. To get rid of the problem, it is enough to return the lever to its original position: below the pipe connection, strictly horizontally.

To eliminate other leaks through the overflow:

1. Remove the reservoir cap.
2. Try adjusting the float by raising it a few millimeters.
3. If the leakage has stopped, then you need to replace the float axis, or bend it (metal axis).
4. Turn the float lever slightly to shut off the water earlier.
5. The leak continues when the float is raised - attention should be paid to the valve.
6. The pin in its composition may wear out, then it should be replaced with a new one or, as an alternative, use copper wire. In the place where the pin is attached there must be a tight connection and no holes.

The solution is to replace the mechanism. Constant leakage when the valve gasket is tightly pressed leads to the cost of a new device.

It’s good when the bathroom works like a clock, but according to the laws of so-called meanness, we have to find out why the toilet tank is leaking, what to do and who is to blame, at the most inopportune moment. To speed up the process of returning this attribute of a comfortable life to your senses, we present several typical problem situations and their solutions.

If you go to your toilet at your leisure and study its structure, you will notice that the most complex structure is the tank. Inside it there is even a mechanism of a certain action, all parts of which interact properly and allow significant amounts of water to be drained, carrying all the waste into the sewer. It is expected that it will not always work so well, and someday its plastic elements will crack, gaskets will leak, bolts will rust, or simply become loose. All this will cause a leak, which will result, at best, in an increased figure in the water consumption column on the utility bill. At worst, you will experience a sudden flood, the consequences of which will affect your neighbors.

To avoid all this, you should sometimes take a closer look at the space near the toilet and behind it, so you can quickly notice a puddle under the tank or in the area of ​​the hoses, and also not ignore the phenomenon of water leaking from the flush hole. If even minor defects are discovered, care should be taken to eliminate them; this will be faster and cheaper than carrying out major repairs later. There are several types of tank designs, but they differ slightly, so when looking for problems and solutions, you can find your way by lifting the lid. So, In total, three areas can be distinguished for inspection and repair - the tank itself, its mechanism and hoses. Let's look at each option separately.

Let's start with the hose, which is still outside and connects the water pipe to the tank. As a rule, it breaks in the middle and rarely leaks, unless, of course, you damage it mechanically on purpose. But the connection points, especially on the side of the float structure, are problem areas. It is quite easy to determine the breakdown here; a trickle, which, depending on the severity of the damage to the fastening, will either drip steadily or gush out, will persistently hint you about it. In this case, it is necessary to establish whether this phenomenon is caused simply by loosely tightened nuts or whether a crack in the valve, which crowns the end of the hose at the junction with the float mechanism, is to blame.

Check the fasteners and gaskets under them; if everything is tightened well, and the rubber part has retained sufficient thickness and has no signs of wear or tear, then you should check the valve. By the way, if you still find a lack of connection in this particular place, then just change the gasket and tighten the nuts, just pay attention to what material they are made of. Plastic products should not be screwed with a metal tool; you can not only damage it from the outside, but also tear off the thread, or even split it completely without calculating the force. In this case, it is enough to screw it by hand; you can use a rubberized glove to prevent your hands from slipping.

If the problem is in the valve, and this can only be a crack, then there is no point in eliminating it, such a part must simply be replaced. But don’t rush to the store, remove the old valve and take it with you. Due to differences in cistern designs, you may purchase a product that does not fit your toilet, although it may look very similar to what you are looking for. To remove it, turn off the water, remove the tank cap and remove the valve from the connection between the hose and the float mechanism. You already guessed how to install a new one.

Now let's turn our attention to the other outer side of the tank, with which it adjoins the toilet itself. To do this, the latter has a kind of shelf on which the gasket is placed, and then placed on top. So this intermediate strip, which saves sanitaryware from mutual abrasion and seals the joint at the same time, can be rubber, plastic or metal. A leak in this area is characterized by the formation of a puddle after each flush. The gap through which water comes out may appear due to wear or even due to a simple shift in the cuff.

The first step is to check the clamps that secure the material between the tank and the toilet shelf. The gasket will become unusable even faster if you tighten these fasteners, so don’t get carried away, and if during the check you determined that they are tightened enough, you don’t need to make a “control” turn with the key. If this does not help, but the cuff still looks good in appearance and promises to serve for at least 5 years, you can treat its edges with sealant and press it.

Sometimes the gasket is not to blame for the leak, but the problem lies in the bolts that directly hold the tank together, these are two large fasteners with nuts. It is precisely their weakening, rust or abrasion of the gasket under the nuts that causes constant water leakage, even if no one uses the toilet. To get to this part, you need to turn off the water and drain the entire contents of the tank. Unscrew the nuts that are located under the toilet, check the metal for rust, and the rubber bands for signs of wear. If such defects are found, purchase a new set of fasteners and install it.

If, while crawling under the tank, you see that there is a crack on the body itself, it is unlikely that anything will save you from buying a new set of toilet bowl, since there is no point in sealing the sanitaryware.

How to repair the mechanism inside the tank when there is a leak?

Now we have come to the most interesting stage of the repair - the mechanism, you should climb into it when water oozes from the toilet drain hole, that is, it does not close hermetically after flushing. The float or siphon may be problematic, so let’s determine the sequence of how to eliminate the unnerving murmur of the toilet.

When the toilet tank is constantly leaking, you are guaranteed to experience nervous irritation:

• at night you will hear water flowing;
• when leaving home, worry whether the apartment and the neighbors below will flood;
• the appearance of rust in the toilet;
• condensation on the pipes, then mold in the toilet;
• the counter readings increase.

To avoid such troubles, initially entrust the installation and connections of plumbing to specialists. Eliminate all subsequent breakdowns by studying the causes of the problem in advance.

A leaking tank is one of the most common toilet breakdowns.

What is the reason?

Like any problem, fixing a leaking toilet starts with identifying the source of the problem.

Reasons for a leaking toilet:

• if the plumbing is new and recently installed, the reasons lie in improper installation and connection; the mechanism for filling the tank with water and draining it is not installed correctly;
• if your toilet is at least six months old, the cause of the tank leak may be poor-quality materials or fittings;
• obvious mechanical problems of the toilet arise after three years of operation: polymer materials become brittle and can break due to a sharp change in pressure in the pipes.

If you want to fix the leak yourself, you can determine the true problem by disassembling the tank and inspecting it for damage, cracks, and checking the water shut-off valve. In this case, you have two options:

1. Shut off the water supply and watch for water leaks. If the water does not flow, and it remains in the drain tank itself, then the cause of the breakdown lies in an incorrectly adjusted or clogged system for automatically supplying water to the tank (we call it a float).
2. If water flows until the drain tank is completely empty, the cause of the breakdown lies in the drain valve. It can easily become clogged and simply break.

In the first case, the “float” broke; it is enough to just adjust the water pressure that passes through the fill valve, and complete disassembly of the drain tank is not necessary.

If you find that the cause of the water leak is the drain valve, you will have to disassemble the tank. But before that, it’s better to flush the water several times while simultaneously pressing the drain button with a little force.

Most often, small but hard salt deposits are the cause of jamming of the mechanism. By doing this forced flushing of the tank, you may be able to get rid of the debris.

Problem options

As sad as it sounds, the drain tank can leak in different ways. Therefore, before disassembling the mechanism, you need to determine exactly how the water flows.

Water can leak from the tank for various reasons.

Failure of the cistern in several variations:

• water flows out through the overflow;
• water begins to flow before reaching the overflow;
• leaks between the toilet bowl and the cistern;
• flows simultaneously with the drain.

Of course, the plumber’s phone number is always at hand, but such problems are quite easy to fix on your own, just by studying the mechanism.

Overflow

The essence of the problem: the tank overflows with water, and it simply comes out through the overflow.

Why does the tank overflow with water?

• the gasket in the valve was deformed: over time, the rubber part lost its elasticity and stopped tightly closing the water;
• the gasket is not pressed tightly enough: the element itself is not broken, it is just weakly pressed against the hole of the drain valve;
• the pin that holds the float lever located in the valve body is rusted or lost;
• the float lever has moved;
• the valve could simply crack if it is plastic; If the device is made of brass, a similar reason is impossible.

The most common problem is a misaligned lever. To correct this situation, it is enough to return the lever to its place: it should lie horizontally, lower than the pipe inlet.

Eliminating continuous leakage through an overflow:

1. Remove the top cover of the cistern.
2. Raise the float one centimeter: if the leak has stopped and you didn’t need much effort to do it, your search is over.
3. Turn the float lever a little so that it closes the water earlier.
4. If water continues to flow when you raise the float, you most likely need to pay attention to the valve. The design of the valve itself has a pin that secures the lever; make sure that it is intact and intact.
5. A damaged pin can be replaced with a piece of copper wire.
6. Also, there should be no holes in the place where the stud is attached. If it does exist, you will have to buy a new valve. Be sure to bring a sample of the old mechanism with you.
7. If water constantly flows despite the gasket being tightly pressed to the valve hole, the problem can only be solved by purchasing a new device.

We looked at the example of a classic toilet, but if you have a modern device, look for the origins of the problems and their solutions by studying your toilet model individually.

If the plumbing is new, the cause of leaks may be improper installation.

Water begins to flow before reaching the overflow

The essence of the problem: water constantly flows, regardless of whether the overflow level has been reached or not.

The cause of the leak may be in the bolt that holds the toilet and the shelf together; it is either rusted (if it is steel) or cracked (if it is plastic).

Solution to the problem:

1. Make sure the water only flows up to the overflow level.
2. Turn off the water and flush the tank.
3. Dismantle the flexible line coming from the tank.
4. Remove the bolts that secure the shelf to the toilet. Inspect the fittings: if they are in good working order, it is enough to replace just a couple of bolts, or buy a new set of fittings.
5. Rusty bolts need to be cut off with a hacksaw.
6. Remove the shelf from the cuff, drain the remaining water and place the mechanism on a flat surface.
7. Reassemble the tank with new bolts, preferably brass. Repeat all steps in reverse order.
8. Experts recommend replacing the rubber gaskets in any case.

If necessary, tighten the cuff with an aluminum tie or copper wire.

Leak between toilet bowl and cistern

Option No. 1: the problem can be solved easily: just tighten or simply correct the part.

Causes of the problem: a faulty cuff is most often the cause of water leakage.

Regardless of what material the cuff is made of, there are clamps for both plastic and metal. Tighten the cuff with clamps carefully, not too tight, but not too loose.

If the cuff device is corrugated, then it can simply move. In this case, simply return the part to its place and secure it.

Option No. 2: replacing rubber gaskets, tightening bolts and nuts.

Causes of the problem: too weak fixation of the shelf to the tank.

Just tighten the fastenings. Metal bolts rust and become deformed over time, but this does not happen to brass bolts.

If tightening the bolts and nuts does not help, check the rubber gaskets. They need to either be completely replaced or repaired (dry, apply sealant, dry and reinstall with bolts).

Option No. 3: replacing the drain tank.

Cause of the problem: Water leaking between the tank and the shelf may be a sign that the shelf is completely broken.

This kind of problem is very serious. It is better for you to consult a specialist, because a breakdown often requires a complete replacement of the toilet bowl or even the flush tank.

Plumbing products should be regularly inspected for cracks, including the cuff and pipes.

Toilet design for a better understanding of the problem

Leaking at the same time as draining

The essence of the problem: every time you press the drain, water begins to leak from under the tank.

Option #1:

1. Check the functionality of the drain mechanism inside the tank. Take the valve with your hand and press it lightly. If the leak has stopped, it means that the reason was hidden in the loose fit of the valve in the center of the tank.
2. In this case, you just need to replace the gasket in the valve.

But this reason is far from the only one.

Option #2:

1. The next reason for the tank leaking may be a misaligned drain button.
2. If the height adjuster has moved and the valve is higher than the drain hole, then a gap will form between the drain and the shut-off valve.
3. You just need to return the water height regulator to its original position.

The breakdown is quite simple and not at all costly.

Option #3:

1. A loose nut on the outside may result in water leakage.
2. You need to carefully and carefully tighten the nut and also check all the fasteners that secure the flush cistern to the toilet.

Minor damage can be repaired and sealed, but major damage must be completely replaced.

Do-it-yourself toilet repair is a procedure that many people have to deal with from time to time. You can replace various failed parts yourself, but sometimes the breakdown is so complex that it is not possible to carry out the repair yourself. A leak in the toilet cistern belongs to the category of serious toilet breakdowns.

Having discovered that the toilet tank with the button is leaking, the owner immediately thinks about what to do if water is flowing in the toilet. Our article will tell you why water leaks in the toilet, what types of breakdowns of such structures occur, and how to eliminate a leak in the toilet tank.

Toilet device

To understand the specifics of repairing a toilet bowl yourself, you must first of all know how this very toilet works. It consists, in fact, of the toilet itself, and the flush cistern, which is a very important element of the entire flush mechanism. Up-to-date information on what to do if the toilet tank is leaking will also be covered in this article. Photo No. 1 will show readers what elements a toilet flush device consists of.

So, the toilet cistern functions on the same principle as the water seal. It is based on a whole complex of levers, a float and a seal. Modern toilets and their cisterns come with a flush button. When pressed, water is supplied to the bowl, and it is with the flow of this water that all waste moves into the sewer.

Next, the drain tank is filled with water through a special hose until the bowl becomes full again. When the water in the drain tank reaches the required limits, a special shutter valve blocks its further flow into the tank reservoir, and nothing can be washed off with water. It must be said that in older models of toilets, the cistern lid is simply and easily removed.

But in the best models of modern toilets, such an element comes complete with a flush button located on the top cover. In the second option, before you start repairing the toilet with your own hands, you must first remove the flush button from the flush cistern by removing the fixing ring.

For this purpose, the ring is scrolled counterclockwise, or pryed with a sharp object (for example, a nail file). After such manipulations, the drain tank lid is usually easily removed from the main tank. If it is fixed on the tank with fasteners, then unscrew them before removing this element. In photo No. 2 you can see how the flush toilet cistern is designed.

We would like to draw the attention of readers to the fact that the cistern lid is not sold separately, but is sold together with the toilet. That is why you should remove it from the toilet cistern tank very carefully. If this element cracks or breaks into pieces, then it will not be possible to replace the toilet tank alone, since it is not sold separately. In such a deplorable case, even repairing the toilet will not help; you will have to completely replace it.

It must be said that in some models of modern toilets, flush cisterns are supplied not with a single button, but with two button elements. The best way to remove the lid from the tank is to initially press both buttons in turn (as shown in photo No. 3), and then unscrew them counterclockwise until completely dismantled.

Many manufacturers strive to make the mechanism of action of a toilet with a button on the tank better, and therefore the designs of different toilet models differ slightly from each other. The cistern lid must be removed before repairing the toilet with your own hands.

This will allow the technician to carefully and carefully examine the structure of the toilet tank, determine the cause of the breakdown of the flush tank, and replace damaged parts if necessary. The following video will tell you in detail about the structure of the toilet cistern:

Types of faults

As a rule, home owners begin to think about repairing a toilet with their own hands at the very last moment, when a leak has already appeared. The fact that malfunctions and breakdowns occur in the operation of the toilet cistern seems insignificant to them and does not require attention. Usually, neglect of the fact that the toilet is leaking after flushing continues exactly until the receipt of utility bills for water is received.

Looking at the water meter, the inhabitants of the house understand that this same water flows away in exorbitant quantities. And at this moment they suddenly remember that water had already started flowing from the toilet tank a long time ago. And besides, the neighbors below began to complain a few weeks ago that water was flowing from your apartment onto their ceiling, causing the formation of unsightly stains on it. The reason that the water from your toilet is flooding your neighbors is most likely a leaking coupling that requires repair, which connects the flush cistern to the toilet.

But, regardless of the reasons why the toilet tank is leaking, the current situation, without a doubt, leads to a lot of problems for the owners of the house. And therefore, you should start repairing the toilet yourself as quickly as possible, or use the support of qualified specialists. The video will tell you in detail how to properly repair a tank when leaks are detected.

Among the known breakdowns of the toilet cistern are the following:

• The toilet cistern has a leak through the overflow.
• Water flows between the cistern and the toilet.
• The toilet leaks after flushing by pressing the flush button.

Many apartment owners often have to deal with the problem of a leak in the toilet cistern. You can determine why the toilet cistern is leaking and repair the toilet yourself, or by inviting a professional to your home who can approach the repair with full responsibility. Photo No. 4 shows an example of disassembling the flush mechanism of a modern toilet.

At the same time, you should also remember that repairing a toilet bowl can be done with your own hands. However, the issue of repairing a toilet carried out independently should be approached thoroughly. Naturally, first you should study how the toilet flush cistern is arranged inside, as well as the features of repairing it yourself.

Is water flowing between the tank and the toilet?

One of the problems that arise with a toilet cistern is water leaking between the cistern itself and the toilet itself. If the toilet in your apartment leaks after flushing, then the reason for this may be the connecting cuff, with the help of which the flush cistern and toilet are combined into a single system. In this case, you should carefully check the condition of the cuff.

External leakage of connecting pipes and communications between the tank and the toilet often occurs due to a malfunction of this very cuff. The situation can be corrected by repair, which consists of tightening this element of the toilet with clamps. In case of replacement, the clamps should be selected correctly, in accordance with the material the toilet cuff is made of (plastic or metal). Such repairs should be carried out with your own hands very carefully, so as not to overtighten the bolts or leave them too loose. It often happens that the toilet bowl leaks (photo No. 5).

This happens more often due to the displacement of the corrugated sections of the cuff from the standard position. The best repair option would be to correct the slipped cuff, as well as fix it with a clamp or plumbing insulation of the appropriate parameters (special tape). Note that if the toilet bowl leaks, then using adhesive tape to repair it is a temporary and not very reliable measure. The best methods, of course, are to solve the repair problem using clamps.

The reason that water flows between the tank and the toilet can also be a weak connection between the tank and the toilet shelf (photo No. 6), usually done with bolts and nuts.

In this case, the problem associated with the fact that the toilet is leaking due to poor fixation of the tank can be solved using repairs based on the usual tightening of nuts and bolts. When carrying out the repair procedure, it is important to understand that brass bolts do not deform even when tightly tightened, but metal bolts often require replacement over time, since they are prone to deformation.

If such repairs did not help, and you were unable to get rid of the leak yourself, then you should pay attention to the gaskets. They are located on the tank itself, and you can check their condition by first unscrewing the bolts and nuts. If these structural elements of the toilet bowl are locked or covered with cracks, then they will need to be replaced.

If the gaskets are in good condition, then the best way to update them is as follows. They are dried, and then silicone sealant is applied to the rubber surface, slightly dried again and installed in their original place, tightened tightly with nuts and bolts.

The next reason that the toilet is leaking is various damage to the plumbing shelf (photo No. 7).

The best way out of this situation would be to replace the toilet or replace only the cistern. Such breakdowns often occur due to the dilapidation of the toilet, or due to numerous mechanical damage to the earthenware surface of the cistern. Water seeps through these cracks. The best solution would be to replace the toilet, replace the cistern, or replace all the plumbing.

Another reason why a toilet leaks is water leaking between the flush cistern and the toilet, the appearance of which, in turn, is caused by cracks on the surface of the flush mechanism. Before starting repairs, if the toilet tank is leaking, you must completely disconnect the flush tank from the water supply, thoroughly dry the flush mechanism, and then seal all cracks with silicone sealant, intended specifically for repairing plumbing fixtures, and, in particular, toilets.

It is important! Try to regularly, for preventive purposes, inspect the toilet and all its components (in particular the tank). Such measures will help to detect a problem in a timely manner and prevent the occurrence of a leak. If the flush tank is located high, then it is probably connected to the toilet not only by a cuff, but also by a flexible pipe. Accordingly, you need to check both the cuff and the pipe, because the latter can also leak.

If the drain tank is located low, then in order to prevent water leakage, the condition of the nuts, bolts and gaskets should be monitored. In general, the best option for solving the problem of water leakage would be to completely replace all plumbing fixtures or at least some of its parts.

What to do if it flows through the overflow?

Sometimes apartment owners have to face a problem when water flows from the tank into the toilet. This happens because the water does not have the opportunity to linger and remain in the drain tank. Water flows through the cistern overflow directly into the toilet, creating a lot of inconvenience for the apartment residents. The explanation for the fact that the toilet cistern is leaking is the skew of the float, as a result of which the element is displaced (Photo No. 8).

Repairing such a breakdown is quite simple. You just need to lift the cover and install the element in its original location. The best experts in the field of plumbing repair also advise inspecting the tank for the presence of water. It is quite possible that the water in the tank is overflowing, which is why the water overflows. If, when examining the float, you notice that a lot of water accumulates in it, this fact indicates a breakdown of the element. Repairing it will not be difficult. The best action here would be to carry out several simple sequential procedures:

• Pull out the float;
• Remove the water from it;
• Dry the element thoroughly (you can use a hair dryer);
• Reconnect the float with the fasteners.

It is important! The described measures are temporary, because after some time the water will fill it again. Therefore, it would be better to purchase a new float and replace the broken one.

The float should also be replaced with a new one if the old float valve is damaged.

Repair of a float valve, carried out by replacing an element, is carried out in compliance with an algorithm of certain actions that contribute not only to comfortable operation, but also to the achievement of positive results.

1. The water from the drain tank should be completely drained.
2. Use a wrench to open the shaped area of ​​the structure that connects the water pipe to the float valve.
3. Carefully remove the float lever.
4. Remove the lever fixing elements (outer and inner nuts).
5. Pull out the float valve.
6. Replace by installing a new valve in the free space and securing it with nuts.
7. Connect the float lever to the valve.
8. Fill the tank with water.
9. Fix the float lever as it was done before, before removing the element.

Choosing a good float valve for replacement also involves taking into account the types of element. Of course, you don’t have to pay special attention to this point, because all valve mechanisms have a single operating principle. The float, fixed by a lever, moves up or down depending on the level of water in the tank. The movement of the lever, which opens or, conversely, closes the hole through which water is supplied to the tank, depends on it.

Advice! When choosing a float valve for your toilet, be sure to consider the level of water pressure supplied to the plumbing system.

If this element of the tank is oriented towards low water pressure, then with increasing pressure and high pressure, water will constantly flow through the valve from the water supply, even if the entire system is in full working order.

Note that plumbing components on the market are represented by three types of float valves. Each of them is intended for:

• Water with strong pressure.
• Water with medium pressure.
• Water with minimal pressure.

This fact should be taken into account when replacing one or another model of valve for the float in the toilet tank. If there is uncertainty that the water pressure in the system will be at the same level, or, on the contrary, you are absolutely sure that water will always be supplied to the tank with different pressure, then in such cases, when choosing elements for subsequent replacement, preference should be given to stabilizing valve models.

Such designs are equipped with a piston, which is a hollow mechanism equipped with a stabilizing chamber. It carries water into the stabilizing chamber, which allows the water pressure on both sides of the piston to be balanced.

Damage to the siphon membrane (photo No. 9) is also the reason why the toilet is leaking. If a toilet cistern with a button is leaking due to a similar problem, you will need to purchase a new membrane and replace it. In this case, the dimensions and shapes of the new element used for replacement must correspond to the parameters of the old one.

Such repairs are carried out in the following sequence.

1. Water is completely removed from the cistern.
2. The float lever is fixed to the crossbar.
3. The crossbar is installed instead of the lid, which allows you to stop the flow of water.
4. The nut used to secure the pipe, which allows waste to be flushed away, to the tank is disconnected.
5. The siphon nut located at the base of the cistern is loosened.
6. The siphon is carefully disconnected from the lever that allows you to flush the water, and then it sticks out.
7. The membrane is being replaced.
8. The entire structure is assembled in the same order as disassembly.

When replacing the membrane, you need to take into account the size, shape and dimensions of this element. If, in case of replacement, the siphon membrane has different dimensions from the original, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to eliminate the leak from the tank.

In addition to the reasons discussed above, there are other factors that explain why the toilet is leaking. At first glance they may seem insignificant, but in reality they are not. If there is even the slightest risk of water leaks, then you need to stop flushing the toilet, and then check for yourself the serviceability and correctness of the fasteners, float tubes, nuts and other important parts.

Constant exposure to water causes deformation of all these elements. Cracks, growths, and rotted areas may appear on parts. In this case, either a full repair is carried out, based on replacing the damaged parts with your own hands, or cleaning them from dirt and build-up. The video will tell you in detail about the principles of repairing a toilet and cistern.

Does the toilet leak after flushing?

The question of what to do if water is constantly flowing in the toilet is relevant for many apartment owners. This can happen because the toilet cistern is leaking. If you start flushing the toilet and, after flushing with the button, you discover that water is flowing from under the tank, then first of all you should check the serviceability of the flush device located inside the tank, and if there are problems, carry out repairs.

A likely cause of a leaking toilet tank is a loose shut-off valve that requires repair. The drain device is located in the central part of the tank, and to correct the leakage situation, you just need to lightly press the drain valve. If after this the water no longer flows, then the main cause of the malfunction was precisely the loose fit of the shut-off valve. And in this case, the repair will only consist of replacing the gasket on this valve.

Another reason that the drain tank is leaking is the displacement of the height regulator with the drain button. When the regulator is shifted, the valve is installed above the hole into which residual waste products should be flushed with water. Because of this, a gap appears between the drain hole located at the bottom of the tank and the shut-off valve itself.

In this situation, it is not possible to wash off the water in a controlled manner; the water flows in a constant flow and this, in turn, leads to serious excesses in the amount of water consumed. Carrying out repairs in this case is as easy as shelling pears. You just need to set the height regulator with the button to the previous position.

The reason that the toilet tank is leaking may be a poorly tightened nut on the outside of the bottom. When the toilet starts to flush, water seeps through this nut. The repair in this case consists of tightening the nut, as well as checking all the fasteners with which the flush tank is connected to the toilet.

Advice! If a serious breakdown occurs, then it is better not to waste time at all on repairing the tank. It will be easier to replace the repair by purchasing and installing new fastening parts. If the faults are not too large, then it will be possible to carry out repairs using silicone sealant, by replacing old gaskets and correcting the position of bolts and nuts with a regular wrench.

Is the toilet bowl leaking?

Situations when the toilet leaks from below occur quite rarely, and are associated primarily with breakdowns in the toilet bowl. The occurrence of such a problem is caused by improper fixation of the structure on the wall or floor. You can avoid such situations and unplanned repairs if you initially install the toilet correctly (photo No. 10).

In this case, special attention should be paid to the joints and joints of individual toilet elements (water supply and sewerage hoses).

Other causes of leakage

The breakdowns and malfunctions in the operation of the drain tank listed above may not be the only ones. Sometimes it happens that the cause cannot be discovered. In this case, you should take into account several more reasons that may interfere with the normal functioning of the toilet cistern. Some apartment owners have to face a problem when they start to wash away waste with water, but the flush button (photo No. 11) has a problem and does not work.

Note that if a situation occurs with the button on the tank, it falls inside. Because of this, water from the tank constantly flows into the toilet through the overflow. The true cause of the breakdown can be discovered and repairs can begin only after the lid of the drain tank has been removed and the entire drain mechanism has been thoroughly checked.

There are situations when the drain rod jumps out of its usual place, and together with the pressure shutter valve. It should be installed back. In case of such a breakdown, you should also check whether everything is in order with the button. This element can become clogged and must be thoroughly cleaned periodically by first removing it.

The presence of strong water pressure in the water supply can create a precedent when the pressure of this very water is incommensurate in its power with the weak valve of the float mechanism. Due to this problem, a loud noise occurs at the moment when water fills the tank reservoir. Actually, because of this, water flows from the tank into the toilet, moving through the overflow. The peculiarity of the repair in this option will be either replacing the valve with a new and more advanced model (which will withstand strong water pressure), or replacing the conventional valve mechanism with a stabilizing one. As an option, you can consider the process of modernizing the cistern (photo No. 12).

This is done as follows:

1. The drain tank cover is removed.
2. The diameter of the hole in the tube, which is the conductor for water into the tank from the water supply, is measured.
3. In accordance with the height of the drain tank, a plastic tube is selected, the diameter of the hole is similar to the conductor tube, with a length of 20-40 cm.
4. Both tubes are connected in such a way that the plastic one does not touch the bottom of the tank. If necessary, it is cut to the required size.

Such a device will serve as drainage for the water entering the tank, and if the water pressure is too high, it will simply suppress it, preventing it from exceeding the norm.

Water from the drain tank may drip due to the formation of condensation on the surface of the structure (photo No. 13).

In this case, you can carry out repairs yourself by eliminating the reasons that led to the formation of condensate drops. This is done like this:

• The inlet and outlet fittings, which are components of the drainage mechanism, are being repaired. If the fittings are broken, then the water flows into the toilet, where it is heated to room temperature. At the same time, cold water constantly flows from the water supply.
• Rinse off with less water than usual. If the toilet is used frequently, then this approach avoids the formation of condensation on the tank. If the drain mechanism is a device with a button, then it should be replaced with a more economical double design or a device with half flush.
• The reason for the accumulation of condensate water on the tank may be an excessive level of humidity in the bathroom. To fix the problem, you need to get rid of all devices that affect the level of humidity in the room.

If a toilet or cistern is leaking in your apartment, then the situation can only be corrected by proper repairs, done with your own hands or with the help of an experienced craftsman. The advice of experienced experts will tell you about the order in which repairs should be carried out and how to eliminate a leak in the toilet cistern.

1. Disconnect the water supply.
2. Unscrew the plastic clip.
3. Dismantle the system through which water is supplied.
4. Remove the old drain mechanism and replace it with a new one. The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:

• Remove the tank fasteners.
• Dismantle the drain element itself.
• A rubber seal remains where the flush tank is attached to the toilet. It needs to be removed.
• Next, the plastic clamp is unscrewed and the entire old drain is completely removed.

1. A rubber seal is put on the new drain mechanism, purchased at a plumbing store.
2. The entire structure is installed inside the tank and secured with a special plastic nut.
3. Next, a rubber seal is installed (photo No. 14).

1. New fasteners secure the tank in its place.
2. The water level in the tank is adjusted in height, and at the very end the flush button or lever is installed (photo No. 15).

Readers can see more details about the principles of repairing a toilet that is leaking in this video: