Plumbing fixtures wear out over time. Some parts require correction, others require replacement. Finding out about a breakdown is quite simple: the tank begins to leak, makes a lot of noise, and problems arise with flushing. But you can carry out repairs yourself, without special knowledge.
It is possible to carry out toilet repair work, because the design is quite simple. The toilet design includes a bowl and a tank. But most often breakdowns are observed in the tank.
The cistern operates on the principle of a water seal. Its system includes levers, a seal and a float. After draining, the water flows back into the container and at a certain point the shut-off valve is activated.
Signs of a problem with the tank:
- Liquid constantly flows into the tank;
- Water leaks from the cistern into the toilet;
- To flush the house you need to press the flush button several times;
- The flush lever doesn't work at all;
- The toilet is leaking;
- Lots of noise when draining.
The main thing is to correctly determine the cause of the breakdown, and repairs are not at all difficult. If there is a constant flow of liquid into the tank, the reason lies in the skew or displacement of the float. This breakdown can be fixed quite simply - you need to install the parts in the correct place.
The correct location of the float is determined 2.5 cm below the connection of the underwater pipe.
It is easy to turn off the water supply using a wrench. Inspecting the float often helps determine the cause of the leak. If the float is damaged, water flows into it and the element becomes heavier.
Repairing a float is quite simple. It is necessary to remove the element and pour out excess liquid from it. The chip should be repaired and reconnected to the system. But such repairs will only last for the first time; then you will need to completely replace the broken part. The resulting chips are repaired using heated polyethylene.
What to do if the toilet is leaking from below
If the tank is leaking from below, then the siphon membrane needs to be replaced. The same operation should be done if the water is not washed off for a long time. This process is quite simple to complete.
Membrane replacement sequence:
- First, a crossbar is installed instead of the tank lid;
- A float is connected to the crossbar;
- All liquid should be drained from the tank;
- The nut holding the pipe to the tank will need to be unscrewed;
- The siphon nut is also loosened;
- Then the siphon is removed;
- After this, the membrane is removed and replaced;
- Then all the removed parts are installed.
If the flush lever is not working, the rod is repaired. The broken part is removed and replaced with a new one. A homemade wire element is suitable for this. Over time, you can acquire new traction.
But most often the tank leaks water due to wear of the gasket between the toilet and the tank. There is a constant flow of water in the bowl, which is reminiscent of yellow spots. The worn element should be replaced with a new one. First, turn off the water and disconnect the flush tank from the toilet, then unfasten the drain. With this part they go to a plumbing store and buy a similar one.
In some cases, drain replacement is not required. Perhaps the problem is wear and distortion of the rings. They are either corrected or replaced.
When the tank is leaking, you need to check that the water level is correctly set. There is a special tube to drain excess liquid. It should be moved lower.
How to properly fix a leak between the tank and the toilet
If a leak appears between the tank and the toilet, then the reason is the depressurization of the device. Most likely, the problem is in the deformation of the seal, a special rubber gasket. To fix the problem, you will need to replace the gasket.
Gasket replacement steps:
- First, turn off the water supply;
- The liquid from the tank will need to be drained, possible residues will also be removed;
- There is a drain nut under the descent hatch that should be loosened;
- Then you should remove the tank by unscrewing the corresponding nuts at the fastening point;
- You will also need to unscrew the drain;
- Next you need to replace the gasket;
- Then reinstall all parts back into place.
But the cause of the problem may also be an old rusty bolt that holds the container to the bowl. Next you will need to replace the damaged part. Also, first the water is shut off and the water is drained. The bolts will need to be removed and replaced with new ones. Sealing washers are required.
When purchasing gaskets, be sure to take into account their size, because the element is available in different forms. That is why you need to know exactly the dimensions of the part.
Sometimes you can only tighten loose bolts. To do this, just fix the element with a key and turn it with a screwdriver. But you need to be careful not to damage the ceramic bowl. That is why it is better to replace parts rather than constantly tighten them.
Securing the gasket between the cistern and the toilet
The gasket is one of the most popular fasteners. The advantages of such a part are obvious: small size and reliable fastening. But there is also a minus - a little pressure. To flush the drains, the tank needs quite a lot of water to operate.
Types of gaskets:
- In the shape of a guitar;
- Round;
- Invoice.
The replacement takes place quite quickly. First, all communications are turned off. You will need to drain the water from the tank and disconnect it from the bowl. To do this, simply unscrew the bolts.
Older models have metal bolts and they will rust over time. Removing these elements using a key is not easy; you can damage the ceramics. It is best to treat the parts with a special liquid WD-40.
The rubber seal requires replacement. To increase sealing, use silicone sealant. You can apply a gasket or mount it in a special hole.
There may also be a gasket between the bowl and the toilet. It all depends on the chosen toilet model. This element acts as a shock absorber. This minimizes possible damage between porcelain and earthenware.
Modern toilets mostly come without gaskets. From the tank to the bowl there is a solid monolith. Using such a toilet is simple and convenient, but the cost of the device is quite high.
If the toilet tank starts to leak, it always causes a lot of inconvenience. In addition to the fact that the sound of constantly flowing water is annoying, and stains form on the toilet itself, bills for used water also increase. It is not difficult to figure out why a toilet tank is leaking, and in most cases, anyone, even a completely inexperienced craftsman, can fix it with his own hands: the only exceptions are those plumbing products that have additional functions controlled electronically.
- Construction of standard tanks
- Types of tank malfunctions
- Useful tips
Construction of standard tanks
Any toilet is a product consisting of an interconnected seat and a tank with a built-in mechanism for draining water. It has been noticed that the drain mechanism fails more often than all other parts. To determine what is disrupting the operation of the device and correctly eliminate it, you need to understand the basic design of the water drainage system.
Tank drain device
A typical drainage device is equipped with two mechanical units: one of them accumulates water, and the other drains it. The first of them ensures the retention of water in the tank, the amount of which should subsequently be sufficient for draining. This device is a system of a float and a closing valve. If the tank is empty, the float falls down and moves the system of levers so that they open the valve, and when it begins to fill with water, the float rises and the levers move so that the valve is closed. The device closes completely when the float reaches the highest point.
The second part of the system is responsible for ensuring that at the right moment all accumulated water is drained into the designated place. In different models of plumbing devices you can see a variety of drainage systems, but the principle of operation is almost the same for all. There is a drain hole in the tank, which is closed with a sealed siphon. The siphon in many models resembles the shape of a regular plunger, but does not have a handle, and in the newest devices it is designed in the form of a button, which is considered more aesthetic. This part is connected to the trigger device using a reinforcement lever system.
Many people don’t know what to do if the toilet tank is leaking and the first thing they do is think of calling a plumber so that the problem can be solved as quickly as possible. However, you shouldn’t be too quick to call the service department, since this task is accessible to any home craftsman who knows how to properly use a wrench, and problems that arise in the drain device are in most cases not too serious and can be fixed with your own hands.
However, you should not delay too much with the repair of the drainage device, since this directly affects the final amount of payment for water use (if the apartment has a meter for a cold tap), and the sound of flowing water can irritate the residents of the apartment, especially at night. In recent years, many new plumbing devices have appeared, but the principle of operation of flush tanks has not changed for several decades: water, filling the internal tank, raises the float. A system of seal, float and fittings releases all the accumulated water into the toilet, and then the water begins to accumulate again and, raising the float, closes the system.
Some people, thinking about how to fix a toilet tank if it is leaking, remember that plumbers always have professional tools with them. In fact, to remove such a malfunction, you only need wire cutters, rubber gloves and pliers. Experienced craftsmen also advise you to look in advance at your nearest store for a new plumbing drain assembly.
Types of tank malfunctions
Before starting repairs, you should determine what exactly is causing the leak and requires adjustment. A leak in the drain system can occur for several reasons:
- If water flows into the tank without stopping, it may be caused by a slight misalignment of the lever or damage to the float valve. There are also cases when the valve does not work entirely correctly, but remains intact. This problem can be solved quite easily: the float lever should be aligned horizontally, and the faulty valve or float should be replaced with a working one.
In the event that the float can only be replaced later, you simply need to protect it from the water in the tank by wrapping it in a plastic bag or sealing it with heated plastic.
- If water flows from the tank into the toilet all day long, this is most likely caused by a rupture of the membrane located inside the siphon, which just needs to be replaced with a whole one. To do this, a lever attached to the float is attached to the top crossbar, allowing you to unscrew the nut that secures the flush pipe and connects it to the drain system. When the siphon is disconnected, you should remove the damaged membrane and replace it with a similar one that is suitable in size. After this, the fittings are assembled and installed in the reverse order.
- Sometimes it happens that the tank leaks water because the rubber seal has lost its original elasticity. This happens often with rubber “bulbs”: they become similar to the touch of wood and completely lose the elasticity inherent in rubber. In this case, the old constipation simply needs to be replaced with a new one.
The constipation holds water when it fits tightly into its intended recess. If limescale appears on the seat, the base of the lock does not adhere to its walls with the required density and, as a result, the toilet cistern does not hold water. In such a case, the lock must be temporarily removed, and then the surface of the saddle must be cleaned with a stiff brush or sandpaper and returned to its place. Experienced craftsmen also advise tightening all saddle fasteners during this operation.
Tank drain device
- If the nut securing the base at the overflow point is loose, you need to temporarily remove the tank and tighten the nut located in its lower part.
- If the connecting cuff between the toilet and the tank leaks, you can tighten it with a clamp or try to install it back in its intended place. A rotten cuff simply needs to be replaced with a new one.
- Another cause of leakage can be the rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet. These gaskets may rot, or they may simply be installed incorrectly. Plumbers call such gaskets “bitten.”
- If upon inspection it turns out that the gasket is installed normally, the leak may be caused by a crack that has formed in the tank. Repairing a cracked tank is also not at all difficult: you need to remove it, dry it and fill the crack with sealant.
- Sometimes a toilet tank starts to leak when the shutoff valve won't hold water. A valve defect is very easy to detect: if you press the valve with your hand, the water flow should stop. If this does not happen, then the valve gasket needs to be replaced.
- When the button height adjuster moves for some reason, the tank may also leak. A gap through which water flows occurs when the valve is higher than the water drain hole. To fix this problem, you just need to adjust the height of the button.
- The problem of water leakage can also arise in the place where the drain hose is connected to the tank. A cracked nut will need to be replaced, and if it is not damaged, then tighten it well enough.
- Sometimes the operation of the tank is disrupted due to breakage of the reinforcement. To cope with this malfunction, the easiest way is to replace the entire fittings.
Currently, old toilet models are often replaced with modern ones, which have a more aesthetic appearance and are noticeably more convenient to use. For example, one of the advantages of new toilets is the absence of splashing water and splashes during flushing. However, it should be understood that new tanks break down just as often as the old ones did. It should be noted that new models of tanks are much easier to repair, and spare parts for them are made of durable plastic and are relatively inexpensive.
When planning to change your plumbing, you should decide on the desired toilet model and pay attention to how the outlet pipe is installed, which can be horizontal or directed to the floor. Most often today we find compact toilets with a flush in a horizontal plane, as well as “monoblocks”, in which the cistern and toilet are one unit.
Before purchasing and installing a new toilet, you should check whether the installation instructions are included in the kit and study them carefully.
It is important to immediately understand the structure of the tank so that later you can clearly understand why the problem might have occurred. Plumbing fixtures with a simpler cistern design usually last much longer and are more reliable.
Most often, spare tank mechanisms are sold as a set, but if necessary, you can purchase individual parts. If a rare and expensive tank is installed in an apartment, then it will be much more profitable to look for individual spare parts, and in simpler models it is often easier to immediately replace the entire tank. Some time ago, it was common to install the toilet seat on a small raised surface made of cement screed or mount it on wooden rails. Nowadays, the toilet is installed after the wall and floor tiles have been laid in the room. Before installing the toilet, the tiles are marked with a felt-tip pen, and then it is fastened using the markings.
Tank drain device
What to do if the toilet tank is leaking
Tank drain device
Replacing fittings in the cistern
Replacing the mechanism in the tank with your own hands
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04/17/2018 0 5,057 views
If a leak is noticed in a plumbing fixture, you need to act quickly. Otherwise, there is a risk of significant financial costs. Let's consider what to do if the toilet tank with a button leaks after flushing? There may be several reasons for this problem. It is important to determine which part has failed.
First you need to determine whether there really is a leak. In this case, the sound of rushing water is constantly noticed, and in the area where it comes out there are traces of rust and limestone. The inner wall of the toilet, closest to the cistern, is always wet. This is observed even when it was not used. If the flush is very weak and water constantly flows into the bowl for a long time, this is also an alarming sign.
Possible causes of tank leakage
The components of the cistern are the same in almost all toilets. The differences usually relate to the drainage mechanism. Main details:
- filling valve With its help, the water remains at the same level;
- float. It helps close the supply valve (when there is enough liquid);
- drain mechanism. It is equipped with an overflow system;
- overflow Monitors the maximum water level.
The descent is done manually or with a button. The drain valve opens, allowing liquid to pass through, and the float drops. If there are two buttons in the tank, the structure is more complex. At the same time, it saves water through partial flushing. Nowadays you can purchase toilets that have a bottom communications connection. They are used when lateral connection is not possible.
The most common cause is an overfilled tank. If there is excess water, it accumulates in the drain hole. The problem appears due to the following factors:
- Loss of elasticity of the rubber gasket. Due to the long operation of the flush tank, the blocking of the liquid flow is no longer tight. The gasket deformed and water began to pass through.
- The gasket does not press down enough and does not cover the inlet hole, which is located near the drain valve. This causes leakage. The gasket has not lost its elasticity or lost its shape. Liquid passes through only due to the small pressure against the wall.
- Chafing of the valve pin holding the float. This happens due to the formation of rust on it and when the toilet is used for a long time.
- A crack appears in the valve body through which fluid flows. If it is brass, this problem does not arise, since the material is very reliable. This can only happen on plastic.
In addition to this, there are the following reasons:
- The problem appears due to bolts at the junction of the toilet and the tank. Metal rusts over time, plastic bursts - this leads to failure.
- The bulb fails, so there is a constant leak in the toilet on the drain. With prolonged use, rubber loses its elasticity. Coarsening appears, the inability to take the required shape.
- Skew or displacement of the lever where the float is located. This could be due to many reasons: low-quality plumbing parts, a hole through which liquid penetrates into the float, shift of the lever due to long-term use.
- Depressurization. Leak between toilet and tank mount. This usually occurs due to a change in the shape of the rubber seal.
- Failure of the shut-off channel. Because of this, liquid flows from the tank into the toilet.
- Formation of cracks.
Let's look at the main types:
- Imaginary leak. This occurs exclusively during the colder months. During this period, the water has a very low temperature and condensation appears after filling the tank. It flows onto the floor and ends up forming a puddle. If this is not dealt with, fungus may form or complaints may be received from neighbors. At a minimum, you should lay down the rag and constantly wring it out.
- The shut-off valve does not stay in place. You need to remove the toilet lid. In the case where the button is located on top, it can be connected to the drain mechanism. The problem is its poor regulation and its violation. If it holds weakly, the liquid flows into the toilet. Usually it is enough to change the position of the float lever, reducing the water level.
- Exhaust valve not tightly closed. To check, remove the cover and lightly press on it. If this action stops the leak, then the cause has been found and the bulb needs to be replaced. In some cases, after flushing, the liquid flows, but the tank does not fill. You need to remove the cover and carefully examine the float. It may drop very low, preventing the valve from returning into place. It should be adjusted.
- Leaking drain. You need to drain the water and see where it is coming from. If the toilet is inserted into a socket, you need to check its tightness. If its connection to the sewer is made using corrugation, you should pay attention to the pipeline to see if there is any damage.
- Defective toilet. Sometimes there are places on the toilet itself that have not been filled with enamel. Then you need to contact the store and make a replacement.
How to fix a leaking drain mechanism?
The listed problems are often observed during toilet operation. You can call a specialist to find a solution. But many people successfully eliminate them with their own hands.
It is important to approach this issue carefully and carefully. Before doing this, you should learn in detail about the internal structure of the toilet flush tank, types of breakdowns, their identification and repair.
Excessive filling of the toilet cistern
First you need to find out the reason by lifting the lid and then the float. It only takes 1 cm to stop the flow. This means that the float lever is bent incorrectly and shutting off the liquid is impossible. It should be bent a little so that the water flows freely.
If this does not solve the problem, it is worth considering the valve. The locking pin must be in place and undamaged. Being in the valve, it pauses the float lever. The hole where this part is located is not deformed.
If the pin has become unusable, you can replace it with a large-section copper wire. If the hole has lost its shape, it is worth installing a new valve.
A leak sometimes occurs due to the gasket. When, after pressing against the valve, liquid stops flowing from the drain hole, it is necessary to correct the pressure. If this is not possible, it is worth installing a new gasket.
Inspect the toilet carefully. Sometimes only one bolt needs to be replaced. It's worth buying a kit of spare parts for the toilet just in case.
To identify the cause, you should disassemble the toilet. It is not always clear which part has broken and needs replacement.
Algorithm of actions in this case:
- Shut off the liquid supply.
- Remove water from the tank completely.
- Unscrew the flexible wiring through which the liquid flows.
- Unscrew the bolts. If there is a lot of rust on them, you should cut it off with a hacksaw. Purchasing bolts from a store will be much cheaper than installing a new toilet. An old toilet can easily be broken by unscrewing the rusty parts.
- Move the tank back.
- Remove the shelf that is on the cuff.
- Drain off the remaining liquid.
- Remove all rust.
The assembly proceeds from the last point to the first. The purchased bolts are installed and rubber gaskets are replaced. During the tightening process, you should not allow even a slight distortion. When tightening, do not put too much pressure on the bolt, as there is a risk of damaging the earthenware.
Repairing a deformed pear is almost useless. A lot of time and effort will be spent on repairs, but in the end there will be no result. It's worth buying a new product.
It is better to make a choice in the store in favor of the softest option. It can be used for many years until it becomes rigid.
The pear mount is created on a thread. To remove it, turn it clockwise, to install it, vice versa. Before purchasing, you are allowed to use a weight that hangs on the rod. There will be pressure on the bag, thus pressing it against the saddle. You can use any heavy nut.
If you buy a low-quality float in a store, you should replace it. If a small hole appears on it, you can easily put it in order with simple polyethylene. Sometimes a piece of plastic is heated with fire and the hole is sealed. These are considered temporary measures, since you will still have to purchase a new product.
To solve this problem, you need to install a new gasket between the tank and the toilet. Algorithm for performing the work:
- Turn off the liquid supply by closing the main water valve.
- Remove excess water with a soft sponge.
- Unscrew the drain nut a little. It is located under the drain valve hatch.
- Remove the screws securing the tank to the toilet shelf. Remove the tank.
- Unscrew the lock nut holding the drain and remove it from the tank.
- Install a new gasket. All products vary in shape and size, this must be taken into account when purchasing. If a mistake is made here, the problem will not be solved.
- Secure the drain assembly with locknuts.
- Return the tank to the stick and secure with bolts.
Stop valve
You can disassemble the drain valve. To do this, you need to adjust the pressure of the hatch on the drain pipe, slightly sharpening the end. These actions require a lot of effort, but the result is not always there. Therefore, it will be more effective to replace the drain unit or tank.
Step-by-step algorithm:
- turn off the water supply by turning on the main liquid supply valve;
- rinse off any remaining water;
- open the lid, remove the liquid with a sponge;
- remove screws;
- remove the tank from the shelf;
- pull out the gasket;
- Unscrew the locknuts that secure the drain assembly;
- remove the old mechanism;
- install a new system.
It's worth looking for a model that has previously been in the tank. If you can’t find it, then buy a similar manufacturer.
Secure the assembly with locknuts and install a new gasket. Fix it to the shelf, turn on the water supply and check the tightness of the installed drain. The work is quite simple, you only need a set of spanners and adjustable wrenches. The cost of purchasing a new drain will be from 400 to 4 thousand rubles. It depends on the type of mechanism. If the system is elite, the cost differs significantly. For the work of a specialist you need to pay 1600-1900 rubles.
Cracks
Disconnect the tank from the toilet and dry thoroughly. Treat cracks with a high-quality sealant. This method is the most effective, but such measures are considered temporary. It is necessary to purchase a new tank and toilet.
Video: what to do if the toilet tank is leaking?
To repair a tank with a button, you need to follow the following algorithm:
- remove the cover;
- remove the broken button;
- replace the spring;
- center the landing site. It is located under the hole made in the lid;
- reassemble.
Common problems:
- The liquid does not wash off when pressed. The reason for this may be a break in the mechanism between the drain channel and the button. Replace the valve with copper wire or purchase a new part.
- Leak through overflow. The overflow and float height need to be adjusted. To do this, you need to unscrew the nut and change the level.
- Continuous flow into the bowl. This usually happens due to damage to the gasket. Valve replacement required. To do this, unscrew the nut in the lower area of the tank, pull it out, and install a new component.
Repair work for a toilet with two buttons is almost the same. If the liquid does not drain, you need to check the parts for integrity, then straighten them or install copper wire. Inspect the drain valve for the correct position, change the height of the overflow or float if necessary.
If the tank has a bottom water connection, they have a diaphragm valve. Problems with it appear due to low fluid pressure. If the supply always occurs at low pressure, it is necessary to replace the membrane with a rod element.
Often a leak is observed in the area of the supply valve. It is constantly located in water, so poor tightness causes breakdown. Repair work for a toilet with a bottom connection is done step by step. First of all, you need to turn off the water and remove the lid. Then they solve the problem using the considered algorithms.
To avoid breakdowns, you should listen to a number of recommendations:
- clean the tank and bowl once every six months;
- periodically inspect the condition of fittings and fixtures;
- try to avoid mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes;
- The installation of a toilet should be approached responsibly. If it is suspended, it is better to call a specialist for this purpose.
In our material today, we will talk about the main causes of toilet cistern leakage, and also tell you about troubleshooting methods.
Causes
The detected problems with the toilet, which began to leak in certain places, are caused by three reasons. Sometimes separately, and sometimes they provoke a breakdown through joint efforts:
- When installing new plumbing, installation and assembly errors are often made.
- During long-term operation, the tank leaks due to failed or worn-out structural elements and fittings. Natural breakdowns usually occur only three years after installation.
- Mechanical damage, violation of operating recommendations. These are sharp tugs on levers, strong pressing of buttons, random blows, and so on.
Now let's look at several types of leaks separately.
Types of leaks
When draining
- Leaks may occur after pressing the drain button. This indicates the need to check the design of the drain system. Often the cause is impaired functionality of the shut-off valve. Grasp it with your hand and press lightly. If this helps, then the valve simply did not fit tightly to the surface. Replace the old valve gasket with a good quality new one and you're done.
- The drain key is displaced, the position of the height adjuster is broken. In such situations, the valve is located higher than the drain hole. The resulting gap leads to leakage. Adjust the regulator a little, try to return the button to its original position. To do this, you need to tighten the fasteners that secure the tank to the pipe or the plumbing product itself.
- Water leaks due to a loose nut attached to the outside of the bottom. The reason is simple - the seal is broken. Most likely, replacing the gasket or installing a new nut with a high quality gasket will help.
Remember, if the damage is minor and caused by a seal failure, then use simple sealants. For more serious problems, replace damaged elements of the tank.
If it flows through the overflow
First of all, correct the lever of the float system, and also check the condition of the valve and the float itself. Sometimes water is not retained inside the tank, but flows directly into the bowl through the overflow. It is possible that the lever has moved from its original position, or a misalignment has occurred.
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Check to see if there is any liquid in the float. This is often what causes leaks through overflows. If it really is there, then the float is out of order. Bringing it back to life is simple:
- Remove the float;
- Pour out any accumulated water;
- Dry thoroughly, even using a hairdryer, which will speed up the process;
- Repair cracks and holes through which water has entered. Epoxy glue is useful for this. If you add a little super cement to it, the quality of the repair will be even higher;
- Return the element to its place.
If the float system valve fails, the easiest way is to replace it with a new one. It's not difficult to do this:
- Release all liquid from the water reservoir;
- Remove the fitting using a wrench. It connects the valve to the water supply system, that is, the plumbing;
- Remove the lever, but be careful not to damage other elements;
- Remove the inner as well as the outer nut that holds the lever in place;
- Remove the float valve;
- Install the new element using the fixing nuts;
- Fill the reservoir with liquid;
- Secure the lever in the correct position;
- Do a test flush to determine if you did everything right.
If there is a problem with the siphon membrane, it must be replaced. The problem cannot be solved by using glue or sealants. Buy a new membrane, similar to the old one. Remove it and find a similar one at a plumbing supply store. To carry out repairs, follow these simple instructions:
- Drain the water until nothing is left in the drain tank;
- Using a rope, tie the float lever to a crossbar. The element must be securely fixed;
- Any plank or piece of wood placed in place of the tank lid can serve as a crossbar;
- Remove the nut connecting the flush pipe and the tank;
- Loosen the other nut slightly by unscrewing it from the siphon. It is located at the base of the container;
- Carefully disconnect the siphon from the lever and pull it out;
- Now take the new membrane and place it in its rightful place;
- Reassemble the entire system in reverse order.
Between the cistern and the toilet
- Inspect the condition of the cuff. It will have to be corrected or tightened using a clamp. Do not overtighten the bolts, but at the same time do not make the fasteners too weak.
- If there is a corrugated area on the cuff, they sometimes move from their original position. Clamps or plumbing insulation will help return it to its place. The last option will give a temporary result, so a clamp is the optimal solution.
- The cause of this type of leak may be weak fastening of the tank and shelf. Check that the nuts and bolts are securely tightened. Brass bolts are eternal, but their metal counterparts lose their original characteristics over time.
- If the previous option did not work, take a closer look at the gaskets on the tank. Unscrew all nuts and bolts, inspect the condition of the gaskets. Replacing them is not difficult or expensive.
- If the shelf is damaged, clamps and sealants will not help. A complete replacement of the shelf or even the tank will be required.
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From the tank to the floor
The primary cause is poorly tightened bolts or deformed over time and under the influence of moisture:
- If they are not tight enough, but the fasteners are new, simply work with the appropriate tool to tighten the fasteners.
- If fasteners lose quality, they need to be replaced. Turn off the water, drain the remaining water, partially dismantle the fittings in order to have more or less convenient access to the bolt heads. After removing the old ones, replace them with new ones, not forgetting about the rubber seals.
It would be a good idea to use sealants at the joints. This is generally a useful thing for solving many leakage problems. You should not rely solely on gaskets and seals, since even the highest quality products cannot always cope with the loads. An additional measure of protection in the form of a sealant will extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and make your life easier.
Other causes of leakage
This is not a complete list of possible leaks that arise as a result of the use of toilets. Let's name a few more of them, as well as ways to eliminate them:
- The flush button does not work. Here you will need to remove the cover and check the condition of the drain system. Often the drain rod comes off, as does the pressure shutter valve. You just need to put them in their place. Check if the button is dirty, clean off any accumulated dirt and put it back. Problem solved.
- High noise level when drawing water. The water supply system may have different pressures. If it is high, then increased pressure is created on the float valve and the element cannot cope with the load. The result is increased noise. Replace the valve that can cope with such a set, or install a stabilization valve.
If the tank is leaking due to condensation, then you need to find out the cause and eliminate it:
- The inlet and outlet fittings need to be repaired. If it is broken, water flows into the toilet and heats up to room temperature. At the same time, cold water comes from the water supply, which creates condensation;
- It is necessary to reduce the volume of drainage. This is true for regularly used toilets. It is recommended to replace the regular drain button with a double one, where one will drain a smaller volume of liquid, and the second will drain a larger volume;
- Eliminate high humidity in the room itself. If it is a combined bathroom, it will be more difficult. You can install an electric heated towel rail, plus be sure to provide an effective ventilation system.
