Replacing parts of the toilet tank

 

The toilet is one of the simplest mechanical items in your household that is used on a daily basis. If you know how it works, you can fix any problems yourself, without the need for specialised plumbing tools. This guide will help you understand the key parts of a toilet and recognise and fix common problems.

Flush lever

This part of the toilet gets the most wear and tear. The lever that flushes the toilet is probably the most commonly broken moving part of the toilet. The lever is a rod that leads from the handle to a chain that operates the flapper valve.

Several things can go wrong with these handles. When steel is stored for years in a humid place like the toilet tank, it naturally begins to deteriorate. Eventually, the rod corrodes to the point where it breaks. Manufacturers have switched to making the rods out of plastic as it is cheaper and does not rust. However, they also break. Regardless of whether your tank is made of plastic, steel or brass, you will usually need to replace the flush lever and handle.

The handle is usually held in place by a nut that is attached to the wall of the tank. It should be located where the handle enters from the outside of the tank. This nut can be loosened with an adjustable spanner. After loosening the nut, the handle can slide out through the hole in the tank wall. Slide the new handle in and tighten the nut again.

Flap valve

The non-return valve is the mechanism inside the toilet tank that controls the flush. When you press the handle, the lever lifts a chain, which in turn lifts the flap. The valve covers an opening at the bottom of the tank through which the water can flow into the bowl and trigger the flush.

This valve is usually made of rubber, which can become hard and brittle over time. It becomes problematic if it does not seal properly over the opening at the bottom of the tank and water enters the bowl. The problem can usually be recognised by the fact that your toilet runs continuously. The tank keeps trying to fill unsuccessfully because all the water is leaking around the edge of the valve.

To replace the valve, you must first empty the tank so that you can work. Locate the shut-off valve on the water pipe that supplies your toilet. Turn it off and flush the toilet once. The tank should empty normally when you flush it, but it will not fill up again.

There are different types of non-return valves. To make sure you get the right valve, remove it and take it to the shop. Insert the new valve into the clips that held the old valve in place and turn the water supply back on. 

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