There are really only two main toilet tank parts: The toilet flush valve, which lets water gush into the bowl during the flush, and the fill valve, which lets water refill the tank after the flush.
The Altecnic fill and flush valve is designed for use on domestic and small commercial heating systems. The combination of two ball isolating valves and one 'T' port diverting ball valve are used to fill and flush the system with cleaning chemicals or water treatment.
As the water moves from the tank to the toilet bowl, the flapper slowly sinks again to seat on the flush valve. As the toilet flapper closes off the water to the bowl, the toilet fill valve, sometimes referred to as a ballcock, begins to bring water back into the toilet tank to recharge for the next flush.
Types of Toilet Flush Valves
Toilet flush valves come in the following formats: standard, 3-inch, 4-inch, tower-style (also called canister-style), and dual flush valves.
A flush valve is a self-closing valve designed to release a large volume of water when activated. This mechanism is often used to flush a toilet or urinal. The valve and associated hardware are located within the toilet tank or in the body of the urinal.
The fill valve is anti-siphon. Rather than a plunger stem with a washer seal against the water inlet port, it has a diaphragm seal. This seal opens and closes to control water flow. Older models can be made from cast brass with a plastic diaphragm button.
Toilet fill valves regulate water flow from the supply line into the tank between flushes. Fill valves are typically one of two types: an arm with a float attached or a floating cylinder that moves up and down. Minor changes may also be required to prevent the fill valve from running continually.
A ballcock (also balltap or float valve) is a mechanism or machine for filling water tanks, such as those found in flush toilets, while avoiding overflow and (in the event of low water pressure) backflow.
Toilet fill valves last about 5 years and sometimes longer depending on the quality of the valve, how often the toilet is flushed, and whether the home has hard water. However, like any valve that's constantly exposed to water, a fill valve can eventually clog or begin to leak.
The filler valve (or refill valve) sends water in two directions. Some of the water goes down the refill tube and starts refilling the tank. The rest goes through the bowl refill tube, and down the overflow tube into the bowl.
Debris that builds up over time inside the water system, including the valve body, supply line or shut off valve (at the wall) can restrict the flow path of water and slow down the valves filling speed. Toilet fill valves in use for a period of 7 years or more can have their working parts start to wear out.
Most toilets have a standard flush valve. This is just a basic 2-inch flush valve and flapper that lifts up when you push the toilet handle down. Standard flush valves may be found on low-flow toilets and on some older toilets with large tanks.
When you purchase a new toilet, it should come with most of the parts that you'll need. Check the box and make sure it includes brass closet bolts (to connect the toilet to the flange), and a gasket for connecting the tank to the base, a wax ring, a fill valve, flush valve and flapper.
No need to worry, a running toilet is usually a simple fix. The three most common causes are a broken or dirty flapper, too long or too short of a chain between the flush lever and the flapper or a float that is out of position.
A leaking or damaged toilet valve can be repaired quite easily. If you have a standard, modern toilet, replacement parts should be available from most hardware stores quite cheaply. If you have a little spare time and feel confident following instructions, hiring a plumber may not even be necessary.
A silent leak can be caused by a fill valve set too high.
The fill valve is the part of the toilet that is responsible for refilling the tank after being flushed. Over time, a worn or out of alignment fill valve can become a problem, cause a leak, and wear on valve's components and parts.
The flush valve assembly also includes the flapper, which seals the opening and holds water in the tank until a flush is initiated. The clearest sign that a flush valve needs to be replaced is when water continues to run, even after the flapper and other possible causes have been addressed.
If you look inside the tank of your toilet and see that the fill valve is leaking or spraying water from either the top, or leaking water from the bottom of the tank, chances are good it needs to be replaced before it wastes you any more water or causes any damage to your home.