DIY cistern repair

Recommendation points

• Flush tank device
• Float mechanism repair
• Replacing the siphon membrane
• Getting rid of filling noise
• Water does not flow into the tank

Many DIYers probably know that plumbing is a very capricious thing that needs constant monitoring and regular maintenance. The consequence of malfunctions in the operation of drain valves, valves can be a rapid flooding of the entire area of ​​an apartment or house with all the ensuing consequences.

One of the most capricious devices is the toilet cistern. Its mechanism is a rather delicate thing. For the time being, until all the equipment is functioning properly, we do not look inside the tank. The real problems arise from noise and water leaks from it. The latter are fraught with a real threat to the well-being of apartment owners. And if it is also possible to flood the neighbors living on the floor below, very serious financial problems may arise..

Flush tank device

Let’s briefly consider the device and the principle of operation of the flush tank. The drain system includes several levers, a float and a seal. First, water enters the tank through a hose, accumulates in it, and then, if necessary, it is flushed down the toilet. A shut-off valve is used to stop the water supply when the float rises to the maximum level. When the drain is opened, the water goes down from the cistern into the toilet bowl, after which, after passing the siphon, it goes into the sewer. This is the traditional way of working with a toilet. Of course, it may differ for different models, but the general principle of operation remains the same..

The cistern is far from the most complex device in design. Therefore, its repair can be carried out without the use of any special tools. Before starting work, it is imperative to assess the state of the shut-off valve. If it is already badly worn, proceed very carefully. Otherwise, this unit may simply break down. Just in case, before starting repair work, it is recommended to shut off the general water supply valve or (if available) a separate valve for the tank. Be extremely careful when removing the faience cover. If it breaks, then you will be forced to purchase a new cistern..

Float mechanism repair

One of the most common problems is the continuous flow of water from the hose into the tank. This could be due to a skewed float arm, damaged float, or failed float valve. In the first case, the problem is eliminated by placing the lever in the optimal horizontal position, about 2.5 centimeters below the inlet of the underwater pipe. If the float is damaged, the latter begins to let water inside itself. Because of this, it becomes heavier and simply drowns. Here you cannot do without replacing the float with a new one. Is there no opportunity to replace this element in a timely manner? You can resort to “old-fashioned” tricks. Try to seal up the hole with heated plastic, or simply wrap the float in a regular plastic bag, tying it tightly around the lever. Of course, before carrying out such manipulations, the float should be emptied..

If the float valve breaks down, it must be repaired or replaced. In order to change this unit, you first need to drain all the water from the tank. Then unscrew the fitting that connects the float valve to the underwater pipe using a wrench. Disconnect the float arm and unscrew the inner and outer retaining nuts to remove the float valve. When installing a new valve, it is advisable to use the old lock nuts. After attaching the lever to the float valve, fill the tank with water, and then lock the lever in the desired position.

Float valves may have some design differences, but the principle of their operation remains unchanged. Their selection is made taking into account the water pressure in the pipeline. This is very important, since a valve, designed for a low pressure, will allow water to pass through at high pressure even if it is in good condition. Currently, there are 3 types of float valves on the market: for low, medium and high water pressure. In residential premises, valves designed for low pressure are usually used. If your home is in an area with intermittent water pressure, it may be worth installing a stabilizing float valve..

Is water overflowing over the edge of the tank? First of all, it is recommended to check how the float “behaves”. If this assembly sinks in water, it must be replaced. During normal operation of the float, the check valve is checked, which can be replaced as an assembly with the float mechanism.

Replacing the siphon membrane

The reason that the release lever comes into operation only after repeated exposure to it may consist in damage to the siphon membrane (of course, if the lever itself is completely serviceable). In addition, the violation of the integrity of the membrane often leads to continuous leakage of water from the cistern to the toilet. To replace the membrane, drain the water from the tank by tying the lever to the crossbar in advance, which, in turn, is installed as a replacement for the tank lid. Unscrew the fixing nut with which the flush pipe is connected to the cistern. Next, disconnect the siphon from the lever and remove it. The membrane can then be replaced. After completing this step, reassemble the tank fittings in the reverse order. Is the trigger not working at all? This may indicate damage to the rod. In this case, it will have to be replaced. The traction can be made by hand using thick wire.

Getting rid of filling noise

Another common problem with flush cisterns is that there is a lot of noise when filling them, which creates a kind of “waterfall effect”. To fix this problem, open the tank lid and measure the diameter of the nipple through which water enters the tank. Find a plastic tube that fits your nipple. A tube about 20–40 cm long will suffice. Place the tube over the nipple, and then cut it at a level below the water level in the cistern after flushing. Naturally, “upgrading” the tank with such a tube will not solve the problem of noise at an excessively high pressure in the valve. Didn’t this method help? It may be worth installing an additional stabilizing valve.

Water does not flow into the tank

Does water “refuse” to enter the cistern? First, you should try to move the wire or the plastic lever on which the float is suspended (check if the adjustment is not violated). After turning off the water supply to the tank, unscrew the hose with which the tank is connected to the pipeline. Place the hose over the drain tank and slightly unscrew the valve. If the hose is faulty, then the water simply will not flow. In this case, you should change the eyeliner..

It’s another matter if the flexible hose is absolutely serviceable. Then you should clean the place where the branch pipe is adjacent to the tank. You can use an ordinary screwdriver for this. Did not help? Most likely, you cannot do without replacing the float valve. If a rigid pipe is used to connect the water supply to the tank, you need to remove the float mechanism, and then carefully clean the connection on the side of the drain tank, or, if this procedure does not bring the expected effect, again resort to replacing the float valve.