General History of the Toilet Flush Valve Toilet
Flush valves were made to prevent sewage backflow into homes. They are now widely used in both old and modern plumbing systems.
The earliest flush valves were made out of wood and cast iron. Today, they are commonly made out of plastic.
About the Toilet Flush Valve
A toilet flush valve is a device that controls the flow of water from the toilet tank to the bowl. Ball valves and butterfly valves are the most common types of
valves. A flush valve can be used for both flushing and non-flushing purposes sometimes, and it is possible to use a single flush valve for both purposes.
Bathtubs and showers also have valves, which are known as shower valves.
Parts of the Toilet Flush Valve
Flapper - A flap that moves up and down between open and closed positions.
Ball - A ball that floats freely inside the valve's chamber. When the water pressure rises, the ball lifts off the seat and allows water to pass through.
Valve stem - To hold the ball in position.
Seat - This seat prevents the ball from coming loose.
Spring - This keeps the ball in position.
Body - The body contains the ball.
How Does The Valve Operate?
When the toilet is flushed, the tank sends water through the pipe system until it reaches the valve.
When the water pressure pushes against the ball and away from the seat, the valve opens. Water then flows out of the bowl.
If you hear a gurgling sound while using your toilet, this means there is too much air trapped in the pipes. If you notice bubbles rising in the toilet bowl after you flush, check the float switch located under the tank lid.
NOTE: If you find that the switch is not working properly, replace it.
How do you know if your toilet needs a new valve?
- The float switch is not working properly.
- The toilet valve is leaking.
- The toilet drain hose is cracked.
- The toilet tank leaks.
- The porcelain of the toilet bowl is chipped or broken.
- The toilet lid doesn't close tightly.
- The toilet flange is corroded.
- The toilet rim is damaged.
- The toilet seat hinge is bent.
- The toilet chain is rusty.
How to replace your toilet flush valve seal
Tools:
Wrench
Pliers
Screwdriver
Hammer
Drill
1. Remove the toilet valve seal by unscrewing the cap on top of the valve body. The cap should come off easily.
2. Remove the two screws holding the wire harness to the valve.
3. Unscrew the four screws that hold the valve body together.
4. Remove the old valve body by lifting it straight up.
5. Install the new toilet valve seal.
Fixing your toilet flush valve seal
Toilet flush valves have three parts: the valve stem, the valve stem retainer, and the valve seat. You must remove all three parts before installing a new toilet valve seal.
Valve stem - The valve stem contains a threaded end that connects to the toilet bowl, and a nut holds it in place. To remove the stem, loosen the nut and pull the stem out.
Retainer - The retainer keeps the valve stem in the proper position. When the toilet is flushed, water pressure pushes against the stem, causing it to move upward. As the stem moves upward, the retainer prevents the stem from moving too far. To remove the retainer, push down on the stem until it pops out of the hole, then lift the stem out.
Seat - The seat sits on top of the valve stem. When the toilet is flushed, water flows through the seat and into the bowl. To replace the seat, remove the valve stem, then turn the seat upside down and slide it over the valve stem. Tighten the nuts that hold the seat to the valve stem.
You can always contact a professional plumbing service to help you with your plumbing issues.