A Guide to Identifying Parts of a Toilet Tank

A toilet tank is one of the 2 main components that form a tank toilet. It is connected and house on the rear part of the toilet bowl and contains mechanisms that work to force water into the bowl. The action allows water flow to flush waste through the toilet bowl and the water trap. The tank of a toilet bowl has several parts that are usually unknown to the average person. In order for you to know them in case you need to replace a part, here are the parts of the toilet tank and what they are.

Intake Valve

Water that goes into the toilet tank is let in through the intake valve. A water supply pipe feeds the intake valve, which allows the toilet bowl and the toilet tank to be filled up with water. The valve is linked to the refill tube of the bowl, which is responsible for refilling the tank with water after every flush. The tube is located above the overflow pipe, which, in turn, is the one that takes out excess water from the toilet tank. Water that is in the overflow pipe is channeled to the toilet bowl, which is then drained out.

Flushing

The tank flushing mechanism is mostly inside the toilet tank with the handle being the only one outside. Once you push this handle down, the lift arm which is connected to it goes up inside of the tank. A metal chain connects it to the flapper, which is located on top of the opening at the tank base. Once this flapper is lifted by the lift arm, water inside the tank flows with a strong force into the bowl, flushing all its contents out into the waste line of the plumbing.

Ballcock Assembly

The ballcock assembly is linked to the intake valve and is set at a specific water level height. The other end of the assembly is connected to a float, which rises with the water level as the tank fills up with water. Once the right level is achieved, the ballcock assembly stops the water flowing into the toilet.

Toilet Base Tank Connection

At the outside part of the tank base, there is a large extension hole into which water flows. Before it is place into a hole located on the back part of the toilet bowl base, a large gasket made of rubber is fitted around the hole extension. Bolts that go through the tank base are then used to secure the tank. These bolts go through the 2 holes that are on the topmost part of the toilet base rear. Nuts are then used to secure the bolts from the underside. You will also find the water feeding line linked to the water feed underneath the toilet tank.

Toilet Bowl Connection

The bowl is the part of the unit that you use when you go to the toilet. It is linked to the flange, which in turn, is linked to the closet bent pipe drain. The flange is set on the same level as the toilet floor. you will find it fitted with holes to accommodate the bolts for the toilet bowl. A wax ring is utilized in order to make the the toilet flange and seat connection air tight.