Many homeowners may not realize that they can handle some minor toilet problems on their own. Whether your toilet is overflowing or running more than it should, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue without immediately calling a Willow Grove plumber. Knowing the basic parts of a toilet and how they work together is a helpful place to start.
Here’s a homeowner-friendly guide to the main parts of a toilet:
Tank: Pictured above (inspectapedia.com), the tank sits on the back of the toilet. It holds the water supply used to flush the bowl, along with many of the components involved in common toilet problems.
Bowl: The bowl holds wastewater and uses water released from the tank to flush waste into the drain.
Flush Handle: The flush handle is the part most homeowners are familiar with, but it helps to understand what happens when you use it. The handle connects to the trip lever, which lifts the flapper and allows water from the tank to enter the bowl.
Trip Lever: The trip lever is an important part to understand when dealing with a running toilet. It connects the flush handle to the flapper. When you flush, the lever lifts the flapper, sometimes called a flapper valve, and releases water from the tank into the bowl to help move wastewater down the sewer drain. If the toilet is running, lifting the trip lever can help lower the water level in the tank.
Float Ball: The float ball helps control the water level in the tank. After you flush, the ball drops as the water level goes down. It rises again as the tank refills from the main water supply. Once the tank reaches the proper water level, the toilet stops running.
Overflow Tube: The overflow tube helps prevent the tank from overflowing if the toilet continues to run. It directs excess water into the drain. If you are unable to shut off the main water valve behind the toilet, you may sometimes be able to remove the rubber water supply tube from the overflow tube to help prevent an overflow.
Flapper Valve: The flapper valve is an important part to know when dealing with an overflowing toilet or a backup. A backup can sometimes be caused by a drain clog. The flapper connects to the flush handle through a chain and the trip lever. When the flapper is closed, water stays in the tank. Flushing lifts the flapper so water can move into the bowl with enough force to carry waste down the drain.
If your toilet is overflowing, pressing the flapper down by hand can stop additional water from entering the bowl. Some homeowners may hesitate to reach into the tank because they associate that water with the water in the bowl. The water in the toilet tank comes directly from the main water supply line, which connects to the stop valve.
Stop Valve: Also called the toilet supply valve, the stop valve controls the fresh water supply entering the tank. It is usually located behind the toilet near the floor. Turning it off is another way to help stop an overflowing toilet because the tank cannot continue filling once the water supply is shut off. The stop valve connects to the supply tube, which connects to the refill system.
Supply Tube: Although the supply tube and refill tube are connected, they are different parts. Their names are sometimes used interchangeably, but the important distinction is that the supply tube carries water from the main line to the toilet’s refill system.
Refill Tube: After a flush, the refill tube helps restore water to the toilet. As the tank refills, the float rises. Once the water reaches the proper level, the flow of water stops.
Trap: The trap helps prevent backflow and strong odors from the main sewage line. If you notice a sewage odor in your bathroom, especially near the toilet, there could be a problem with the seal or trap. Troubleshooting this part of the toilet usually requires a plumber unless you are familiar with toilet installation.
Wax Ring: The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the sewage line. A faulty wax ring can contribute to odors or leaking around the base of the toilet. If you are unsure about a leaking toilet or notice strong sewer odors, it is a good idea to call a plumber, since the issue could involve the main sewer line.
Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling iif you have questions about these components or would like help troubleshooting with one of our Willow Grove plumbers. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening and determine the right next step for your home.