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Although toilets are used often, and these plumbing fixtures are a crucial part of everyone’s day-to-day routine, many homeowners don’t know how they operate. By understanding the various components, you can better communicate with your plumbing professional. To learn more about these essential fixtures, review the guide below.

What Are the Main Components?

Inside your toilet, there are three main components responsible for clearing away your waste in a quick, sanitary fashion: the bowl siphon, the flush mechanism, and the refill mechanism. The bowl siphon consists of the visible bowl, as well as a hidden, S-shaped channel inside the toilet. Small amounts of liquid will fill up the bowl and spill over the curve to drain automatically. For the liquid to have enough force to trigger the flush mechanism, water must be deposited into the toilet bowl—about two gallons worth. 

How Does Flushing Work?

plumbingThe flush lever is connected to a chain inside the tank—the rectangle component that sits above the bowl against the wall. The chain pulls a rubber seal away from a hole at the bottom of the tank, allowing water to flow through it and into the bowl below. As the bowl fills with liquid, it gravitates toward the large hole at the bottom called the siphon jet. This triggers the siphon effect, allowing your waste and the water to exit the toilet.

How Does the Water Refill?

When there is no more water in the bowl, air enters the siphon tube, creating a gurgling sound as the flush ends. Then, the rubber seal inside the tank floats back into place, blocking water from entering the bowl. Since there is a minimal amount of water in the tank at this point, the float ball (a component floating on the tank water’s surface) falls, signaling the refill valve to start working. This mechanism sends water into both the tank and the bowl, refilling them both gradually until the float ball rises and turns the valve off. 

 

If any of these components were to stop functioning as they should, you could end up with a flooded bathroom or other plumbing issues. When you need a seasoned plumber, contact Joseph G. Michel & Sons in New Haven County, CT. They even offer 24-hour emergency services. For more information about their plumbing services, visit the website or call (203) 933-7931 today.

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