If you have
a toilet flush leak
, don't delay in fixing it.
This problem can cause significant waste: up to 600 liters of water per day.
But before calling a plumber, make sure that the water leak cannot be repaired by yourself.
Focus on how a toilet flushes and the possible causes of this flow.
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How does a toilet flush work?
The mechanism of a toilet flush
includes:
a push button;
a float;
a water tap;
a drain valve.
When you press the flush button, several mechanisms are put into place.
1.
The drain valve
opens.
Water accumulated in the tank quickly flows into the toilet.
The waste and water present in the bowl are thus evacuated towards the sanitation pipes.
2. Once the tank is emptied, the valve closes to stop the flow.
The float
, an accessory for regulating the water level, detects the absence of water in the tank.
3.
The water tap
then opens to refill the tank.
Once the water level is restored, the float rises, which causes the tap to close.
Possible causes of a leaking toilet flush
The adjustment and condition of the float
Improper adjustment or damage to the float and its mechanism can cause a flush leak.
Indeed, a water level that is too high in the tank risks causing the bowl to overflow during the next flush.
Conversely, a level that is too low can trigger continuous flow from the faucet, since the float does not rise enough to close it.
The sealing of the water inlet joints and the tank
If the water inlet seal has a leak due to wear or scale, this can cause runoff outside the tank.
The seal between the bowl and the tank can also deteriorate and cause a leak in this area.
A valve malfunction
A flap that does not close correctly causes a permanent flow of water into the bowl.
It is possible that this problem is linked to scaling of this element.
In this case, you can pour a little white vinegar into the tank.
Tank condition
Finally, your tank may be cracked or damaged.
Unfortunately, there is no other solution than to replace it.
How to avoid this problem?
A leaking toilet flush is not without consequences.
In addition to its impact on the cost of your water bills, it causes significant water waste, which is also harmful to the environment.
With
regular maintenance
, you will extend the life of your toilet flush.
Check the condition of internal parts regularly.
Replace them when defective.
Clean these parts every six months to a year to remove dirt and limescale accumulated in the tank.
The frequency depends mainly on the water quality in your area.
Check the float setting regularly and adjust it if necessary.