Repair of an old-style toilet flush tank

In any home, a toilet is indispensable. It is operated much more often than all other plumbing fixtures, so it breaks down most often. Its most vulnerable component is the tank. Due to mechanical damage to its internal components, the device becomes inoperative, and the owners will have to repair the old-style toilet flush tank. Old-style drain tanks have not been released for a long time, but they can be found in apartments across the country, which confirms their reliable operation and durability.

to contents ↑

Device

Do-it-yourself repair of an old-style toilet bowl begins with a study of its structure and features. The main difference is in the reinforcement, the water supply in which is lateral, and the structure, in which the simplest physical laws are involved.

The main nodes are:

• A filling device, which includes a movable lever with a float and a valve for shutting off water;
• Drain mechanism.

The design of the most “ancient” drain devices includes a cast-iron bell - a cork with a soft gasket made of rubber. After pressing the external lever, the bell rises, and the water moves down through the opening.

Important! This design is distinguished by great reliability, because the products have been around for half a century, while repair work requires only periodic replacement of the worn gasket.

Later designs instead of a bell are equipped with a pear made of rubber or plastic. When the tank is released, the float is lowered, after which the valve that starts the water opens.

Consider the difference between the drain systems of the old model:

• Unattractive appearance. Previously, external attractiveness was not so important, more attention was paid to the reliability of the nodes and their performance. Therefore, the appearance of old products is not very aesthetic, with a primitive shape and a rough surface finish.
• The location of the tank. Most often, the location of the container is under the ceiling, and for the passage of water a pipe is designed - a riser. Due to this, a high speed develops in the water stream, which leads to a qualitative flush, but at the same time a strong noise is heard.
• Design features of valves. Such products are distinguished by a very peculiar flushing system. It is based on the principle of rocker arm, for work it is necessary to pull the rope or chain. The design is very simple, assembly does not require instructions.
• High water consumption. Such designs do not use economical drain modes, water leaves in full.
• Intake system. Water is supplied only from the side, which prevents hoses from being hidden.

Important! In some cases, it is more advisable to replace the tank with a more modern product, for example, if the damage is too large.

to contents ↑

Common breakdowns and repair options

Any, even the most primitive mechanism, can break down over time. How to fix an old-style toilet flush tank? Even a layman can deal with the majority of breakdowns, there is nothing complicated about this.

Water flows continuously

In this case, we initially check for leaks in the filling valve. For this:

1. Remove the cover.
2. Raise the lever of the float.
3. If the flow of water continues, we turn off the tap in front of the tank and drain the water.
4. Using a wrench, unscrew the part in which the valve and the water supply are connected.
5. We remove the float lever, the fixing nuts, pull out the valve and replace it with a new one.

If, after raising the lever, the flow of water stops, the problem may arise due to:

• Misalignment of the float lever, as a result of which it catches the sleeve. As a result, the float fails to completely float, and the valve closes. In this case, pull and straighten the traction.
• Violations of the integrity of the float. In this case, it remains partially or completely immersed in water, while the valve fails to close.
• The problem is solved by installing a new part. In the absence of the necessary parts, heated plastic or sealant is used to repair the damage.

Water flows continuously

Flushing cisterns for the toilet can be repaired even if water flows completely. Such a sign indicates a violation of the tightness of the drain mechanism, in which water seeps between the bell and the body. This malfunction may be caused by:

• Corrosion or contamination of the saddle surface. Due to deposits, the drain mechanism cannot close tightly. To fix the problem, clean the surface with sandpaper.
• The appearance of a gap between the seat and the body. For repair with a socket wrench we tighten the fixing nuts.
• The loss of the guide sleeve from the saddle. Due to such a breakdown, constipation is skewed when lowering. In this case, insert the sleeve into the hole in the arc and wrap it with elastic.
• Incorrect position of the release lever. The pear does not completely cover the saddle and the water flows constantly. To get rid of the problem, we bend the lever and lower it 2.5 mm below the inlet of the underwater pipe. In addition, be sure to check the fastenings that hold the beam, tighten the loosened screws.

Important! A short tool will be required to tighten the screws. In the course of work, it is imperative to ensure that the vertical plate with four corners does not move out of the recess on the housing.

Inlet hose problems

If damage occurs on the inlet hose or gaskets at the junction, drops will appear in the places where the hose connects to the body. Repair is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Tighten the joint nut.
2. We block the water.
3. Disconnect the hose.
4. We replace the gasket.
5. We put a winding on the thread.
6. Connect the hose to the tank.
7. Tighten the nut.

Loud noise

Even if the flushing mechanism for the toilet has not broken, repairs are made. Even if the device seems to be working, but produces a lot of noise.

To solve the problem, you can install a special stabilizing device instead of the part. If water enters the tank with a slight pressure, the problem is solved much easier. The filling valve mechanism includes a tube through which water flows. We install a silencer vertically on it, lowering the lower end of which into the water at the bottom. For the manufacture of a silencer we use a flexible hose made of rubber or plastic. After such an update, the noise from falling water and the knock of a jumping float will disappear.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

In reality, it is much easier to repair the drain tank of the old model than the modern version. The fact is that it is distinguished by a simple system and reliable nodes included in its design.