From the time of ancient rome one of the main signs of civilization and the development of society is the presence of sewerage and the appearance of sanitary and hygienic devices and structures.
This article will discuss the device of the toilet cistern. About the types, features, interesting engineering solutions used in the design of this important unit.
- Take more space.
- More powerful flush action.
- Expensive.
- More comfortable.
- More aesthetic.
Despite the variety of models offered by various manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, the essence of the cistern has not changed for many decades.
A water storage tank, cast iron, ceramic or plastic, is fixed under the ceiling, directly on the toilet or embedded in the wall.
They are also available in soft close or slow close grades that keep the seat from slamming against the bowl. You will also need to consider flushing mechanisms and their effect on flushing capacity. Flushing capacity refers to the amount solid material which can effectively flush the toilet. Two standard type washing systems the most common in the United States are gravity - flush system and pressure assist system. The standard gravity flush system is the simplest, using water weight to create the flushing action and then siphoning to complete the flush.
The shut-off valve for the toilet bowl drain tank ensures that the tank is filled and the water is drained at the right time.
The controls, depending on the design, are a handle, button or keys responsible for the complete or partial emptying of the container.
Initial state - the tank is full, the inlet and outlet valves are closed, water does not enter and does not leave the volume of the canister.
This system is quieter and usually requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted system. Down pressure system uses compressed air to draw water into the bowl, which reduces clogging. Although this system is noisier and more expensive, and more likely to require more frequent maintenance than a gravity flush system, it produces three times the flushing capacity.
There are also two additional flushing technologies. The dual flush system was created with conservation in mind - offering full and partial flush options for liquid or solid waste. And a pristine waterless toilet meets requirements where portability is a concern or access to plumbing is next to impossible. The upside to waterless toilets is that they've come a long way in terms of cleaning - and they also offer the possibility of recycling and composting.
When interacting with the controls, the drain siphon is unlocked and the water, in full and under considerable pressure, leaves the tank. The outlet valve closes.
At the moment of complete emptying, the inlet valve is automatically unlocked, the stage of filling the container with water begins.
Upon reaching the volume provided for by the design of the tank, the shut-off valves block the flow of water. The valves are closed, the tank is full and ready to go.
Get a Toilet Installation Quote Now
Your local supplier utilities may offer discounts and vouchers that can further reduce the value of your investment. Toilets are available in two styles: one-piece or two-piece. The two piece model consists of a tank and bowl that are bolted together during installation or replacement. Basic white toilets with a two-piece design will be at the bottom of the cost spectrum. The two-component material is a little harder to clean, although the bowl and bowl can be moved separately, making them easier to lift.
Having dealt with the general scheme of work, let's move on to considering the device of the most common types of drain tanks.
old sample
Main outward signs the cistern's accessories to the products of the Soviet era are the central or lateral location of the drain lever, the material of manufacture, cast iron or faience, and, of course, the lateral water supply.
In a one-piece model, the bowl molds easily into the tank, giving it a sleek and modern feel. The design, color, and add-ons you choose for your toilet will increase the price of installing or replacing it, no matter what style you choose.
With bottom water supply
Although they look the same, toilets vary greatly in quality, performance, comfort, and efficiency. Do your homework and read the reviews. The price you negotiate with your plumbing contractor for your toilet installation or replacement project can fluctuate - especially if additional or unexpected work is required after work has begun. The standard installation process will consist of.
Photo of a Soviet-style drain tank
At that time, no one thought about the aesthetic component, the bathroom was presented as a purely utilitarian room, in which there is no place for any artistic delights.
The shut-off valve is a drain mechanism and a primitive machine responsible for supplying water to the volume of the tank.
Any mechanism consists of the main parts
Check the flange that connects the toilet to the downpipe for damage or wear. Installation and connection of a new toilet, as well as testing of all newly installed parts.
- Turn off the water treatment, disconnect and remove the old toilet.
- Installation of the sealing ring in the vial.
Sometimes professionals charge extra for hauling a heavy toilet upstairs or to the side for disposal. Keep this in mind if you live in a house with a second floor bathroom; this will take into account the cost of installing or replacing the toilet. If any of your existing pipes or plumbing lines need to be repaired or modified to fit a new or replacement fixture, this will add to the cost of your project. Also, any water damage to the floor below or around the toilet will require repair and further increase installation costs.
Drainage of water is provided by a simple design, consisting of a wide outlet siphon covered with rubber or plastic valve, shaped like a plunger.
The valve stem can be brought out through the hole in the center of the reservoir cap or attached to the side lever.
Draining is carried out by directly lifting the rod by hand (in case of withdrawal through the lid of the tank), or by pressing the side lever (in case of fixing the tank under the ceiling of the room).
However, if you're starting your bathroom from the ground up, there's little that can get in the way of a simple installation. We have already talked about how: when it enters your house and when it leaves, like a sewer. While many of us focus on the consumer side of things - which is important - the other end is also a great opportunity to save water. And when you save water, you save money.
Use less water in your toilet
Here's a look at water saving strategies for your toilet - and how much each can help you save on your water bills and wastewater. A family of four averages about five flushes per day per person - a low estimate as we will assume that one to three average daily flushes occur in a school or work toilet.
Keeping the valve closed and returning to its place after the completion of the drain occurs solely under the influence of gravitational forces.
Photo: scheme of the old-style toilet cistern The shut-off valve is a push-type inlet valve connected by means of a lever with a plastic float moving in vertical plane by tank volume.
A simple, inexpensive, and easy way to reduce the amount of water your toilet uses is to minimize the amount of water needed to fill its reservoir after every flush. One with drain molding is ideal. If storage is very expensive, you may want to raise the folding bucket.
Let's say you need one minute to warm up your shower. The average shower head uses 5 GPM, so you'll be surprised to see how much water is in your bucket. To save money, we'll use San Diego as an example.
When the float is at its lowest point at the bottom of the canister, the push valve stem is not under pressure from the lever and opens under the pressure of the water flow.
As the internal volume of the tank fills, the float rises, turning the lever and increasing pressure on the intake valve stem. When the pressure force becomes equal to the water pressure, the valve closes. The tank is filled and ready to go.
Warning: Buckets filled with water are a hazard to children and infants, so keep the bathroom door closed or take other steps to ensure the safety of small people living in or visiting your home. If you're ready to improve your water investment, consider upgrading to a new, more comfortable toilet. Here are some options to choose from.
Dual flush toilets have become more popular and affordable, so you might be ready to get it done and install it. Municipalities across the country are offering discounts if you upgrade from an older toilet to a more efficient model. If you want to hop on a dual flush train without investing in a brand new toilet, try a dual flush kit. Again, you want to get your money back on the initial investment in as little as a year.
Photo: old-style toilet cistern device 
Photo: top view The seeming primitiveness and cumbersomeness of such a scheme is more than redeemed by its reliability.
no springs and small parts allows you to repair and adjust stop valves old-style drain tank even for a novice master.
Not ready to take on a brand new toilet? It's perfect for guest bathrooms and down rooms, as it immediately adds a space-saving sink to any washroom. When you clean the toilet, the water first goes through the faucet so you can wash your hands before it goes down the toilet. The water that comes into the faucet is as pure as water from any other sink, but it does double duty by then filling the toilet.
Composting or waterless toilets
While not for the faint of heart, these are by far the greenest options and provide the lowest cost of living. Your twist: Do you use any of these strategies to save money in your closet? The affiliate links in this post help us order the dollar menu. Thanks for support! Shanna Remke is a wife and mother whose years of raising a family on one income helped her hone her money-saving skills.
Photo: one of the Soviet-style structures. With button
A cistern equipped with a push-button flush looks much more attractive than the old model with external flush levers or a retractable stem.
She has a passion for money management and the planet and loves to find new and creative ways pinch pennies, reducing her ecological footprint. Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We let you know because that's what will do. After all, it's on our favorite coin.
Travel trailers can be a blessing for those who enjoy spending time on outdoors but doesn't necessarily want to find a well-camouflaged tree when nature calls. In addition to the bed, kitchen utensils and a large number storage, most travel trailers have their own bathrooms. A trailer bathroom, along with a toilet, is usually smaller than most homes. Trailer toilets also function a little differently than what you might be used to.
Photo: a tank with a button But for external aesthetics always have to pay, in this case more complex design drain node.
The water intake mechanism still consists of a float lever and a valve, which in some models is replaced by a ball valve, and a drain valve is a unit that combines a valve, stem and button in one housing.
Trailer toilets are lightweight yet durable. They have to resist anything that bounces while you drive down the road. These toilets have two sections. Waste is collected at the bottom and must be emptied manually. Waste is collected in a separate storage tank and released from outside the trailer. Trailer trailers are equipped with three separate water tanks. The fresh water tank holds the water that is taken on board for use in the kitchen and bathroom. The gray water tank contains water that drains from the kitchen and bathroom sink.
It also has a thread for installation in drain siphon and drainage holes.
The button is connected to the valve stem by means of a "reverse lever". That is, the downward movement of the button is converted into an upward movement of the valve stem.
Keeping the valve closed and locking the siphon after the end of the drain cycle, as in the previous case, is carried out due to gravitational forces.
The black tank contains waste from the toilet. The size of these tanks varies depending on the size of the trailer. For example, a 24-foot trailer might have a fresh water tank holding 48 gallons, as well as gray and black water tanks holding 32 gallons each. A 35 foot trailer can carry more weight so it can have a 90 gallon fresh water tank. Black and black tanks are typically around 37 gallons.
Instead of a handle on a tanker like you have at home, the trailer toilet has a foot pedal located under the bowl. Pressing this pedal with your foot causes fresh water rush to the toilet and open the valve at the base of the bowl. The waste is drained into a black water tank installed under the trailer. Chemical substances, like those used in portable toilets, help break down waste and eliminate odors. single layer toilet paper recommended because it splits more easily than the thicker two-ply.
The main advantage of this design is the possibility of modular repair. It makes no sense to mess around with a warped shut-off valve seal when the counters of specialty stores are bursting with various models of drain units, both Chinese and European-made.
Photo: open tank with a button A similar system is widely used in modern flush tanks of all types, from compact to hidden models mounted in the bathroom wall.
Photo: tank device with a button Video: device and principle of operation
With two buttons
Over the past decade, half-drain cisterns have been especially popular.
They are readily used by the owners of restaurants, discos, cinemas and other entertainment and public institutions, as correct use significantly reduce the average water consumption.
Photo: flush tank with two buttons The idea is to remove liquid waste human life, there is no need to use the entire volume of the drain tank, say, 8 liters. Four is enough.
Externally, a dual-mode drain tank is easily recognized by the presence of two control buttons or keys, usually one of them is larger, the other is smaller. How does a drain node of this type work?
Drain fittings according to appearance looks like a one-button knot. One-piece, non-collapsible body, almost from the bottom to the lid of the tank, a system of "reverse levers", sometimes external, sometimes hidden inside the body, thread for installation in a siphon.
On the body there are levers or adjustment sliders, with the help of which the required volume of water is set at half descent.
Of course, many toilet manufacturers use their own design solutions, which are very different from each other.
Photo: internal organization cistern with two buttons Therefore, we will consider the simplest and once common half-drain device, in which there is no mechanism for adjusting the volume of water.
The stem of the main valve responsible for complete draining is a hollow pipe with a diameter of about 30 - 40 millimeters.
At a height of about 15 - 20 centimeters, it all depends on the height of the tank, the pipe ends with a half-drain valve.
The button responsible for the complete drain activates the bottom valve, which, in turn, is responsible for the half - top one.
Thus, the open top valve will drain only a certain part of the volume of the tank, and the bottom one will empty it completely.
It does not make sense to use such a design in a city apartment or a private house. Minor water savings will not pay off the solid cost of the device.
In the article.
Toilet Compact
The most common drain tank "compact" in urban apartments can use almost any drain fitting. Starting from the primitive Soviet system with a rising stem, to a two-button half-drain system.
Of greater interest is the connection method and implementation automatic functions inlet shut-off valve.
With side water supply
Everything is more or less clear here. The classic Soviet scheme, in which the inlet valve is located on the side wall of the canister, 5 to 8 centimeters below the top edge.
Photo: toilet cistern with side water supply The valve can be a pressure or ball valve type, actuation occurs when force is transmitted through a lever connected to a float.
With bottom water supply
A tank without tubes sticking out of it looks much more aesthetically pleasing, but requires a more specific internal “stuffing”.
Photo: drain tank with bottom water supply The inlet valve is located on the bottom of the canister, in close proximity to the drain siphon.
Accordingly, the classic, float-lever automation scheme will not work here.
Important! To ensure reliable operation of the unit, a crane-type ball valve and a float connected to the valve by a rigid rod and mounted on a vertical frame are used.
When the tank is empty, the weight of the float opens the ball valve.
Upon reaching the calculated water level, the float acts on the inlet valve and closes it.
Photo: drain tank device with lower water supply The tank is full and ready to use.
Video: how to install
To remove any problem that has appeared in the operation of the old type of toilet, it is enough to know how the tricks and the drain tank of its repair are arranged.
Distinctive characteristics of the system
As a plus for us, as home plumbers, the fact that many models provided on the plumbing market are based on the same working principle is considered.
You can always open the toilet tank yourself
Regardless of the current age of technology and different manufacturers, the domestic production of toilets does not differ in any way from the European rule. Thanks to the quality and constancy of the design of the waste tank, the production technology has not changed for many decades.
The drain tank is made from the following materials:
- cast iron;
- plastic;
- ceramics;
- faience.
In themed expensive hotels or villas, marble and granite products can be found. The materials listed above are familiar to all of us, for example, ceramics and cast iron. Faience is not very convenient and reliable, and plastic, even more so, will not live more than two or three years.
A container for collecting water, regardless of the material of production, is not assembled in the same way:
- the tank is fixed under the very ceiling of the toilet;
- the container is installed on the toilet itself;
- the drain tank is embedded directly into the wall behind the toilet, hiding behind a real wall or a box of gypsum or ceramic tiles.
The drain tank of the old type was installed according to the first two options. Now you rarely meet him under the ceiling, but specifically on the design of the toilet bowl - yes, in almost any house.
The basis of the very operation of the water tank is performed by shut-off valves, which correspond to the current filling of water and its discharge at the right time.
Ancillary roles are played by control details: a button, a handle, keys or another mechanism responsible for partial and complete draining of water directly into the toilet bowl.
When we use one of the control components, in other words, press the button, the drain siphon opens, and the water, for its part, leaves the container under a decent pressure. Then the outlet valve closes again, and the inlet valve automatically opens and draws water.
When the sign of water can reach the maximum allowable level, the shut-off valve automatically closes the water.
Simple toilet cistern system
The correct state of the drain tank is as follows: the tank is full of water, the outlet and inlet valves are closed, while water can neither enter nor leave the tank.
We have shown the general points of the old type of flush toilet tank.
Not many of our fellow citizens are in a hurry to change a good, and most importantly, durable system still produced in the USSR for a new tiled model, which does not inspire confidence.
Distinctive lines of the toilet bowl of the Soviet example:
- production materials: cast iron or faience;
- the drain lever is located on the left or in the very center of the product;
- water supply only lateral.
As for the aesthetic part, it can be stated here without explanation. And in fact, then they didn’t really worry about beauty, the toilet bowl played only an actual role.
Shut-off valves provided in the form drain mechanism and an unusual machine. And draining the water was even more exciting: a wide outlet siphon, covered with a plastic or rubber valve, the mechanism resembles a plunger in appearance.
Toilet cistern system
Drainage of water is carried out using a rod, which can be attached to the side lever or displayed on the main part of the cover.
The shut-off valve with a push button is connected by means of a lever with a plastic float, which moves in a vertical surface over the entire tank capacity.
When the internal volume of the tank is filled with water, the float rises and the lever turns, which increases the pressure on the inlet valve stem. As soon as the degree of pressure on the stem is equal to the water pressure, the valve is closed. In this version, the toilet cistern of the previous model is ready for use.
The superiority of the flush toilet tank of the Soviet example is the absence of most of the small springs and parts. A similar characteristic makes it possible to adjust or repair shut-off valves, even home plumbing fixtures.
Easy to replace broken parts
You may now think that a similar movement seems ordinary and outdated, but its reliability and quality surpasses any signs of today's models.
Minus the outdated toilet bowl: due to the design characteristics and more mild needs for water consumption, it is unrealistic to change the shut-off valves with the latest mechanism. You just have to try to repair the device, so that the fittings do not let water through and do not waste it in vain.
There is always a cardinal way out - this is the purchase of a new toilet bowl with a new model of a tank for draining, which is less troublesome and simple, but expensive.
Today's plumbing market is rich different models that satisfy our great artistic and useful needs. Of course, the toilet going up to this example is convenient and reliable, like no other, but now similar products they do not do it at all, and the models installed in our buildings are becoming obsolete.
Toilet system for better problem awareness
Slowly, old toilet bowls begin to fail: they do not draw water, they drain a lot of water, lose their own appearance and turn yellow. It remains only to choose what you can do: study materials for repairing an ancient toilet bowl or save up for a new model.
You have read the note - Old style toilet cistern mechanism
