A toilet has several components that work together to take waste out of your home’s plumbing system. Knowing the parts of a toilet and how they function can help you troubleshoot issues and make repairs when needed. With some basic tools and replacement parts, you can fix many common toilet problems yourself.
The Tank
The tank sits above and behind the bowl and holds fresh water for flushing. When you depress the flush handle or button, the flush valve at the bottom of the tank opens, allowing water to rush into the bowl. At the same time, the fill valve opens to refill the tank with fresh water.
Parts of the Toilet Tank
- Tank Lid – Covers the top of the tank. Some lids sit loosely while others are bolted down.
- Flush Lever or Button – Activates flushing when pressed. Connected to the flush valve by a lift chain or arm inside the tank.
- Fill Valve – Allows water to refill the tank after flushing. Contains a floating ball valve that shuts off water when the tank is full. Connects to the water supply line.
- Flush Valve – Opens to release water into the toilet bowl for flushing. Closes when the tank is empty. Also called the flapper.
- Overflow Tube – Carries excess water from the tank into the bowl if the tank overfills. Prevents water spilling onto the floor.
- Tank Bolts – Hold the tank securely to the toilet bowl.
Common Tank Problems and Repairs
Tank Not Filling
The fill valve controls refilling. If no water enters the tank, the fill valve or water supply line are likely blocked. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the line, and inspect both for debris. Replace fill valve if needed.
Water Continuously Cycling
If water keeps running into the bowl, the flush valve is not sealing properly. The chain may be too tight or the flush valve seal worn. Adjust the chain and replace valve seal if worn.
Tank Leaking
Leaks at tank bolts indicate deteriorated bolts or gaskets. Replace bolts and tighten properly to stop leaks. Cracks in tank require replacing entire tank.
Weak Flush
Low water volume in the bowl indicates blockage in flapper seal or partial clog in supply line. Clean the flush valve, check seal, and supply line. If needed, increase water level in tank.
Tank Not Refilling Completely
Check fill valve adjustment and float to make sure tank can fill fully. If water level is too low, flushes may be weak. Adjust fill height as needed.
The Bowl
The bowl receives waste and directs it into the drain pipe. It holds water to prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home. Proper water levels allow waste removal on each flush.
Parts of the Toilet Bowl
- Toilet Seat – The removable lid that covers the toilet bowl. Attaches to the bowl with plastic nuts and bolts.
- Bowl – Receives and holds waste until flushing. Porcelain component that attaches to the toilet base.
- Jets – Angled ports inside the bowl that water flows through during flushing to create a swirl effect. Helps direct waste into the trapway.
- Trapway – Curved passageway that waste travels through to reach the drain pipe. Designed to hold water and create an S-shaped curve.
- Wax Ring – Seal between toilet and drainpipe flange below the bowl. Prevents leakage and odors.
- Floor Bolts – Hold bowl securely to toilet base flange which sits on the bathroom floor.
Common Bowl Problems and Repairs
Bowl Not Filling Properly
Low water level results in waste not flushing down. Check that supply valve is fully open. May need to adjust float in tank to increase water sent to bowl.
Bowl Leaking
If bowl leaks between tank and bowl, worn gasket needs replacing. Cracks in tank, bowl require new toilet. Leaks near base indicate damaged wax ring.
Poor Flushing Performance
Clogged jets or trapway cause weak flush. Use a toilet auger or plunger to clear obstructions. Mineral buildup may require cleaning with vinegar or CLR.
Running Constantly
This indicates tank parts need adjusting or replacing – flapper, fill valve, chain. Running can also result from cracked bowl or tank which requires new toilet.
Unstable Bowl
If bowl rocks, check floor bolts for rust and tightness. Shims may be needed under toilet base to level bowl. Worn mounting flange could require re-securing or replacing.
Toilet Base and Mounting
The toilet base provides a sturdy foundation for the tank and bowl. The base attaches to a floor flange that connects to the drainpipe. Proper mounting is key to keeping the toilet secure and leak-free.
Toilet Base Parts
- Toilet Base – The bottom portion that attaches to the floor flange. Made of vitreous china or plastic.
- Wax Ring – Thick ring between base of toilet and floor flange providing watertight seal.
- Closet Bolts – Secure toilet to flange and floor. Insert through base holes into floor flange.
- Floor Flange – Mounting ring that toilet attaches to. Connected to drainpipe below floor.
- Drainpipe – Carries waste from toilet into main home plumbing lines. Made of ABS or PVC plastic.
Common Base and Mount Problems
Loose Toilet
If toilet rocks or shifts, check floor bolts. Retighten or replace if corroded. Shims can help stabilize and level toilet.
Leaking Base
Worn or cracked wax ring allows leaks between bowl and drainpipe. Unplug toilet and replace wax seal. May need new bolts.
Damaged Flange
Old, corroded flanges may need patching or replacement if they no longer hold closet bolts.
Clogged Drainpipe
Slow flushing indicates blockage in drainpipe below toilet. May need snaking to remove clog in drain.
Noisy Toilet
If toilet rocks or bangs during use, check stability. Loose mounting bolts or damaged flange can cause noise if toilet is unstable.
Toilet Handle and Lift System
The lift system consists of the handle, lift rods, lift wires, and tank lever arm. This mechanism transfers the flush handle motion into lifting the flapper valve inside the tank.
Toilet Handle Parts
- Handle – Button or lever actuator on tank exterior for manual flushing.
- Lift Rods – Link handle to flush lever inside tank. Provide pivot points for lever motion.
- Lift Wires – Thin cables running through lift rods connecting exterior handle to interior tank lever.
- Lever Arm – Connected to flush valve lift chain inside tank. Raises flush valve when handle is pushed.
- Lift Chain – Attached to lever arm and flush valve. Pulls valve open when arm raises.
Common Handle and Lift Problems
Handle Loose or Wobbly
If handle moves side to side, tighten interior tank nuts holding exterior handle parts.
Handle Not Flushing
Disconnected lift rods or worn lift wires prevent proper handle operation. Inspect connections and replace damaged lift wire.
Chain or Arm Detached
If flush valve seal isn’t opening, check that chain securely connects arm to seal. Reattach any broken connections.
Sticking Handle
Calcium buildup may cause resistance in lift rods. Disconnect handle and soak rods in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits.
Split or Torn Lift Rods
Exterior rods connecting handle to tank lever arm can crack or tear over time. Replace damaged rods.
Toilet Fill Valve
The fill valve delivers fresh water into the tank after flushing. Proper fill valve operation ensures adequate water levels in the bowl for flushing waste.
Fill Valve Parts
- Float Ball – Floats on the tank water surface and rises with water level. Attached to valve to shut off water when full.
- Float Rod – Threads between the float ball and fill valve to open and close water flow.
- Fill Tube – Extends from valve down into tank to direct water flow during refilling.
- Refill Tube – Separate tube for directing some water to bowl to replace siphon during flush.
- Water Supply Line – Connects to home water supply and provides water to fill valve.
- Coupling Nuts – Thread onto supply line and valve to secure connection.
Common Fill Valve Problems
Not Shutting Off
If water continues running into tank, float ball may be stuck or set too high. Adjust ball and float rod lower or replace fill valve.
Slow Filling
Low water pressure from valve can cause weak flushes. Check for blockage in supply line and clean valve inlet filter screen.
Overflowing Tank
If tank overflows, float ball is set too high or valve seat is stuck open. Adjust float lower or clean mineral deposits from valve seat.
Water Hammer
Banging pipes during filling indicates worn fill valve. Replace valve to ensure proper water shutoff and prevent hammer.
Leaking at Connection
Loose coupling nuts cause leaks at water connections. Tighten nuts or replace if needed to stop dripping.
Common Toilet Problems and Solutions
Having problems with your toilet? Here are some quick troubleshooting tips for resolving common toilet issues:
Toilet Won’t Flush
- Is the water supply valve turned on fully? Check valve at wall or below tank.
- Does the tank fill with water after flushing? If not, the fill valve needs cleaning or replacement.
- Does the flush valve seal open when you flush? The chain may be disconnected or the seal worn out.
Water Keeps Running
- Check the flush valve seal and chain – worn, eroded seals cause running water.
- Is the float adjusted too high? Move lower to allow the fill valve to close fully.
- Remove debris around the fill valve seat if valve is not shutting off completely.
Weak Flush
- Make sure water level in tank is correct – add water if too low.
- Inspect jet holes for blockages – use a bent paperclip to clear clogs.
- Check for kinked water supply line, clogged trapway, and leaks at connections.
Toilet Leaks
- At base – replace wax ring seal between toilet and floor flange.
- Between tank and bowl – replace worn gasket around tank bolts.
- At tank – cracked tank requires replacement, leaks at bolts mean replace bolts/gaskets.
Toilet Loose at Base
- Tighten loose floor bolts – shim toilet if rocking, replace bolts if corroded.
- If flange is damaged, may need to re-secure flange or replace for proper seating.
Toilet Clogs Frequently
- Use a closet auger to clear clogs in trapway. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Remove excess toilet paper or debris if trapped around flush valve seal.
- Check for blockages in drainpipe below toilet. May need snaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toilet Parts and Repairs
How can I remove hard water stains in my toilet bowl?
To remove calcium and limescale deposits from the toilet bowl, scrub with a pumice stone or pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the bowl. Let soak for a few hours, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush to rinse away. This can dissolve mineral staining over time.
Why does my toilet make noise when refilling?
If your toilet sounds like water hammering in pipes when the tank refills, the fill valve likely needs replacing. The noise happens when the valve shuts off abruptly, causing pipes to rattle. Install a new valve for quieter filling.
My toilet flush is weak – how can I get more power?
Low water volume in the bowl leads to a weak flush. Make sure the water level in the tank is set properly, 1 inch below the top. Check for clogs in the trapway and jets which impede water flow. Removing obstructions can improve flushing power.
There is space between my toilet base and floor – what should I do?
Gaps between the toilet base and floor indicate a loose toilet that needs to be re-secured. Tighten the floor bolts and use shims if necessary to stabilize and level the toilet. Large gaps also mean your wax ring should be replaced.
Why does my tank refill slowly after flushing?
Low water pressure and volume getting into the tank is often due to partial blockage in the supply valve or line. Turn off the water, disconnect the line, and inspect both valve and line for debris that could obstruct flow.
What causes condensation on the outside of the toilet tank?
Condensation on a toilet tank happens when warmer humid air meets the cooler tank surface. Reducing bathroom humidity is key. Also, make sure your fill valve is working properly and that the tank is not being overfilled. Keeping tank water levels optimized will help.
How can I remove the stuck mounting bolts from my toilet?
Penetrating oil around the edges of stuck bolts will help loosen corrosion. Allow to soak awhile before trying to unscrew. Applying heat with a torch around bolts can also help break loose rust. Severely seized bolts may need to be chiseled out.
When should I replace my toilet flapper valve?
If your flapper valve is warped, has a torn seal, or is visibly worn, replacement is recommended. Signs like phantom flushing, weak flush, running water all indicate a bad valve seal. Try replacing the chain and adjusting water levels first before replacing the flapper.
My toilet shake when flushed, how do I fix this?
If your toilet rocks, shifts, or bangs when flushed, it likely has a loose, unstable mounting. Check the floor bolts and bowl mounting hardware. Tighten bolts where loose. Shimming or resetting the bowl on a new wax ring may be needed in severe cases.
Conclusion
Knowing the inner workings of your toilet allows you to quickly diagnose issues and make repairs when needed. Many common problems such as leaks, loose parts, clogs, or noise can be fixed with basic tools and replacement parts. Maintaining proper water levels, cleaning mineral buildup, and inspecting seals and pipes periodically helps prevent many toilet troubles. Pay attention to your toilet and act promptly when problems arise to avoid extensive damages. Knowing the key components gives you confidence to tackle toilet repairs and keep your fixture functioning smoothly for years to come.
