Shower stall

How to disassemble the toilet flush mechanism. Self-repair of a toilet cistern with one or two buttons

The most common problem in bathrooms is faulty toilet tanks. Buttons sticking, slow filling of the storage tank, continuous leakage of water from an overfilled tank. There are all kinds of malfunctions.

These situations can arise for a variety of reasons. To reveal the true cause in each individual case, it is necessary to dismantle the cover. After determining the nature of the malfunction, you can perform a simple repair of a toilet tank with a button yourself, without turning to the help of plumbers.

We unscrew the drain button by hand, rotating it counterclockwise. No tools are required for this operation. Pull out the button and carefully remove the cover.

The push-button flush mechanism in the toilet tank is located in the lid. In addition to the main function, it serves as an element for fixing the stable position of the lid

Inside the drain tank there are two mechanisms, the parts of which may have a malfunction that causes a leak:

  • drain mechanism;
  • a shut-off valve responsible for the flow of water from the water supply into the container.

We carefully inspect the drain mechanism, assessing the height of the water level. If the water is in the overflow area, this indicates that the shut-off device is not holding.

The water in it is above the float, and therefore reaches the drain channel, through which it flows into the sewer system.

If the water level is at the adjusted height in the shut-off device, then the leak is due to a malfunction of the valve in the drain mechanism. These are the two main reasons.

Repair of the drain lock mechanism

The water passes above the overflow device, which means that the drain valve is in working order, and the problem lies in the locking mechanism. We drain, emptying the container of water. Close the water supply valve to the system. We remove the drain mechanism device by turning it slightly counterclockwise. We take the removed part out of the container and inspect the condition of the rubber sealing ring, which is the shut-off valve of the drain mechanism. We make sure of its integrity. Set aside.

If this is not the case, then remove the ring and rearrange it with the reverse side, thereby ensuring a tight fit of the rubber to the surface of the bottom of the container. You can immediately install a new O-ring purchased from a plumbing store.

The second problem: the formation of plaque, the accumulation of mucus on the surface of the shut-off valve, which violates the tightness of this system. It can be eliminated by cleaning the part from deposits. Rearranging the ring is very easy. Remove the plastic lock washer. Take the rubber part, wash it thoroughly, then turn it upside down and press it with a washer installed in its original place.

Schematic representation of two methods of supplying water to a toilet flush cistern, showing the design differences in the design of fittings

We unscrew the water supply system and the locking mechanism. There are tanks with bottom water supply and top water supply, located in the side wall of the container. The inlet hose is connected and the valve is located on top. The type of connection does not play an important role, since the malfunction is directly related to the condition of the shut-off valve. Grains of sand and rust from the water supply system can get under the valve, which disrupts the seal of the locking ring.

In addition, the valve itself may become deformed during long-term operation. A manifestation of this is a specific recess formed on the sealing rubber. A part with such damage can no longer contain the flow of water from the water supply system.

A type of torn valve rubber that will have to be replaced with a new part, purchased in a store or made with your own hands from suitable materials

  • Let's remove the mechanism that controls the flow of water into the container. To do this, unscrew the large nut by rotating it counterclockwise.
  • We remove the removed device from the tank, temporarily putting it aside.
  • We are considering a membrane that serves to reduce the pressure of water coming from the system.
  • We wash the sealing ring removed together with the membrane from the inlet pipe.
  • Next, we proceed to disassemble the shut-off valve body, which was put aside for a while.
  • First of all, we snap off the float and remove it.
  • Then we remove the float body itself, moving the tongue that fixes the position of the part in the tank to the side.
  • Then we disassemble the location of the valve installation. To do this, take a screwdriver, pry it out on both sides, removing the valve with a “toward” motion.
  • We examine the socket from which the valve was pulled out, and we see a small hole, which it should close tightly when the tank is full of water.
  • The deformed valve looks like a miniature rubber band, in the center of which a recess is squeezed out, the size corresponding to the size of the hole that allows water to pass into the tank.
  • During the first repair, this rubber valve is turned over to the other side, which is smooth and even.
  • When performing repeated repairs, this rubber valve is cut with a sharp stationery knife exactly in the middle. First, the first deformed part is placed in the nest, and then the second - with the smooth cut side up. Thus, one valve can be used three times, each time turning the parts with a flat surface towards the hole through which the tank is filled with water.
  • You can strengthen the valve with an additional part cut from dense foam.
  • We install the valve back into place in the socket, securing it in position by pressing until it snaps into place.
  • We assemble all the parts in the reverse order: body, float, installation on the pipe, securing the device with a swivel nut.
  • When the valve is raised, it should extend the float 1 cm above the housing in which it is located. It is in this position that you need to fix the position of the float by snapping the locking mechanism.
  • We install the second part that covers the drain hole in the tank. With a sharp clockwise movement we fix it in its place. A characteristic click should sound.

Open the tap and start the water supply system. We monitor the process of filling the tank, paying attention to the moment the shut-off valve, which has been repaired, operates. As soon as the water overflowed into the float body and raised it by 1 cm, the water supply to the tank stopped. We put the lid in place and fix it with the water release button, screwing it along the threads of the drainage device until it stops in a clockwise direction. Let's see the results of the repair work. There is no uncontrolled flow of water from the flush tank in the toilet. The water meter froze, confirming that no water was being drawn from the system. We will perform a control drain to once again verify the positive result of the repair. The problem was fixed by hand. Money is saved because there is no need to purchase a new drain mechanism and shut-off valve.

You can learn more about repairing the toilet cistern flush mechanism with a button from the video.

Fixing a leak between the toilet tank and bowl

If, during flushing, streams of water appear from under the tank, this indicates depressurization of the drain hole. The gasket, which can be round or of another shape, depending on the model, is responsible for the tightness of the connection of the parts of the entire structure. The situation with water leakage can only be corrected by replacing the seal. Before going to the store, you need to remove the drain tank and take out the rubber seal. It is better to show the removed part to the sellers, who will help you choose a good replacement.

Sometimes it is better not to buy exactly the same seal, as it will fail again after a while. Manufacturers produce consumable parts from the latest materials, the quality of which is superior to previous products. These are the rubber seals that are worth taking. Having installed the purchased consumables in place of the old gasket, install the tank in the reverse order of disassembly. We have already discussed above how to install the drain mechanism and inlet valve, as well as how to secure the tank to the toilet bowl.

Replacing the sealing gasket of the connecting assembly, done with your own hands at home with the assistance of an assistant for convenience

Slowly filling the tank with water

The low rate of water flow into the toilet tank is due to clogged filters. We carry out repair work in the following order:

  • by turning the tap handle, turn off the water flowing into the toilet from the cold water supply system;
  • unscrew the flexible line from the water supply valve to the toilet, located either below or on the side, depending on the model of the plumbing product;
  • in a clogged hose, remove the blockage and check the water pressure in the water supply by lowering the end of the flexible line into the toilet, if it is long enough;
  • otherwise, we use a five-liter plastic bottle or canister to drain the water;
  • turn on the tap, if the pressure is good, then we proceed to clean the water supply valve from accumulated debris;
  • this part is not available in all toilet models, but if it is, it needs cleaning;
  • pull the filter out of the valve using pliers, grabbing the part by the small pin;
  • We wash the removed grill in the sink under running clean water to remove clogged solid particles and accumulated mucus;
  • then we put the washed filter in place, turn on the water and see if the problem is resolved or not.

View of a dirty valve removed from the water inlet mechanism into the cistern. After cleaning the part, water flows into the toilet bowl at a higher speed

If the problem is not resolved after washing the filter and flexible hose, then we wash the entire water supply valve by removing it from the tank, after first removing the toilet lid.

After all the described actions, the problem is usually solved. The algorithm for repairing a toilet cistern with a button in case of slow filling with water is clearly shown in the video.

Replacing cistern fittings

In the old toilet cistern, we dismantle the old fittings that have become unusable and install a new water supply and drainage system. We purchase universal fittings suitable for all toilet flush tanks. To use water economically, we buy a two-button drain mechanism that allows you to change the volume of drainage depending on the type of human waste being flushed away.

In such fittings the manufacturer uses:

  • dual-mode push-button mechanism;
  • manual adjustment of the volume of small and large water discharge;
  • drain mechanism stand adjustable to the height of the tank;
  • changing the thrust by reinstalling the lever in one of the existing holes;
  • clamping nut with rubber gasket;
  • valve that closes the drain hole in the toilet bowl.

A mechanism for economical drainage of water from the tank, carried out using two keys, which are activated by a blue or white pin when one of the buttons is pressed

We will replace old fittings. To do this, unscrew the button holding the toilet lid and pull it out of its socket. Let's remove the cover. Let's shut off the water supply to the tank. Disconnect the flexible hose. Unscrew the screws holding the flush tank to the toilet bowl. Remove the tank and place it on the folding seat cover. Remove the rubber sealing gasket, and then unscrew the plastic clamping nut by hand. Then we remove the old drain mechanism.

Next, we install a new drain mechanism, having first removed the rubber seal from it and unscrewed the clamping fastening nut. After installing the drain mechanism into the hole in the tank, we fix its position with the removed parts. When installing the tank on the toilet, do not forget about the sealing ring placed on top of the plastic nut. Then we insert the tank pins into special holes in the bowl, screwing wing nuts onto them from below. We tighten the fasteners evenly on both sides, avoiding distortion of the installed part. If necessary, we replace fasteners with new parts with sealing gaskets.

Using two fasteners, the tank is securely attached to the toilet. At the bottom of the bowl, wing nuts are screwed onto the screws, and thin gaskets are first put on

When connecting the water hose to the side inlet valve, hold the part inside the tank from turning. Tighten the nut with a special wrench or pliers. Install the tank cap and tighten the button. If necessary, adjust the stand and move the lever.

The two-key button has two pins that activate the desired drain mechanism. The length of the pins reaches 10 cm. They are shortened to the required length depending on the height of the tank. Screw it into the button. Insert it into the lid and secure the position of the button from the inside with a nut. Install the lid on the tank. Turn on the water supply. Press the small part of the button, about 2 liters of water are drained. Press most of the button, about six liters of water are drained.

A button gets stuck or stuck: what to do?

To the listed malfunctions of the flush tank, you can add sticking or sticking of the button. This is when you press the button, release it, and it remains in the socket, so the draining does not stop. You have to press the button mechanism several times to return the button to its original position. The problem is solved by cleaning the buttons themselves from rust and dirt. Monthly use of cleaning products to maintain the sanitary condition of the buttons allows you to get rid of this problem once and for all. Some people simply pour a small amount of detergent directly into the push-button mechanism. Under the influence of special means, all dirt dissolves and the buttons do not stick.

A sinking toilet cistern button results in high water consumption, which is prohibitively expensive for the family budget.

As you can see, it is quite possible to independently repair a toilet cistern with a button. By spending a little time studying the structure and operating principle of the valve mechanisms, you can repair the cistern without outside help. Of course, if plumbing work does not bring you any pleasure, then you should turn to professional craftsmen who will cope with any malfunction of the tank and toilet in a matter of minutes. Real professionals only need to take one look at the toilet to understand the nature of the problem. To troubleshoot a problem, plumbers usually always have everything they need with them.

Plumbing fixtures to meet natural needs during operation can leak water from the drain tank. Calling a technician will cost money, so it is better to try to fix the problem yourself. To do this, you need to know how to open the toilet cistern in order to carry out a preliminary inspection.

Getting to know the device

The drainage mechanism, which ensures the discharge of water into the sewer system, is the most complex component. Firstly, the supplied liquid must be supplied in the required quantity so that the room does not flood.

Secondly, high-quality flushing must be carried out.

  • The housing with cover contains all the main components that make the system function.
  • The inlet valve is necessary for the timely supply of water to the inside of the toilet tank.
  • The float is a control device that allows you to determine the moment when liquid should be poured.
  • A rubber bulb makes it possible to close the drain hole so that water does not flow away unnecessarily.
  • A pull rod with a handle is required to carry out the flushing operation. By lifting it up, you can easily empty the container.

Note!
Knowing the structure of the drain assembly, it will be easier to understand how to make a toilet tank yourself. If at least one element of the system stops functioning correctly, the draining process will be disrupted.

Disassembly process

Before embarking on such an operation, it is necessary to determine the type of product. The flushing container can be located either in the upper part or in close proximity to the main device. The following information provides information on how to remove an undermount toilet cistern.

Basic Tools

  • An adjustable wrench is required to unscrew the nuts that secure them.
  • Pliers can be useful when working with small fastening elements.
  • A grinder or a hacksaw may be needed to cut off bolts that are difficult to unscrew.
  • A screwdriver is usually needed to remove plastic parts.

Execution of work

It's time to find out how to open the toilet tank and remove the elements located inside. A certain sequence of actions must be followed, otherwise the container may be damaged.

Then the operation of the device will be impossible, and its price will be quite high.

  1. At the first stage, the water is shut off directly in front of the plumbing fixture. After this, rinsing is done so that the container is completely empty.
  2. Next, you should install some kind of support under the tank, since when unscrewing it, it may fall to the floor. Usually a board of suitable dimensions is installed at the back.
  3. Now the bolts are unscrewed using an adjustable wrench. If this cannot be done, then you should use a grinder, carefully cutting off the fastening elements of the drainage device.
  4. The flushing structure is moved slightly backward so that the socket is freed from the connection through which the connection is made. In many cases it has to be changed.
  5. At the last stage, the container is placed on a flat surface. All parts located inside can be removed using a regular screwdriver. The threaded connections are the same everywhere.

Attention!
During the work, it is necessary to avoid all kinds of distortions and excessive pressure in those places where the metal comes into contact with the ceramic part, as chips and cracks may appear.

Adjustment of fittings

Before assembling the toilet tank, you should make a preliminary adjustment, then the device will work properly. To adjust the distance to the rod, it is disconnected from the overflow pipe. The glass latch is gently pressed out, and the stand moves in the desired direction.

As for adjusting the liquid level in the container, it is done without any particular difficulties. When the position of the glass is fixed, there should be a distance of more than 45 mm between the top of the element and the edge.

The overflow tube is installed above the upper level of the crossbar by 7 cm, but below the maximum water level by 2 cm. The small flush can be adjusted by moving the float relative to the overflow rod.

The above information will help you understand how to set up the toilet tank for further use.

Assembly work

After completely disassembling the container to drain the water, all parts should take their original places. When you remove the elements yourself, you usually do not need instructions to learn how to assemble a toilet cistern. This process differs only in the sequence of actions.

Common faults

  • Filling the tank occurs with a strong noise effect, which affects the comfort of living.
  • Water from the pipes flows directly into the container without stopping, and this can lead to overflow.
  • Draining occurs if the lever or button is pressed repeatedly.
  • Liquid from the inside leaks out, leaving wet marks on the floor and plumbing.

Final part

Self-disassembly and assembly of the toilet tank provides the opportunity to do without the involvement of professionals, which means the savings will be very impressive. The design of a water discharge tank is actually not particularly complicated, so you can always think about troubleshooting it yourself. The video in this article can be an effective assistant when carrying out work.

A toilet malfunction is a rather unpleasant situation, and in order to eliminate the breakdown, you must first disassemble the structure. It is not always possible to call a plumber, and you have to deal with the problem on your own. Each of us knows that for the normal functioning of a toilet connected to a centralized or autonomous sewer system, it is necessary to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the flush tank.

The most common malfunction of the toilet is precisely the breakdown of the flush valve of the tank. Fixing this problem is not a difficult task, but to do this it is necessary to correctly disassemble the tank structure. This material will provide step-by-step instructions and some important recommendations on how to disassemble a toilet cistern with a button. First, look at the photos of the mechanisms used in modern toilets. The picture shows where the flush button is located and how it is attached to the device:


How to properly disassemble a toilet cistern with a button? And what will you need for this?

In most cases, all modern toilets have a similar design, but there are some modifications that differ from the standard options. With the old models it was much simpler; there were no difficulties with how to disassemble the drain tank.

Let's look at several options for the location of buttons on the toilet cistern:

Modern designs are designed in such a way that it can be difficult to simply lift the tank lid. But, nevertheless, it is quite possible for anyone to do this work; for this you will need: a flat-head screwdriver and any metal object with a flat end.

Step-by-step instructions for a standard tank design with a button from manufacturers such as IDO, IFO, etc.

  1. We take a screwdriver and slowly turn the ring around the button counterclockwise. Having moved the ring using these steps, we then unscrew it by hand.
  2. Unscrew and take out the ring.
  3. Now lift the lid a little and turn it 90º, it should be located across the tank. This way you can remove the double-sided clothespin that secures the button. To do this, you need to rotate one end to the left and the other to the right, so the clothespin will spin in the center.
  4. After this, you can easily remove the drain tank lid.
  5. Having eliminated all malfunctions of the trigger mechanism, it is necessary to check the operation of the toilet in the open position.
  6. After making sure that the device is working properly, we assemble the structure in the reverse order.

How to disassemble a toilet cistern with a double button?

  1. By lightly pressing one of the halves of the double button, we find a slot on the inside of the other half, catching on which you need to remove the second half of the button. To do this we use a flat screwdriver.
  2. In the hole where the button was, you can see a slotted screw that needs to be unscrewed.
  3. Then you can lift the tank lid a little. Lifting it, rotate it 90º and place it across the tank. You can already remove the clothespin that holds the button.
  4. Remove the lid of the drain tank.
  5. We carry out repair work and check the operation of the toilet when it is open.
  6. We assemble the structure in reverse order.

When carrying out any plumbing work, you must follow safety rules. To be more confident, you can clearly read the instructions by watching how to disassemble a toilet cistern with a video button. And one more thing, if you do not understand the toilet system at all, it is safest to use the services of a professional plumber. Unknowingly, you can not only damage the integrity of the device, but also lead to flooding of your neighbors.

The toilet tank performs a simple, but quite important function. It acts as a storage tank for collecting water.

The design of the drive itself is not too complicated. Often a breakdown occurs in this part of the toilet and in order to fix it, you need to dismantle it.

In this article you can find the answer to the question of how to disassemble a tank with a button in order to be able to fix a breakdown in this mechanism.

The drive with the button is mounted on two rods (studs) with a diameter of 5 to 7 mm. For fastening, metal studs (bronze, steel, brass) are used, with threads on both sides for nuts.

Such fasteners are typical for outdated models. It can last relatively little. It happens that such a part may rust a year after work.

The design of such a mechanism is mounted on the back of the plumbing body. For them, there are protruding surfaces on which there are two or three holes for the tank studs.

Rods are passed through them, after which special gaskets are put on and a screed is made. The cavities of the cistern and toilet bowl are connected by a pipe.

First of all, to remove the storage tank, you need to stop the water supply. After this, the hose through which it is supplied is removed and the storage tank is released (to do this, you need to press the drain button).

Next, the head of this button is turned away and the top cover is removed. After the remaining moisture inside the drive is collected with a sponge, you need to unscrew the nuts on the studs under the protruding shelf.

When all these steps are completed, you only need to carefully separate the drive from its installation location.

Removing the tank roof

On new models, the cover fasteners and other parts are made more skillfully than on older ones. These designs have a special fastening nut for the valve cover, which serves as one or a pair of buttons.

The method of removing the lid from the tank depends on how many buttons are on it. Single-button designs are easier to remove than those with two buttons.

The process of dismantling a product with one button

In order to dismantle the cover with one-button fastener, you must:

  • Press the drain button;
  • Next, you need to carefully turn the head of the push-button mechanism counterclockwise;
  • By removing the plumbing key and completely unscrewing this head from the sleeve, you can remove the cover and begin repair work or replacement of the mechanism.

How to remove a toilet cistern lid with a double button

In addition to buttons that can be simply unscrewed without any effort, there are also mechanisms that are difficult to disassemble. A lock is installed on them. As a rule, they are inherent in two-button models.

On two-button tanks there may be various methods of fastening. Most often, for such drain designs, it is not enough just to unscrew the two-button head.

  • A small button is pressed;
  • after this the inner part of the wall with a narrow slot will appear;
  • using this slot you need to press out the latch with a screwdriver;
  • First you need to remove the large button;
  • the second button is pulled out;
  • Once the fixing screw is removed, the cover can be removed without any problems.

There may also be a design in which you first need to unscrew the decorative nickel-plated washer. Next, you will need to turn the drive cover so that it is across it. While it is in this position, the fixation brackets, which are located in the bowl of the two-button head, are pressed out.

After this, the cover will be finally released from its fastening and can be removed.

Disassembling the drain mechanism

Among popular and new models, the most common are two-button mechanisms for draining water. After pressing one of the buttons, either the drain or filling module is turned on.

There are many options for such mechanisms, but they are assembled according to one type. As a rule, they consist of a sealing gasket, a valve mechanism mounting nut and the two-button head itself.

The two-button mechanism will already be twisted when the drive cover is removed. All that remains is the removal of the rubber ring. It has an internal area (round or pentagonal).

It is necessary to remove the rubber ring and unscrew the nut. The released mechanism will be easy to remove.

As a rule, plastic is used to make old fittings. If it needs repairs, the mechanism is disassembled, but it will be easier to purchase a new one.

Removing an old toilet cistern

Those who have not yet replaced the old tank model with a more modern one have to repair the mechanism more often, since its parts have already worn out significantly.

However, in this case there are also positive aspects, because the owners of such structures do not encounter difficulties in removing the cistern or repairing it. The mechanism of older models of plumbing fixtures is quite simplified in comparison with new models.

To remove the cover, you just need to unscrew the handle and unscrew the washer nut made of plastic or metal. The float and drain mechanisms are located in the inside of the tank. They are attached to the bottom of the tank using two additional holes.

To remove the drive, you need to unscrew the two bolts in the bottom and carefully lift it away from its mounting location. An ellipsoid-shaped rubber ring isolates the water passage that goes from the tank to the bowl. It happens that in old mechanisms there are overflow tubes installed, which are secured to the bottom of the tank with a plastic nut.

To dismantle the lever-valve structure, it is necessary to unscrew two bolts on the drain mechanism link. To disassemble the module, which performs the function of collecting water, you simply need to unscrew one nut, which is located on the outside of the storage tank wall.

Before performing these steps, you must turn off the water supply. There are also models in which the levers for draining water are attached to the wall of the tank. On such structures, the cover of the structure is simply located on the surface of the drive, not secured in any way.