Like it or not, as a homeowner, you will become very familiar with the inner workings of a toilet at some point. I know the drill as I’ve done some repairs on toilets myself.
Whether you’re renovating a bathroom and installing a new toilet, or fixing a problem with an existing toilet, it’s helpful to have information on all the parts of a toilet and how they work.
Toilet Tank and Bowl Parts
Most moving parts of a toilet are associated with either the toilet tank or toilet bowl. Below, I show you how all the different toilet parts connect with diagrams and detailed descriptions of the plumbing system.
1. Toilet Handle
The toilet handle, below the tank lid, controls the release of water from the toilet to the bowl. The toilet handle is connected to the flush mechanism, by a chain or rod, and this link is attached to a flapper or seal at the bottom of the toilet tank. The toilet handle lifts the flapper or seal, opening the valve and drawing water from the toilet.
2. Trip Lever
Under the tank cover, the trip lever activated by the exterior toilet handle starts the toilet’s flushing process. Pushing or lifting the toilet handle, which is connected to the trip lever, triggers the flush mechanism inside the toilet tank.
The trip lever is connected to the flapper valve by a chain or a wire. When the handle activates the lever, it lifts the flapper from the flush valve opening at the bottom of the toilet tank.
3. Toilet Chain
The toilet chain connects the flush handle to the flapper. The upward pull of the chain lifts the flapper away from the flush valve opening at the bottom of the tank. With the flapper or tank ball lifted, the water rushes down into the bowl, flushing the contents of the bowl down the drain.
The chain slackens once you release the handle, allowing the flapper or tank ball to fall back into place over the opening. This stops the water flow and allows the tank to refill for the next flush.
4. Fill Tube
After a flush, the fill tube sends a small stream of water into the toilet. The end of the fill tube usually empties into the overflow tube, which leads directly to the toilet bowl.
This sends water from the fill tube straight into the toilet without interfering with the tank’s refilling process. In modern toilets, the amount of water directed into the bowl via the fill tube is calibrated to be just enough to maintain the necessary water level.
5. Flapper Valve
The toilet flapper valve will release water from the tank when the toilet is flushed. The toilet flapper valve seals the opening at the bottom of the tank, allowing water to flow into the toilet when lifted.
The design and condition of a toilet flapper valve will affect how the toilet flushes. Regarding old or broken parts, toilet flapper wear and tear is a common problem.
Something like a new flapper can be just the ticket. A new flapper replacement can improve the overall efficiency of the toilet. It ensures that the correct amount of water is released during each flush. On top of that, a new flapper can prevent water leakage and lead to savings on water bills.
6. Toilet Flush Valve
Located at the bottom of the toilet tank, the toilet flush valve releases water from the tank into the toilet when you flush. Flush valves usually include an overflow tube and are sealed by a flapper.
The overflow tube is a tall, cylindrical tube that stands vertically within the assembly. The valve controls the release of water for flushing, while the overflow tube prevents overfilling and regulates the water level.
7. Flush Valve Gasket
The flush valve gasket provides a watertight seal between the flush valve and the toilet tank. The seal prevents water leaking from the tank into the bowl.
8. Fill Valve
After a flush, the toilet fill valve refills the toilet tank with water. It regulates the flow of water from the supply line. The toilet fill valve is connected to a float mechanism – either a float ball or a more modern float cup.
As the water level in the tank rises, so does the float. When the water reaches the set level, the float signals the toilet fill valve to shut off. Modern fill valves often come with adjustments that allow control over the volume of water per flush.
9. Toilet Float or BallCock
The ballcock, also known as a ball tap, is an older type of fill valve used in toilet tanks. The ballcock controls the flow of water into the toilet tank after a flush. When the tank is empty, the ballcock opens to allow toilet water to flow in.
Attached to the ballcock is a floating ball, often on the end of a rod. As the water in the tank drops, so does the ball, which opens the ballcock to let water in. As the tank refills, the float ball also rises.
When the water reaches a preset level, the float ball causes the ballcock to shut off, stopping the flow of water into the tank.
10. Modern Fill Valves
Newer toilets use more compact, efficient, and reliable valves that are easier to adjust and maintain compared to traditional ballcock systems. These improvements provide water conservation, reduced noise, and better functionality. Instead of a ball on an arm, a new toilet will have valves with a cup design.
This cup moves up and down along the fill valve shaft. Like the ballcock, modern valves automatically shut off the water flow once the tank is filled to the preset level. However, they tend to be more reliable because they have fewer moving parts.
11. Float Arm
The handle arm is often found in older toilets with a ballcock-style fill valve. The float arm is attached to the float ball at one end and to the fill valve at the other. As the water in the toilet tank rises or falls, the float ball and handle arm move as well.
12. Adjustment Screw
The float adjustment screw controls the water in the toilet tank. By adjusting the screw, you can raise or lower the point at which the float ball shuts off the fill valve. This controls the amount of water in the tank. The adjustment screw allows you to tweak the toilet’s water usage without needing to call a plumber.
13. Overflow Tube
The overflow tube prevents water in the toilet tank from overflowing. If the water in a running toilet rises too high, the excess water flows into the overflow tube. The overflow tube sends any excess water directly into the toilet bowl.
During the refilling process, after a flush, the overflow tube ensures that the toilet bowl is refilled with the proper amount of water. A small amount of water flowing from the fill valve is usually directed into the bowl through the overflow tube. If adjusted properly, the overflow tube also helps maintain the overall flushing efficiency of the toilet.
14. O-Ring Seal
O-ring seals are used mainly in parts of the flushing mechanism, like in the different valves, or connections between various toilet tank parts. A tank O-ring seal, also known as a mack washer, is a small rubber ring that prevents leaks in these components.
O-rings are usually found in toilet tank parts that have some movement or require a flexible seal. Made of rubber or a similar flexible material, an O-ring seal is designed to withstand constant exposure to water and the wear and tear of toilet tank parts.
When a tank O-ring seal becomes worn or damaged, it can usually be replaced easily. Replacing a faulty O-ring seal is often a simple and cost-effective way to fix a leaking toilet component.
15. Toilet Bowl
When the toilet is flushed, water from the tank flows into the bowl. The shape of the bowl and the pathways within it are designed to create a siphoning effect that pulls the waste and water down.
The toilet bowl has a built-in trap (often an S-shaped curve) that always holds some water. A main water drain at the bottom of the bowl is connected to the piping system.
Toilet Plumbing and Connections
16. Tank Bolt
Tank bolts are long screws that connect the flange to the toilet. The tank bolts are used to attach the toilet base to the flange, which is part of the bathroom’s floor plumbing.
The attachment prevents the toilet from shifting or rocking. By keeping the toilet in place, the tank bolts help maintain the integrity of the wax ring or other sealing gaskets that lie between the toilet base and the closet flange. This seal prevents leaks and odors from escaping from the piping system.
17. Floor Flange
The floor flange connects the bottom of the toilet to the piping in the floor. It is the transition point between the toilet and the plumbing system. The floor flange provides a surface for the toilet to sit on. It usually has slots or holes for bolts, which are used to secure the toilet to the flange and to the floor.
A wax seal is often placed between the toilet’s base and the floor flange. The wax seal creates a watertight barrier that prevents leaks and blocks sewer gasses from entering the bathroom. The toilet flange is installed so that it sits at or just above the level of the finished floor.
18. Shut-Off Valve
The shut-off valve in a toilet, also known as a stop valve or supply valve, controls the flow of water supply to the toilet. It allows you to turn the water supply line on or off as needed.
Being able to shut off the water supply line is essential for doing any repairs, maintenance, or replacement of toilet components. Without this valve, you would have to turn off the main water supply to the house to work on the toilet.
19. Flexible Hose
The flexible hose connects the toilet’s tank to the home’s water supply. One end of the hose attaches to the shut-off valve on the wall or floor, and the other end connects to the toilet’s fill valve. When the shut-off valve is open, water flows through the flexible hose into the toilet tank, refilling it after each flush.
20. Overflow Pipe
The overflow pipe prevents the water in the toilet from spilling over if the fill valve fails to shut off. If the water level in the tank rises too high, the overflow pipe sends the excess water into the toilet bowl, preventing it from spilling over the edge of the tank.
21. Wax Ring
The donut-shaped ring forms a watertight and airtight wax seal between the toilet base and the flange on the floor. The wax ring also seals off the toilet from the sewer line.
The wax material is easy to work with and can create a good wax seal even if the surfaces are not perfectly aligned or smooth. They’re designed to last for many years without the need for regular maintenance.
22. P-Trap Pipe
The P-trap holds a small amount of water at all times, forming a seal that prevents backflow from the supply line into the toilet. The design of the P-trap helps in the flow of contents from the toilet bowl to the sewage system.
23. Drain Pipe
This pipe carries the contents from the toilet to the sewer or septic system. The shape and design of the pipe create a siphon effect during flushing. The pipe in the toilet includes a U-bend or S-bend, which retains water after each flush.
The plumbing system includes vent pipes, separate from the main pipe but connected to the overall network, that help regulate air pressure in the pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 Parts of a Toilet?
The five key components of a standard toilet include:
- Tank (upper part of toilet holds the water used for flushing)
- Bowl: (holds contents before and after flushing)
- Flush Valve and Flapper (located at the bottom of the tank – responsible for releasing water into the toilet bowl)
- Fill Valve/Ballcock (component controls the water in the tank. It refills the tank with water after it’s been flushed)
- Handle (mechanism connected to the flapper)
What are the Parts of a Toilet Flush Called?
The components of a toilet flush system are:
- Flush Handle (component you push or pull to start the flushing process)
- Lift Chain (connects the flush handle to the flapper or flush valve)
- Flush Valve (located at the bottom of the tank, the flush valve opens to allow water to flow into the bowl when the toilet is flushed)
- Flapper or Tank Ball (rubber or plastic flapper that seals the flush valve opening to keep water in the tank)
- Overflow Tube (tube ensures the tank doesn’t overflow with water)
- Fill Valve/Ballcock (controls the refilling of the tank after a flush)
- Float Ball (component floats on the surface of the water in the tank and controls water intake)
- Flush Valve Gasket (seals the connection between the flush valve and the toilet bowl)
What are the Parts of a Toilet Seat Called?
The parts that make up a toilet seat are:
- Seat (oval or round in shape made from materials like plastic, wood, or resin)
- Lid (covers the seat)
- Hinges (attach the seat and lid to the toilet bowl)
- Bumpers (provide a cushion between the seat and the toilet bowl)
- Bolts and Nuts (attach the seat to the bowl)
- Soft-Close Mechanism (in some models, allows the lid and seat to close slowly)
Conclusion
Understanding the various components of a toilet is essential for diagnosing and fixing common problems. Each part plays a specific role in the overall plumbing network. Knowing how these parts function together will allow you to provide proper maintenance for the system.
