Float for toilet - adjustment and replacement

Minor plumbing failures are capable of delivering many problems, however, many of them can be fixed on their own without even having any special skills and special tools. Such breakdowns also include problems with the drain tank, or rather, the float mechanism, on which the operation of this device depends.

Below we look at how to adjust and, if necessary, replace parts.

The most common problems

The most common breakage of the cistern is its constant filling and draining, in other words - the float in the toilet does not block the water (read also the article Old toilet: how to handle the old but reliable device).

It can be caused by the following reasons:

• The mechanism does not block the water;
• The float for the toilet cistern has a hole;
• Skew float mechanism;
• Worn membrane.

Adjustment

First of all, let us examine how to adjust the float in the toilet, since in most cases this procedure is enough to fix the problem. Moreover, it is extremely easy to perform.

Tip! Before proceeding with the repair, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the tank cover mounting scheme. Different manufacturers apply different schemes. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that in the event of a cover breakage, it will be necessary to change the entire tank.

If the lever is made of brass, then it is enough just to bend. Before you set up the float in the toilet, simply lift and lower the lever to determine in which position the water overlaps.

Many modern models have a plastic lever, if you carefully examine it, there will be no problems with the adjustment. The positions of the float mechanism are usually adjusted with a plastic ratchet or a fixing screw.

Note! Work must be done carefully, without applying excessive effort, so as not to break the mechanism.

Replacement valve

If the malfunction of the device is related to the operation of the check valve, then it must be replaced.

Instructions for performing this operation are as follows:

• First you need to drain all the water from the tank.
• Then you need to disconnect the device from the water pipe.
• Further the lever is dismantled.
• After that, you need to unscrew the locking nuts and remove the device.
• The new device is installed in place of the old and secured with nuts.
• At the end of the work it is necessary to fill the container with water and adjust the position of the lever.

After assembling the structure, you need to make sure that the mechanism is working properly

Replacement and repair of the float mechanism

If the float is filled with water, it falls and, accordingly, ceases to perform its function. As a result, the valve opens and the tank begins to fill. In this case, there are two ways to solve the problem - replacing this part or repairing it.

Replacement is performed in the following order:

• Before you change the float in the toilet bowl, you need to turn off the water supply valve and drain the water.
• Then the wrench must unscrew the pipe and pull the part.
• In its place should install a new part and restore the water supply.
• The desired water level is regulated by the position of the lever.

Tip! Before you install the float in the toilet bowl, you need to inspect the shut-off valve, if necessary, it must be cleaned.

I must say that in most cases this item is not difficult to restore.

Below is the sequence of how to fix the float in the toilet bowl:

• First you need to dismantle the part as described above.
• Then you need to drain the water from the filled parts.
• After that, the hole can be sealed with hot plastic or put a plastic bag on the product.
• At the end of the work, the part must be put in place

That is, in fact, all the work. As we see, it will not be difficult for even a non-expert to do it yourself. However, repair should be considered only as a temporary way of solving the problem, in the future it is better to replace the part.

Choice of the locking device

Before you replace the float in the toilet, you must purchase a suitable item. With the choice of the float itself, there are no problems - it is only necessary to pay attention to the product being airtight and burst out of high-quality plastic and having rather thick walls.

The float valve must be chosen correctly.

There are four types of these devices:

• Stabilizing;
• For a powerful pressure of water;
• For medium head;
• For a weak head.

Tip! Experts recommend installing a stabilization valve in cases where the pressure in the system is variable.

The price of devices of different types, as a rule, practically does not differ, however, the durability of the mechanism depends on the correct choice of devices. In addition, it is desirable to carry out preventive measures at least once a year - inspect the mechanism, clean it of all kinds of contaminants and, if necessary, correct the faults.

Here, perhaps, are all the main points that you need to know in order to repair the damage yourself in the cistern.

Conclusion

As we found out, most of the problems in the work of the toilet drain system are associated with improper setting or breakdown of the float mechanism. It is possible to eliminate all these shortcomings without the help of specialists (see also the article Inlet valve for a toilet bowl with side feed - what you should pay attention to when choosing).

From the video in this article you can get some additional information on this topic.