How to choose and repair the float valve for toilet
How to do in an apartment without a toilet? This question will be able to perplex everyone today, as it helps to provide comfortable conditions for life. We usually do not notice his work, but if it fails, everyone’s problems begin. In this case, everyone is trying as soon as possible to identify and eliminate the defect. Today we will talk about the float valve - a mechanism that plays a key role in the normal operation of the sanitary instrument.
This device serves to supply water to the drain tank and its overlap when the level reaches a certain point. Therefore, one of the options for its repair is the correct adjustment. Below we offer to get additional knowledge that will help solve the problems associated with the work of the toilet bowl.

Design features of the mechanism
Consider what is a valve with a float for the toilet, and what elements are included in its design:
- The body - it contains a membrane responsible for the flow of water into the drain tank.
- Float - is connected to the membrane with the help of certain levers.

To regulate the amount of water on the float there is a special screw. When you turn it, it becomes possible to change the position of the element to the desired height. This achieves a comfortable water level for the operation of the toilet. There are also models where the metal lever is replaced by a plastic hinge with a screw in the middle.
Tip: by adjusting the level, you can get a more thorough flushing of the toilet bowl or saving water.

How the device works
In the sanitary facilities of old models, the principle of the float of the toilet bowl was a simple and reliable design. Its main purpose was to provide the necessary level of water in the drain tank.
The main drawback of the design was its periodic failure. As a result, the water began to flow into the toilet bowl in a continuous stream.

The mechanism of its work is as follows:
- Water begins to flow into the tank and raises the float.
- In turn, he raises traction with a curved edge, the result is a control lever.
- Then the thrust begins to act on the lever, which then begins to push the piston.
- The piston is pressed against the saddle and shuts off the water supply to the tank.

After pressing the plum button or raising the pear up, the reverse process begins. Due to the reduction of water in the tank, the float is lowered, as a result of which the lever releases the piston and water begins to flow into the tank.
Choosing a float valve
It should immediately be said that if a mistake is made when choosing a device, it will be useless to repair it. Even when you fix it, after a few days the water from the tank starts to leak again.

The right choice depends on the knowledge of the pressure indicator in the water supply.
There are 4 types of devices that are classified by water pressure, for:
- weak;
- average;
- strong
as well as stabilizing. We recommend the latter to owners of apartments and houses, which are located in areas where the pressure in the water supply system is variable.
You do not want to repair mechanisms with your own hands or change them, which means that it is necessary to carry out their prevention. Periodically inspect for possible damage. Thus, you will save yourself from unplanned expenses, and your neighbors from below.
Device malfunctions and reasons for their occurrence
Knowing the device and the mechanism of operation of the drain tank and the float, it is possible without special difficulties to perform repairs in case of incorrect operation. Consider an example:

Defect | Defect symptom | Repair methods |
Worn laying number 5 | Water from the water supply system constantly enters the storage tank and does not overlap | Replace gasket |
On the saddle number 4 appeared rust | I can not block the flow of water in the tank | Replace the entire valve or you can put a pad of soft rubber |
The float is drawing water | The float does not float and the piston does not move the lever number 2 | Replace the float or turn it over with a defect, if it is small, up |
Worn the axis of the lever number 2 | The piston badly presses and there is a jamming of the lever, it is not possible to block the water | Replace the axle. You can also use a suitable diameter stainless steel stud. But, if the wear is large - install a new lever number 2 |
Damage to the thrust cap number 7 | In this case, water can go through the entire valve. | To replace parts you can use any suitable bottle cap. |
Tip: do not forget that the float mechanism may differ among themselves in different models of toilet bowls. For example, there are options hollow inside and sealed on all sides, but there are also such configurations that in appearance resemble an inverted glass.
In the second case, the device may fail due to very strong contamination. If this happens, simply clean it thoroughly and the float will begin to function again.
Shut-off valve not working
You can cope with the problem yourself. Usually the cause of breakage is a membrane or holes through which water enters the tank. The latter can be clogged due to debris that enters the water supply system.
The instruction is as follows:
- Disassemble the design of the float by removing the special cap.
- Remove the membrane, clean it well and reinstall it.
- Return the cap back.
Remember, such membranes fail quite often, so when choosing a replacement, give preference to better products, the price of which can not be very low. Then it will take a long time until the next repair.
If you can not buy, temporarily you can do it yourself. Take the old membrane, which will act as a template, and attach it to hard rubber with a thickness of up to 2 mm. Cut out the detail of the desired shape and size on this template.

Replacing and adjusting the device
When you can not repair the float, you need to replace it.
Do the following:
- Close the water supply to the toilet bowl and empty it.
- Disconnect the water pipe from the float valve. You may need a wrench.
- Remove the float lever and loosen the nuts.
- Remove the bobber.
- Install the new valve in reverse order.
- Run the water into the drain tank and adjust the position of the float. The water level should not go over the drain.
Conclusion
We talked about the device of the float valve for the toilet, the mechanism of its work, as well as how to perform repairs. When choosing, do not forget that it must correspond to the pressure of the water in the apartment, otherwise the device may fail. The video in this article will provide an opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.