Knowing the different parts of your toilet can help you better understand where a problem may be coming from. If you notice a bad smell or if you have an overflowing toilet these key parts could prevent you from cleaning up a giant mess.
- Tank- The tank is the back part of your toilet that holds clean water used for flushing the toilet and filling other components.
- Bowl- The bowl holds the waste water.
- Flush Handle- The flush handle is the part used to flush the toilet. It is connected to the trip lever.
- Trip Lever- The trip lever lifts the flapper, allows water to leave the tank during a flush, and lets soiled water out.
- Float Ball- The float ball is used to measure the amount of water inside the tank. It lowers and rises as the water moves through the system. When the tank is full, the ball stops rising.
- Overflow Tube- The overflow tube leads to the toilets drain. It stops the tank from overflowing and pushes out any excess water.
- Flapper Valve- The flapper valve is attached to the flush handle and the trip lever with a chain. Its main use is to keep water inside the tank. It creates suction to help force soiled water down the toilet drain. If your toilet is overflowing, you can try pushing the flapper down.
- Stop Valve- Also referred to as the toilet supply valve, this valve controls the water supply. It is usually located behind the toilet near the floor.
- Supply Tube- The supply tube supplies water to the toilet from the main water line into the refill tube.
- Refill Tube- The refill tube refills the bowl with clean water through the supply tube when the float ball is down.
- Trap- The trap is a seal that prevents water back flowing and prevents odors from seeping through from the main sewer line.
- Wax Ring- The wax ring is a seal between the toilet and the main sewer line. Typically if you have a leak at the bottom of your toilet this is where it is coming from.