What Is the Back of the Toilet Called: A Comprehensive Guide to Tank Components

ByGeorge Orwell Updated

What Is the Back of the Toilet Called?

The back of the toilet is called the tank.

The tank holds water so that users can flush the toilet after use.

It contains several internal components, including the fill valve, flapper, float arm, float cup, overflow pipe, supply line, and tank lever.

These components work together to regulate the water levels and ensure proper flushing.

Taking care of the tank and its components is essential for prolonging the life of a toilet.

Key Points:

  • The back of the toilet is called the tank.
  • The tank holds water for flushing the toilet.
  • The tank contains several internal components.
  • These components regulate water levels and ensure proper flushing.
  • Taking care of the tank and its components is important for the toilet’s longevity.

Did You Know?

1. The back of the toilet is commonly referred to as the “tank.” However, in more technical terms, it is officially known as the “cistern.”
2. Did you know that the back of the toilet tank can sometimes be used as a makeshift aquarium? Some people have repurposed old toilet tanks into fish tanks, creating a unique and quirky home for their aquatic pets.
3. In some countries, the back of the toilet is known as the “water closet.” This term originates from the 18th century when the first indoor flushing toilets were introduced, and they were placed in small “closets” separate from the rest of the house.
4. The back of the toilet tank often houses what is called a “ballcock,” which is a mechanism responsible for regulating the water flow into the toilet bowl. This term might sound amusing, but it actually refers to the floating ball that controls the water level.
5. Finally, did you know that the back of the toilet tank can actually be quite innovative? Some toilets come with built-in storage compartments or shelves on the back, allowing users to place small items like books, magazines, or even plants for decoration.

The Back Of The Toilet: Introduction To The Tank

The back of the toilet, commonly referred to as the “tank,” is an integral part of the toilet that holds water for flushing. Its purpose is to store a sufficient amount of water so that users can effectively flush waste down the drain.

Located just above the bowl of the toilet, the tank plays a crucial role in ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness. Understanding the components within the tank and how they work together is essential for maintaining a well-functioning toilet.

Some key components found in the toilet tank include:

  • Fill Valve: This valve regulates the water level in the tank by allowing water to enter when the level drops.

  • Float Ball or Cup: The float mechanism rises with the water level and shuts off the fill valve once the desired water level is reached.

  • Flapper or Flush Valve: This rubber or plastic part is responsible for releasing the water from the tank into the bowl when the toilet is flushed.

  • Flush Handle or Button: The handle or button is used to initiate the flushing process. When pressed or lifted, it lifts the flapper and allows water to flow into the bowl.

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Maintaining the toilet tank is important for preventing water waste and ensuring proper functionality. Regularly checking the components, ensuring they are clean and free from debris, can help avoid leaks or malfunctioning.

Keeping the toilet tank in good condition contributes to a hygienic and efficient flushing system.

  • Regularly inspect the tank for any signs of damage or deterioration.

  • Clean the tank and its components to remove any mineral deposits or buildup.

  • Adjust the water level if necessary to ensure it is at the optimal level for efficient flushing.

By understanding how the toilet tank works and properly maintaining its components, you can ensure a well-operating toilet that promotes sanitation and cleanliness.

Flushing Mechanism: How The Tank Enables Toilet Flushing

The tank of the toilet plays a crucial role in the flushing mechanism. It is responsible for initiating the process of waste removal when a handle or button on the exterior of the tank is pressed.

When the handle or button is activated, it sets off a series of events inside the tank. This mechanism involves several important components:

  1. Fill valve: The fill valve controls the flow of water into the tank after a flush. It ensures that the tank is refilled to the appropriate level for the next use.

  2. Flapper: The flapper is a rubber or plastic seal that covers the opening at the bottom of the tank. When the handle or button is pressed, the flapper is lifted, allowing water to rush into the bowl and remove waste.

  3. Float arm: The float arm is connected to the fill valve and the float cup. It moves up and down based on the water level in the tank, allowing the fill valve to regulate the amount of water needed.

  4. Float cup: The float cup is attached to the float arm and sits on top of the water in the tank. It helps control the shut-off point of the fill valve and prevents overfilling of the tank.

  5. Overflow pipe: The overflow pipe ensures that excess water in the tank is redirected to the bowl instead of overflowing onto the floor. It acts as a safety feature to prevent flooding.

  6. Supply line: The supply line connects the toilet tank to the water supply. It delivers water to the fill valve, allowing the tank to refill after a flush.

  7. Tank lever: The tank lever is the handle or button on the exterior of the tank that is used to activate the flushing mechanism. It is connected to the flapper chain or lift wire and controls the opening and closing of the flapper.

Remember to use regular maintenance to keep these components in good working condition, enabling a smooth and efficient flushing process.

  • Fill valve controls water flow
  • Flapper allows water into the bowl
  • Float arm regulates water level
  • Float cup prevents overfilling
  • Overflow pipe redirects excess water
  • Supply line delivers water
  • Tank lever activates flushing mechanism.
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Components Of The Tank: Exploring Internal Parts

The toilet tank is made up of several internal components that work together to enable the flushing process. These components include:

  • Fill valve: Connected to the supply line, the fill valve fills the tank with water and controls the water flow to ensure it reaches the appropriate level for flushing.
  • Flapper: Located at the bottom of the tank, the flapper holds the water in the tank and releases it when a flush occurs.
  • Float arm or float cup: As water levels in the tank rise, the float arm or float cup rises as well, signaling the fill valve to shut off at a specific height. This helps prevent overfilling of the tank.
  • Overflow pipe: Connected to the flapper, the overflow pipe allows excess water to flow into the bowl if the water level becomes too high, thus preventing potential flooding.
  • Supply line: Responsible for sending water from the plumbing system into the toilet tank, ensuring a constant flow of water to maintain the tank’s optimal level for flushing.
  • Tank lever: Connected to the button or handle on the exterior of the tank, the tank lever is linked to the flapper chain. When the lever is pressed, it lifts the flapper, releasing the water from the tank into the bowl.

To summarize:

  • The fill valve controls the water flow and fills the tank.
  • The flapper holds and releases the water during a flush.
  • The float arm or float cup signals the fill valve to shut off at the desired water level.
  • The overflow pipe prevents potential flooding by redirecting excess water into the bowl.
  • The supply line ensures a constant flow of water into the tank.
  • The tank lever lifts the flapper to release the water from the tank into the bowl.

Remember to regularly check and maintain these components to ensure proper toilet functionality.

The Fill Valve: Filling The Tank With Water

The fill valve is a crucial component within the tank that controls the inflow of water. It is connected to the supply line, which provides a continuous source of water for the toilet tank. When the toilet is flushed, the fill valve opens, allowing water to enter the tank. Once the water reaches the desired level, the fill valve shuts off, preventing excess water from entering the tank. This ensures a consistent water level for efficient flushing and eliminates the risk of water overflow.

The Flapper: Controlling The Release Of Water

The flapper is an essential component that regulates the release of water from the tank into the bowl when a toilet is flushed. It is located at the bottom of the tank and remains closed to hold water inside the tank until a flush is initiated. When the toilet is flushed, the tank lever raises the flapper, enabling water to flow quickly from the tank into the bowl. After the flush is complete, the flapper falls back into place, effectively sealing the tank and preventing any water from leaking into the bowl. This mechanism ensures that only the necessary amount of water is released during a flush.

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Maintenance And Care: Prolonging The Life Of Your Toilet Tank

Proper maintenance and care of toilet tank components is essential for prolonging the life of your toilet and ensuring its efficient functionality. Regular inspection and cleaning of internal parts, such as the flapper, fill valve, and overflow pipe, are necessary to prevent clogs and leaks. Checking water levels, adjusting the float arm or cup if necessary, and promptly repairing any damaged components are key steps to avoid potential toilet malfunctions. Additionally, being mindful of what is flushed down the toilet can help prevent blockages and unnecessary strain on the tank. By practicing good maintenance habits, you can increase the longevity and reliability of your toilet tank.

Check this out:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the part called in the back of the toilet?

The part at the back of the toilet, behind the toilet bowl, is commonly referred to as the toilet tank. Positioned above the bowl, this large container stores the water necessary for flushing away waste. By holding a supply of water, the toilet tank enables the toilet to efficiently dispose of waste when the flush is activated. It is an integral component of the toilet system, ensuring proper functionality and effective waste removal.

What is the base of a toilet called?

The base of a toilet is commonly known as the toilet base or its pedestal. This fundamental component provides stability and support to the entire toilet system. It is usually made of durable materials like porcelain or ceramic to withstand the weight and usage over time. The toilet base is designed to securely hold the toilet bowl and ensure efficient drainage of waste into the plumbing system.

What is a toilet cistern?

A toilet cistern is a vital component of a toilet that stores water and enables flushing. Positioned above the toilet bowl, it holds the necessary water required for a successful flush. In Victorian-era toilets, the cistern was often elevated and connected to the toilet bowl through a lengthy pipe.

What is back to wall toilet bowl?

A back to wall toilet bowl is a type of toilet that is installed directly onto a supportive wall. Unlike traditional toilets, the plumbing and waste pipes are hidden from view as they flow straight into the wall. This not only provides better aesthetics but also helps save space in the bathroom. The cistern of a back to wall toilet can be concealed by a back to wall unit or even within the wall itself, further enhancing the overall sleek and streamlined appearance of the bathroom.

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