Anatomy of a Toilet: Understanding and Fixing a Blocked Toilet

What’s there to know about toilets, anyway? Well, quite a bit! Especially when you’re dealing with the dreaded blocked toilet. It can be one of the most inconvenient and unpleasant plumbing issues to face, but don’t worry—there are a few basic plumbing tricks you can try yourself. Sometimes, these simple fixes are all you need. We’ll help you understand how toilets work and give you some tips on what to do when things go wrong. And, of course, we’ll let you know when it’s time to call a professional.

Common Causes of a Blocked Toilet

When you’re faced with a blocked toilet, it’s natural to panic. The most common cause of blockages is flushing something other than human waste or toilet paper. Remember, only three things should go down the toilet: #1, #2, and toilet paper. Anything else is probably too large, won’t biodegrade, and could get stuck in the pipes.

Maybe your toddler decided to unravel an entire roll of toilet paper into the bowl or thought it would be fun to drop a dozen toys and household items into the water and press the flush button multiple times. Whatever the cause, a blocked toilet needs immediate attention!

Anatomy of a Toilet: How Does It Work?

Ever wondered how a toilet actually works? It’s simpler than you might think. Water flows from a tap (usually located on the wall) into the cistern. When you flush, the water is released into the pan and down the waste pipe. Understanding how to control this flow of water can be incredibly useful, especially in an emergency.

If water is filling up in the pan and not flushing down, it’s important to know how to turn off the water supply quickly to avoid flooding. The water tap can typically be found on the wall beside your toilet or hidden inside the cistern.

The Toilet Cistern: What’s Inside?

The cistern is the tank that holds water ready to flush down into the bowl. Most cistern lids will simply lift off, which is handy in an emergency if the water tap is inside, and you need to turn it off. However, some cisterns might have lids that need to be unscrewed. You can do this by lifting or turning the flush buttons—sometimes, they need to be pried up to reveal the screw.

It’s also something to consider when buying a new toilet. Ask yourself, do you want a cistern lid that requires unscrewing?

What you see inside your cistern will depend on how old your toilet is. Older toilets have many parts, such as a flush valve, flapper, and ballcock (yes, ballcock!). In contrast, modern toilets typically have fewer parts and are more streamlined with a plastic cylinder that performs all the functions.

All cisterns, no matter how old or new, have a float. The float controls the water level. If your toilet is continually running, check the float. There could be something caught in it, or it could be loose.

When to Call in the Professionals

While most toilet blockages are easy to diagnose and fix, knowing the anatomy of your toilet can help you in an emergency. However, if your toilet is blocked, has water leaking, or is continually running, it’s best not to wait. Some plumbing issues require professional expertise.

Don’t hesitate to call Flowtec Plumbing and Gas at 0488 097 697. We’re here to help with all your plumbing needs. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complicated repair, our team is ready to assist you.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]