A toilet cistern fills with water automatically after each flush, a process controlled by internal components like the fill valve and the float mechanism connected to your home's water supply.
Understanding the Automatic Filling Process
When you flush a toilet, the water from the cistern drains into the toilet bowl, activating the flush. As the water level in the cistern drops, a float, typically a ball or a cylinder on a rod or attached to the fill valve assembly, drops with it. This lowered float triggers the fill valve to open.
Here's a breakdown of the steps:
- Flush: Water leaves the tank, lowering the water level.
- Float Drops: The float sinks as the water level falls.
- Fill Valve Opens: The dropping float opens the fill valve, which is connected to your main water supply line.
- Cistern Fills: Water flows from the supply line through the fill valve into the cistern.
- Float Rises: As the water level increases, the float rises.
- Fill Valve Closes: Once the water reaches the predetermined level (set by the float's position), the rising float shuts off the fill valve, stopping the water flow.
- Ready for Next Flush: The cistern is now full and ready for the next use.
Adjusting the Water Level
Sometimes, the water level in the tank might need adjustment for optimal flushing efficiency or to save water. This is typically done by altering the position of the float.
According to the reference:
- If your tank uses adjustable cylinder-style fill valves, remove the toilet tank lid.
- Locate the fill valve, often situated on the left side of the tank.
- Find the float mechanism – it might have a clip on the side of the fill valve assembly instead of a screw on top.
- To increase the water level, you need to adjust the float upwards. The reference specifies: "Pinch the float clip on the side of the float valve and slide it up to let in more water."
- Conversely, sliding the clip or adjusting a screw downwards will lower the water level.
Making these adjustments ensures the tank fills correctly to a level just below the overflow tube, preventing water wastage while maintaining effective flushing power.
