What Is A Toilet Cistern? (The Complete Guide)

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What Is a Toilet Cistern?

A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water for use in flushing the toilet. It is typically located behind the toilet bowl, and is connected to the toilet by a fill valve and a flush valve. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the cistern, and the flush valve controls the flow of water out of the cistern and into the toilet bowl.

The size of the cistern will vary depending on the type of toilet. A standard toilet cistern holds between 3 and 6 gallons of water. The shape of the cistern will also vary, but most cisterns are either cylindrical or rectangular.

The toilet cistern is an important part of the toilet, and it plays a vital role in keeping your toilet clean and functioning properly. By understanding how the cistern works, you can troubleshoot any problems that may arise and keep your toilet in good working order.

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What is a toilet cistern? A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water for flushing the toilet. The average toilet cistern holds between 3 and 6 gallons of water.
How does a toilet cistern work? When you flush the toilet, a valve opens and allows water from the cistern to flow into the bowl. The water fills the bowl and pushes the waste down the drain.
What are the different types of toilet cisterns? There are two main types of toilet cisterns: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted. Gravity-fed cisterns rely on gravity to fill the bowl, while pressure-assisted cisterns use a pump to force water into the bowl.
How do I maintain my toilet cistern? To maintain your toilet cistern, you should:
  • Check the water level regularly and add water as needed.
  • Clean the cistern regularly to prevent buildup of sediment and bacteria.
  • Replace the flush valve and flapper as needed.

What is a Toilet Cistern?

A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water that is used to flush the toilet. It is typically located behind the toilet bowl, and is connected to the toilet by a pipe. The cistern is filled with water when the toilet is flushed, and the water is then released into the bowl to flush away waste.

Toilet cisterns come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all function in the same basic way. The most common type of toilet cistern is a gravity-fed cistern. This type of cistern uses the force of gravity to pull water from the tank into the bowl. Other types of toilet cisterns use a pump to move water from the tank to the bowl.

The size of the toilet cistern will determine how much water is used each time the toilet is flushed. A larger cistern will use more water than a smaller cistern. The type of toilet cistern will also affect how much water is used. A gravity-fed cistern will use less water than a pump-assisted cistern.

Toilet cisterns are an important part of the toilet flushing system. They ensure that there is enough water available to flush away waste, and they help to prevent the toilet from overflowing.

Parts of a Toilet Cistern

A toilet cistern is made up of a number of different parts. These parts work together to ensure that the toilet is able to flush properly.

The following is a list of the most common parts of a toilet cistern:

  • Tank: The tank is the main part of the cistern. It is a large, watertight container that holds the water that is used to flush the toilet.
  • Ballcock: The ballcock is a float valve that controls the level of water in the tank. It is connected to a chain that is attached to the flush handle. When the flush handle is pulled, the chain lifts the ballcock, which allows water to flow into the tank. When the tank is full, the ballcock floats up and shuts off the water supply.
  • Flush valve: The flush valve is a valve that opens when the toilet is flushed. It allows water from the tank to flow into the bowl.
  • Cistern lid: The cistern lid covers the tank and protects it from damage. It is typically made of plastic or metal.

These are just some of the most common parts of a toilet cistern. There are a number of other parts that may be included, depending on the type of toilet cistern.

Here is a diagram of a toilet cistern, with the parts labeled:

[Image of a toilet cistern with the parts labeled]

What Is A Toilet Cistern?

A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water for use in flushing the toilet. It is typically located behind the toilet bowl, and is connected to the toilet by a fill valve and a flush valve. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the cistern, and the flush valve controls the flow of water out of the cistern and into the toilet bowl.

Toilet cisterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all work on the same basic principle. When you flush the toilet, the flush valve opens, allowing water from the cistern to flow into the toilet bowl. The water then fills the bowl and flushes the waste down the drain. Once the bowl is empty, the flush valve closes and the fill valve opens, allowing water to refill the cistern.

The size of the toilet cistern is important, as it determines how much water is available for flushing. A larger cistern will provide more water for flushing, which can be helpful if you have a lot of waste to flush. However, a larger cistern will also take longer to fill, which can be inconvenient if you need to flush the toilet frequently.

The type of toilet cistern you choose will depend on your individual needs. If you have a large family or if you generate a lot of waste, you may want to choose a toilet with a larger cistern. If you are concerned about water conservation, you may want to choose a toilet with a smaller cistern.

How does a toilet cistern work?

A toilet cistern works by using a combination of gravity and water pressure to flush the toilet bowl. When you flush the toilet, the flush valve opens, allowing water from the cistern to flow into the toilet bowl. The water then fills the bowl and flushes the waste down the drain. Once the bowl is empty, the flush valve closes and the water in the cistern begins to refill.

The amount of water that flows into the toilet bowl is determined by the size of the flush valve. A larger flush valve will allow more water to flow into the bowl, which will result in a more powerful flush. However, a larger flush valve will also use more water, which can be a concern for people who are trying to conserve water.

The type of toilet cistern you choose will affect how the toilet flushes. Toilets with gravity-fed cisterns use the force of gravity to flush the toilet bowl. This type of toilet is typically quieter than toilets with pressure-assisted cisterns, but it may not flush as effectively. Toilets with pressure-assisted cisterns use a small pump to create water pressure, which helps to create a more powerful flush. This type of toilet is typically louder than toilets with gravity-fed cisterns, but it may flush more effectively.

Troubleshooting a toilet cistern

If your toilet is not flushing properly, there may be a problem with the toilet cistern. Here are a few common problems with toilet cisterns and how to fix them:

  • The toilet is not flushing at all. This is usually caused by a problem with the flush valve. To fix this, you will need to remove the flush valve and clean it. If the flush valve is damaged, you will need to replace it.
  • The toilet is flushing slowly. This is usually caused by a problem with the fill valve. To fix this, you will need to remove the fill valve and clean it. If the fill valve is damaged, you will need to replace it.
  • The toilet is overflowing. This is usually caused by a problem with the float ball. The float ball is a small ball that floats on the surface of the water in the cistern. When the water level rises, the float ball rises with it. When the float ball reaches a certain point, it closes the fill valve, which stops the water from flowing into the cistern. If the float ball is not working properly, it may not close the fill valve, which will cause the toilet to overflow. To fix this, you will need to remove the float ball and clean it. If the float ball is damaged, you will need to replace it.

If you are unable to fix the problem with your toilet cistern, you may need to call a plumber.

A toilet cistern is an important part of a toilet. It stores water for flushing the toilet bowl, and it helps to create a powerful flush. If your toilet cistern is not working properly, it can be a nuisance. However, most toilet cistern problems are easy to fix. By following the steps in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix most toilet cistern problems yourself.

What is a toilet cistern?

A toilet cistern is the tank that stores water for flushing the toilet. It is typically located behind the toilet bowl and is connected to the toilet by a fill valve and a flush valve. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the cistern, and the flush valve controls the release of water from the cistern to flush the toilet.

What are the different types of toilet cisterns?

There are two main types of toilet cisterns: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted. Gravity-fed cisterns use the force of gravity to draw water from the tank into the bowl. Pressure-assisted cisterns use a pressurized air chamber to increase the force of the water flow, resulting in a more powerful flush.

How does a toilet cistern work?

When you flush the toilet, the flush valve opens and allows water from the cistern to flow into the bowl. The water fills the bowl and pushes the waste down the drain. The fill valve then closes, and the water level in the cistern begins to rise. When the water level reaches a predetermined level, the float valve closes, cutting off the flow of water into the cistern.

How do I maintain my toilet cistern?

To maintain your toilet cistern, you should:

  • Clean the cistern regularly to prevent the build-up of sediment and mineral deposits.
  • Check the fill valve and flush valve regularly for leaks.
  • Replace the flapper valve every few years.
  • If you have a pressure-assisted cistern, check the air pressure in the air chamber regularly and add air as needed.

What are the signs of a problem with my toilet cistern?

There are a few signs that may indicate a problem with your toilet cistern, including:

  • A slow or weak flush
  • A toilet that overflows
  • A toilet that makes gurgling or whistling noises
  • A toilet that leaks water

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your toilet cistern inspected by a qualified plumber.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet cistern?

The cost of replacing a toilet cistern will vary depending on the type of cistern and the size of the toilet. The average cost of a new toilet cistern is between \$50 and \$100. The cost of labor to install the cistern will vary depending on the complexity of the installation.

Can I replace my toilet cistern myself?

Replacing a toilet cistern is a relatively simple DIY project. However, it is important to make sure that you have the proper tools and knowledge to do the job correctly. If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, it is best to hire a qualified plumber to replace your toilet cistern.

A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water for use in flushing the toilet. It is typically located behind the toilet bowl, and it is connected to the toilet by a fill valve and a flush valve. The fill valve fills the cistern with water when the toilet is not in use, and the flush valve releases the water from the cistern when the toilet is flushed.

The size of the cistern will determine how much water is used each time the toilet is flushed. Smaller cisterns use less water, but they may not flush as effectively as larger cisterns. The type of flush valve also affects how much water is used. Gravity flush valves use less water than pressure-assisted flush valves.

Toilet cisterns are an important part of the toilet flushing system. They provide the water that is needed to flush the toilet, and they help to ensure that the toilet is flushed effectively. By understanding how a toilet cistern works, you can make informed decisions about the type of toilet that you purchase.

Key Takeaways:

  • A toilet cistern is a tank that stores water for use in flushing the toilet.
  • The size of the cistern will determine how much water is used each time the toilet is flushed.
  • The type of flush valve also affects how much water is used.
  • Toilet cisterns are an important part of the toilet flushing system.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.