A toilet cistern is the water storage tank on the toilet, and when you flush the toilet, this water is released and used to flush away waste. Different types of toilet cisterns include gravity-fed cisterns, pressure-assisted cisterns, dual-flush systems, and single-flush systems.
Toilet cisterns can be made from a variety of materials but they all need to be able to hold enough water to flush the toilet.
They can be round or square, and they can be mounted on a wall or can be placed on a floor.
Most toilet cisterns have a float ball or other mechanism that helps to regulate the amount of water in the cistern.
When you flush the toilet, a plunger is activated, which opens the valve at the bottom of the cistern.
This allows water to enter the bowl and flush the waste away.
Once the valve is closed, the cistern refills with fresh water.
This article explains how a toilet cistern works.
We'll also discuss the various types of cisterns available today.
How Does a Toilet Cistern Work?
Toilet cisterns are an important part of any toilet, and they play a vital role in the flushing process.
When you flush the toilet, the cistern releases a predetermined amount of water into the bowl to flush away waste.
All types of cisterns operate on the same fundamental principles.
A fill valve and a flush valve connect the cistern to the bowl, which is usually located above the toilet.
The fill valve controls how much water is pumped into the cistern from the main water supply.
It's important that the fill valve is adjustable so that you can control how much water flows into the cistern.
Too much water and your toilet will constantly be running; too little water and you won't have enough to flush properly.
Flushing the toilet sends water flowing from the cistern into the toilet bowl through the flush valve.
Most toilets have a handle on the side of the cistern that triggers the flush valve when you push it down.
The handle lifts a rubber stopper out of the way, allowing water to gush out of a small hole and into the bowl below.
Common Toilet Cisterns
Toilet cisterns are usually one among four types- gravity-fed, pressure-assisted, dual-flush, or single-flush.
Gravity Fed Cisterns
Gravity-fed cisterns rely on gravity to move water from the tank to the bowl.
These types of cisterns are typically less expensive than pressure-assisted models, but they can be more prone to leaks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clog free | Prone to odors and leaks |
| Efficient | Loud |
| Cheap | Requires 2-3 flushes for heavy waste |
| Causes skid marks on the bowl | |
| Prone to sweating |
Pressure Assisted Cisterns
Pressure-assisted cisterns use a pump to force water from the tank to the bowl.
These models are typically more expensive than gravity-fed cisterns, but they tend to be more reliable and less likely to leak.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful flush with less water | Quite noisy |
| Less prone to sweating | Costly to acquire and install |
| Best choice for commercial settings |
Dual Flush Systems
Due to their environmentally friendly design, dual flush systems are quickly gaining popularity.
When you need to flush different types of waste, two buttons will be on the same unit.
A full flush is for removing both solid and liquid waste and a partial flush is for removing liquid waste only.
Water conservation is the primary benefit of a dual-flush toilet.
Many countries mandate this type of toilet to conserve water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap since it conserves the water | Flush buttons are prone to getting stuck |
| Environment friendly | A defective flush valve could lead to constant running of the toilet |
| Stylish and attractive |
Single Flush Systems
The most common type of toilet found in older homes and buildings is the single-flush toilet.
In a single flush system, the amount of water used will be the same irrespective of liquid or solid waste.
These toilet systems typically employ a trip lever handle mounted on the tank's side or front.
The toilet handle is linked to a lift chain, which is linked to a flapper.
Pulling down on the toilet handle lifts the flapper off the flush valve, allowing water to flow down to the bowl and flushing to occur.
Single-flush toilets use significantly more water than their alternatives, making them less environmentally friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Visually appealing | Consumes more water(1.6 gallons per flush) |
| Low maintenance costs | Harmful to the environment as it uses more water |
| Easy to find replacement parts |
Can a Toilet work without a Cistern?
Yes, a toilet can work without a cistern.
Tankless toilets function with a water supply line that provides water at a higher pressure.
This allows the toilet to flush human waste through the drainage system with just one flush.
These toilets are powered by nothing but the force of water that enters the supply line.
Tankless toilets, along with pumps or other technologies that power the flush, can help in buildings where water pressure is low, such as most private homes.
These toilets adopt a two-valve system to achieve the ideal flush.
The high-pressure valve controls the flow of water into the system from the main supply.
Whereas the low-pressure valve controls the pressure of water entering the toilet bowl.
Why Should you Clean a Toilet Cistern?
Toilet cisterns can become filthy over time and must be cleaned on a consistent basis.
Cleaning the tank twice a year is ideal.
The purpose of toilet cistern cleaning is to remove filth and bacteria that can lead to illness.
How to Replace a Toilet Cistern
A faulty toilet cistern may require replacement. Replacing a toilet cistern is not a difficult task and can be done in a few simple steps.
- To stop the water supply, close the valve behind the toilet. To empty the water in the cistern, flush the toilet.
- Remove the old cistern by unscrewing it from the wall or floor. If your cistern is attached to the wall, you will also need to disconnect any pipes that are connected to it.
- Make sure that the new cistern is installed in the same location as the old cistern. The water supply should be turned on after all connections have been made and tightened.
- Turn on the water and flush the toilet to ensure that everything is in working order.
How to Troubleshoot a Toilet Cistern
There are a few things you can try to fix your toilet cistern if it isn't working properly.
Start by turning on the cistern's water supply. Try flushing the toilet to see if water enters the cistern.
If it does not, it could be due to a problem with the float arm or ballcock assembly.
Simply adjust the float arm until it is level with the water in the cistern.
If your cistern still does not fill with water, the fill valve may be faulty.
To begin troubleshooting, shut down the water supply to the cistern.
Then flush the toilet while holding down the handle to drain the tank completely.
Remove the cistern lid and check to see if the fill valve is open. If it isn't, rotate it counterclockwise until it is.
Connect the water line and flush the toilet to see if water flows into the cistern.
If your cistern still will not fill with water after following these troubleshooting tips, then you may need to call a plumber for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Do the Toilet Cistern smell?
Strange smells emitted from the toilet cistern are a common problem in many households.
This is usually attributed to stagnant water in the tank and will continue to stink out of your bathroom until you take the time to clear the problem.
If your toilet cistern is starting to smell, there are a few things you can do to clean it and get rid of the bad odor.
First, empty the cistern completely and then scrub it with a toilet brush to remove any dirt or grime.
Next, mix up a cleaning solution of vinegar and water and use this to scrub down the inside of the cistern.
Finally, rinse the cistern with clean water before filling it back up with new water.
This will help to keep your toilet cistern smelling fresh and clean if you do it on a regular basis.
Will any Cistern fit any Toilet?
Cisterns come in a range of sizes, shapes, and designs to suit different toilets.
It's important to choose the right cistern for your toilet to ensure it flushes effectively and doesn't leak.
You'll need to consider the size of your cistern when choosing a new toilet or having a new bathroom fitted.
What is the cost to install a Cistern?
Installing a cistern can be a simple and easy do-it-yourself project, or you may need to hire a plumber depending on the complexity of your installation.
The average cost to install a cistern ranges from $100-$500.
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