Fundamental Dual Flush Toilet Parts

When it comes to toilets, dual flush models are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to conserve water and lower their bills. But what exactly makes a dual flush toilet different? At its core, the defining feature is the two separate flushing mechanisms--one for liquid waste and a full one for solid waste.

Understanding the various parts that make up these water-saving thrones can help you properly maintain and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. From the inner workings of the tank to the outer bowl components, read on as we break down the integral pieces of dual flush toilets.

Dual Flush Toilet Mechanisms

Standard toilets have a single flushing system that uses the same amount of water whether it's flushing liquid or solid waste. Dual flush toilets provide two flush setting options in one model:

• A reduced flush for liquid waste only, which uses less water (around 0.8 gallons per flush)
• A full flush for solid waste that utilizes more water (usually 1.6 gallons per flush)

Having separate flushes for different types of waste allows dual flush toilets to conserve a significant amount of water compared to conventional single flush options. The key components that make this possible include:

Key Components and Functions

Dual flush toilets contain two main mechanisms--the tank components and the bowl components:

• Tank parts: Handle the water storage, regulation, and release into the bowl.
• Bowl parts: Designed for waste collection and drainage down into the trapway.

When activated, these two component groups work synchronously to execute an efficient flush using the ideal amount of water.

Flushing Systems Overview

The flushing system is what differentiates a dual flush toilet. The key distinction is having two flushing mechanisms that use different amounts of water rather than just one standard flush.

This is accomplished through a specialized flushing system inside the tank. Dual flushing mechanisms may operate via a button or lever actuator. Pressing this control initiates either a partial or full flush.

What Makes Dual Flush Special

Having the option between two kinds of flushes is the standout quality of dual flush toilets. Conventional toilets don't differentiate between liquid or solid waste--both get flushed with the same amount of water.

Dual flush models provide a choice using less water for liquid waste or more water when needed for solid waste removal. This capability allows households to conserve water usage and save on their bills over time.

Water Saving Capabilities

With their specialized dual flushing configurations, these toilets can conserve significant water compared to outdated 3.5 and even 1.6 gallon single flush options. Reducing water waste directly translates into lower water bills and environmental impact.

Tank Parts

Dual flush toilet tanks contain specialized hardware to operate the dual flushing technology along with standard components found in all toilet cisterns. Tank parts serve pivotal roles regulating and directing the flow of fresh water into the bowl.

Flush Handles and Buttons

To initiate either a partial or full flush, users interact with a control mounted on the outside of the tank. This actuator may be designed as:

• A push button positioned at the top of the tank
• A chrome plated handle
• A nylon flush lever

These controls connect to internal activation rods or cables that open the flush valve inside, letting water flow into the bowl below.

Float and Overflow Tubes

A plastic float ball is mounted inside the tank on a metal rod. As the tank fills, the float rises with the water level. Near the top, the float triggers the fill valve to close so the tank doesn't overfill.

If the float were to fail allowing the tank to overfill, the overflow tubes would then drain off the excess water preventing a spill. Overflow tubes bend over the internal water line as a backup measure.

Fill Valves and Refill Tubes

After each flush, the fill valve is what resupplies the toilet's tank with fresh water. A refill tube then channels this water from the valve over to the tank side to avoid splashing and noise.

During refilling, the float ball will rise back up to a preset level and shut off the water when full. Adjusting this water line affects the power of flushes--set too low and flushes may lack force.

Tank to Bowl Fittings

A large diameter flush valve seal is positioned at the bottom of the tank directly over the toilet bowl. During a flush this seal lifts, releasing the tank contents into the bowl via gravity. Tank to bowl gaskets provide leak-free seals.

Bowl Components

While dual flush toilet bowls may come in different styles, shapes, and sizes, they all share common components that facilitate waste collection and removal down into the trapway.

Bowl Trapway and Drainage

The trapway curves around inside the vitreous china toilet bowl, transitioning waste below the floor into the waste line. Toilet drainage relies on an air-tight water trap seal maintained in the trapway.

Vitreous china bowls with fully glazed trapways provide the smoothest waste passage for reduced clogs. Many dual flush toilets utilize wider 3-inch trapways for enhanced flow.

Bowl Gaskets and Seals

A rubber or wax ring gasket forms a tight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the floor's waste flange. Quality seals prevent water leakage while still allowing waste to pass below.

Additional bowl gaskets may be used between tank and bowl connections. Proper sealing prevents leaks which can damage floors and framing.

Toilet Seat and Lid

While not directly part of the flushing system, the toilet seat and lid still qualify as bowl components. Seats designed for dual flush toilets won't differ much from conventional seats.

Slow-close seats with stainless steel hinges add a touch of innovation alongside sleek designer lids to modernize the look.

Mounting Bolts and Caps

Four key-slotted, zinc-plated bolts pass up through the bowl's base to anchor it to the floor flange below. Rubber or plastic caps slide over the protruding bolt ends protecting knees from impacts.

Flushing Mechanism

While bowl components collect and channel waste, the specialized tank hardware controls dual flush activation. Several parts handle this sequenced water flow and regulation behind the scenes.

Flapper vs Tank Lever

In dual flush tanks, the flush release may be controlled through a flapper style seal or a tank lever mechanism. Both lift to initiate gravity's flow during flushes.

• Flappers simply pivot open.
• Tank levers yank up on a chain or rod to open the seal.

Each flush setting will flow a predetermined amount by sealing shut again after a calibrated time.

Flush Valve Seal

This rubber or plastic seal stays closed sealing in tank water and stabilizing its level. When a flush is activated, the flush valve seal pops open releasing the contents into the bowl for waste removal.

Dual flush valves have calibrated openings for accurate water volumes. A poor seal causes leaks and prevents proper flushes.

On dual flush models using a traditional trip lever handle, a metal or nylon chain connects the lever arm to the flapper or tank valve seal. This transfers the lever's lifting force to unseal the flush valve.