Are you tired of dealing with a toilet that won’t fill or fills too slowly? The culprit may be a concealed flush valve.
But don’t worry, opening it up and fixing the issue is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to open a concealed flush valve and troubleshoot common problems.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Open Concealed Flush Valve
Opening a concealed flush valve may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it’s a straightforward process.
First, remove the cover plate by slightly lifting it. If it’s levelled with the wall, try rotating the upper edge towards you and pushing the bottom. Disconnect any air hoses connected to the buttons.
Next, remove the flushing rods located at the concealed cistern frame’s center. For this, you will just have to rotate them in an anti-clockwise direction and pull them backward.
If there are any plastic bolts, unfasten them manually for releasing the frame. In case you find any fasteners, you will have to use the screwdriver based on the type of the bolt.
In case there’s a debris plate present, you will have to locate and squeeze the latches to remove this plate.
Turn the isolation valve (generally marked with a red, blue, or yellow handle) to stop the cold water flow.
If there is any water in the tank, discharge it. Lift the siphon bracket mechanism out.
Remove the water hose from the float valve using your hands.
Find a lever on the float valve’s back and push to release it from the backplate.
Press the lever on the siphon unit’s back and take the siphon out of the cistern.
What Is A Concealed Flush Valve?
A concealed flush valve is a type of toilet flushing mechanism that is hidden behind the wall. It is typically found in commercial buildings such as schools, offices, malls, and restaurants. This type of flush valve is operated by pushing a button forward, which dispenses water with a timed shut-off. The Tivoli Self Closing Concealed Toilet Flush Valve is a popular example of this type of mechanism. It is a water-efficient tap that does not use electricity and is suitable for all concealed toilet plumbing systems. The valve is mounted in the wall above a back-to-wall toilet and can be purchased online for collection or delivery within Nairobi/Mombasa or national delivery to major towns across Kenya.
Tools Needed To Open A Concealed Flush Valve
To open a concealed flush valve, you will need a set of specific tools. Here are the tools that you will require:
1. 4-in-1 screwdriver: This tool is essential for unfastening any screws that may be present in the concealed flush valve.
2. Adjustable wrench: You will need an adjustable wrench to tighten or loosen any nuts or bolts that may be present in the valve.
3. Bucket: It’s always a good idea to have a bucket handy to collect any water that may spill out during the process.
4. Locking pliers: Locking pliers are great for holding onto any nuts or bolts that may be difficult to reach or grip.
5. Pliers: Pliers are useful for holding onto any small parts that may be present in the valve.
6. Shop vacuum: A shop vacuum can be used to suck up any water that may spill out during the process.
7. Tape measure: A tape measure can be used to measure the size of any parts that need to be replaced.
Having these tools on hand will make opening a concealed flush valve much easier and more efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide To Open A Concealed Flush Valve
Now, let’s go through each step of opening a concealed flush valve in detail:
Step 1: Locate the toilet cistern’s push button.
Step 2: Slightly lift the cover plate and remove it. If it’s levelled with the wall, try to push the bottom while rotating the upper edge towards you. Be very careful, as sometimes there might be air hoses connected to the buttons. Disconnect the hoses gently.
Step 3: Carefully remove the flushing rods located at the center of the concealed cistern frame. Rotating them anti-clockwise and slowly pulling them backward will do the trick.
Step 4: Unfasten any plastic bolts manually to release the frame. If there are fasteners present, use the proper screwdriver based on the bolts’ type.
Step 5: Some concealed cisterns may have a debris plate that serves to protect against waste. Remove it by locating and squeezing the latches.
Step 6: Turn the isolation valve, which is usually marked with a blue, yellow, or red handle. This will stop the cold water flow.
Step 7: Discharge any water currently present in the tank. Lift the siphon bracket mechanism out by locating the small button on its lower parts.
Step 8: Use your hands to turn and take out the water hose from the float valve. It’s fairly easy, as those usually have a seated O-ring attached. Avoid cranking the O-ring too hard.
Step 9: Find a lever on the back of the float valve and push to release it from the backplate.
Step 10: Last but not least, press the lever on the back of the siphon unit. Turn and patiently take the siphon out of the cistern.
By following these simple steps, you can easily open a concealed flush valve and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. Remember to be patient and careful throughout the process to avoid any damage or accidents.
Preventing Future Issues With Your Concealed Flush Valve
Once you’ve successfully opened your concealed flush valve, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues. One common problem is the valve not flushing at all, which can be caused by the control stop or main valve supply being closed. It’s important to ensure that these valves are open before attempting to use the flush valve.
Over time, general wear and tear can cause the handle assembly of the flush valve to become worn out, resulting in the valve not flushing properly. To prevent this issue, it’s important to regularly inspect the handle assembly and replace it if necessary. You can also use a handle repair kit to fix any minor issues.
Another potential issue is a damaged relief valve, which can also cause the flush valve to malfunction. To prevent this issue, it’s important to inspect the relief valve regularly and replace it if necessary.
Water hammer and resonance are two other common issues that can occur with flush valves. Water hammer is a loud banging noise that occurs when the fill valve shuts off, while resonance is a rapid banging or “jack hammering” sound during the fill process. To prevent these issues, it’s important to follow the steps outlined in the previous section and reduce the flow from shut off valves.
By taking these preventative measures, you can ensure that your concealed flush valve continues to function properly and avoid any future issues.