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How Does a Toilet Tank Work?
How Does a Toilet Tank Work?
4.8 RATING

How Does a Toilet Tank Work?

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey, we provide high quality residential and commercial plumbing services including toilet repair, installations and replacements. Many customers feel…

September 16, 2026
How Does a Toilet Tank Work?

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey, we provide high quality residential and commercial plumbing services including toilet repair, installations and replacements. Many customers feel intimidated by the mechanics of their toilets and avoid opening the lid to their tanks at all. While this attitude is understandable, it is important to remember that knowledge can help you fix minor issues and will make plumbing maintenance tasks easier to tackle. Have you been dealing with a dysfunctional toilet? Are you simply curious about the inner workings of the toilets inside your home or commercial property? Read below to find out how your toilet tank works. 

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Function of the Parts Inside Your Toilet Tank

Many people are surprised to discover several small components inside their toilet tank. Seeing so many small pieces can make property owners feel a little overwhelmed about repairs and maintenance. Understanding the role that each of these items plays in the function of your toilet can help homeowners and businesses keep their porcelain thrones in quality shape longer. Here is a list of the parts and what they do:

  • Fill Valve – refills the tank with fresh water
  • Float Ball or Filler Float – forces the valve tu on the water when the tank is empty and signals the water to tu off when the tank has filled to the appropriate level. 
  • Overflow Tube – prevents an overflowing tank and redirects excess water into the toilet bowl. 
  • Flapper or Flush Valve Seal – a piece of rubber that seals the drain opening after every flush. 
  • Chain – lifts the flapper when the handle arm is pulled.
  • Handle Arm – pivots when the hand is pressed during a flush.
  • Handle – the part that is pressed down when you flush the toilet. 

Flushing the Toilet 

Pressing the handle will raise the chain, open the flapper and trigger the flush valve. Then, the water will rush into the toilet bowl through the drain opening. Afterward, the water will wash any debris inside the bowl, and go down the main drain line. 

How Does the Tank Refill with Water? 

After the toilet has been flushed, the lowered filler float or float ball will cause the toilet to refill with water through the refill tube. At the same time, the flapper will seal the drain opening. When the water inside the tank has filled to the appropriate level, the float ball will rise to the top and cause the tank to stop bringing in fresh water. 

Do You Need a Toilet Repair, Replacement or Installation? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today 

Is your toilet leaking? Has your toilet stopped flushing properly, or refuse to fill with water after use? Then call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey. Our certified, licensed and insured plumbers proudly offer a wide variety of commercial and residential plumbing services including toilet repairs and replacements. Contact our office for more details or to schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber in Jackson Township, Oakhurst, Ocean Township, Little Silver Township, Colts Neck, Rumson Township, Eatontown Township, Red Bank, Howell Township, Freehold Township, Hillsborough Township, New Jersey or a surrounding metro area community. 

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