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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…

May 05, 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

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How Does a Toilet Tank Work?

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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