How to Fix Toilet Flush Button

Want to know how to repair a toilet flush button?

If you don't want to hire a plumber, in this article, we lay out what's needed to complete this task. This guide will primarily explore what you'd need to do if your toilet continues to flush well after you pressed down the flush button.

Without further ado, let's discuss what this type of button is exactly and what to do about a toilet flush button that's broken.

What is a Toilet Flush Button?

This is a button that when pressed causes the water to flush through the cistern. It will do so in a controlled manner. Toilet flush buttons tend to feature two buttons.

The smaller button can be used to remove waste water, while the larger one is employed for removing heavier waste. You may repair this DIY if you wish.

What Tools Do I Need to Fix a Toilet Flush Button?

For this section, we'll now look at the tools required to repair a toilet flush button. Let's list out these tools.

Here are the tools you may require to fix a toilet flush button:

• Screwdriver

Thankfully this is about all you'll need for toilet flush button repair. Other tools could be required in specific circumstances per the manufacturer's instructions of the product you are installing. Otherwise, a screwdriver is all you'll need in terms of tools.

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Repair a Toilet Flush Button?

Realistically, you won't need any safety equipment to perform this task. Although, you will want to consider safety steps. It's important that the water is turned off before fixing a toilet flush button and that you are not working near live electrics that the water could splash on to when performing this work.

Don't forget to wash your hands with soap after all of this, as lots of germs can certainly be found in a toilet cistern. Also, as an added note, don't forget to turn the water supply back on once you're done with everything.

What Materials Do I Need to Repair a Toilet Flush Button?

Alongside the tools and any safety equipment (if applicable), there are some key materials you'll need for this job.

These are the materials required:

• Toilet flush button
• Toilet flush valve or rubber seal (depending on the job)

It may be that the rubber seal is all that needs to be replaced. Otherwise, the entire flush valve should be replaced instead.

Preparing to Repair a Toilet Flush Button

Before you can actually repair a toilet flush button, you'll need to take a closer look at the toilet and remove the relevant parts. Let's discuss these preparations.

You must turn off the water supply before delving into this work. This may be achieved by twisting the valve on the pipe feeding the toilet, or a screwdriver may be required. Alternatively, you could turn off the mains.

Checking the Existing Button

Once the water supply has been turned off, cautiously remove the cistern lid. You don't want to lift it up too abruptly as it will be connected to the fill valve/tube. In some cases, you'll simply be able to lift it up, but with others, you may have to unscrew it instead.

The fill valve/tube will be connected to the flush button. You can press down a small button on its side to carefully release it.

Once this is done, you can press down the lever on the fill valve/tube with a screwdriver, it will flush the toilet. Now, twist off the toilet flush valve. You will hear a click, and what's left off the water in the cistern will be drained.

Here's the problem…

It will probably be the case that the bottom suction section goes up when the toilet is flushing (as it should) but remains in the up position afterwards, causing water to continuously flow through. You should also check that there is no debris, such as limescale causing a blockage in the hole where the toilet flush valve goes.

This hole actually contains another element of the flush valve that is separate from the main component. If not, you should check that the rubber seal on the flush valve is not damaged.

Replacing the rubber seal may be all that is required, but it can be difficult to tell. So, either way, it is best to consider that a replacement toilet flush valve is in order. Let's get to the repair work itself.

How to Fix a Toilet Flush Button

We'll now break down the steps required to repair the flush button. The exact details will vary depending on the nature of the issue.

1. Replacing the Toilet Flush Valve

You will likely have chosen to keep the bottom element of the flush valve in the hole leading from the cistern into the rest of the toilet. In this case, you will need to prepare the new toilet flush valve by removing the same part from it.

Here's another thing…

You may then place the new toilet flush valve into position. Ensure to push it into place correctly and gently twist such that you hear a click. That way, you know the flush valve has been installed as it should be.

Please note that there are levels on the flush valve, and you may wish to adjust these to match that of the old flush valve. However, often keeping the levels as they are when purchased will do just fine.

2. Replacing the Toilet Flush Button

Next, it's time to replace the flush button itself. Simply remove the old button (if this has not already been done) and install the new flush button. Ensure to tighten the last plastic element to go on the underside of the cistern lid.

3. Connect the New Button

In order to attach the bottom of the toilet flush button components, connect it to the fill valve or tube. To connect it, you'll need to press the side button down that you had to press on the previous/old fill valve/tube to remove it in the first place.

4. Test the Toilet

Once everything is in place, put the lid back on the toilet and press the flush button. Flush the toilet another two times or so just to confirm that all is well. Now you should have solved the problem, and each time you push the button, toilet flush issues should not arise.

If, despite all of this, there is still a problem, double-check that you've installed everything correctly by checking over the previous steps. If the issue persists, you should hire a professional to take a closer look and figure out what's going on.

Toilet Flush Button Problems

Let's discuss the different ways in which a toilet button problem may arise and what the appropriate solution is for each case.

Rubber Seal Damage

It's possible that the toilet flush valve's rubber seal is damaged, which may be the only issue. You could simply replace the seal in this case.

Of course, since there is a risk that there is further damage inside the main section of the flush valve unit, this is still a bit of a gamble, but more than likely, replacing a seal (if it is damaged) will solve the problem.

Toilet Flush Valve Unit Issues

If you find no problems with the rubber seal or decide that you're not sure if the seal is the issue, then it's best practice to replace the entire flush valve.

You may also want to replace the flush button itself, and this is advisable as there may be a problem with the actual flush button.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-fix-a-toilet-flush/PROD_npcart_100816.art