Blog>How-To Guides>How to fix a toilet flush button
Last updated: 15 August 2024
How to fix a toilet flush button
If your toilet won’t flush properly, the issue could be to do with the flushing mechanism. Don’t panic! Here’s how to fix a toilet flush button.
Your toilet flush button triggers water to flush through the cistern in a controlled manner. But if it’s broken, you’ll have issues flushing your toilet. Here, we’ll show you how to fix a toilet flush button or lever.
How to fix the flush button on a toilet
The best way to fix a push-button toilet that’s not working is usually to replace the flush button and toilet flush valve, although you may be able to get away with just replacing the rubber seal instead.
Read on to find out how.
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What you’ll need to fix a push button toilet
Screwdriver
Toilet flush button
Toilet flush valve or rubber seal
How to fix the toilet flush button
1. Turn off the water
Before you do anything else, make sure to turn off the water supply.
You can either twist the valve on the pipe feeding the toilet or turn off the mains.
2. Remove the cistern lid
Next, carefully remove the cistern lid.
Depending on your toilet, you may be able to lift it up or you may need to unscrew it.
Top tip – be cautious here as the cistern lid will be connected to the fill valve or tube.
3. Release the fill valve or tube
The fill valve or tube will be connected to the flush button.
You should see a small button on its side – press this to separate them.
4. Flush and drain the toilet
Now use your screwdriver to press the lever on the fill valve or tube. This will flush the toilet.
Twist off the toilet valve to drain the rest of the water in the cistern.
5. Inspect your toilet and make a plan
Now’s the time to formulate a plan. It’s likely that the bottom suction section went up when you flushed the toilet (as it should) but didn’t go back down, letting water continuously flow through.
However, you should also check for debris like limescale in the hole where the toilet flush valve goes (there’s actually another separate part of the flush valve here). If not, check the rubber seal on the flush valve for damage too.
You may be able to get away with just replacing the rubber seal, but it can be difficult to be sure. So, it’s often best to assume that you need a replacement toilet flush valve.
6. Replace the toilet flush valve
Make sure that all parts of the flush valve have been removed (including the separate part we mentioned earlier).
Then, place the new toilet flush valve in the correct position and twist it until you hear a click.
Top tip – you can adjust the levels on the flush valve to match those on your old flush valve if you want to, but it often isn’t necessary.
7. Replace the toilet flush button
Next, remove your old toilet flush button from the cistern lid.
Then, replace it with your new one, making sure to tighten the last plastic bit on the bottom of your cistern lid.
8. Connect your new toilet flush button
Your new button won’t work if it’s not connected to the fill valve or tube.
To connect them, press the side button like you did to remove the old fill valve or tube.
9. Make sure it works
Now, you need to test your toilet to make sure it works.
Place the cistern lid back into position and turn the water supply back on. Then, flush your toilet a few times to make sure there are no issues.
Hopefully, everything is sorted. But if you’re still experiencing problems, it’s time to call in a professional to take a closer look.
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How to adjust a push button toilet flush
If your push button works but your toilet doesn’t flush all of the waste away as it should, you may be able to adjust the button on your push button toilet flush valve instead of replacing it altogether.
Here’s how:
1. Remove the cistern lid
Remove the cistern lid and place it upside down on the toilet seat.
2. Locate the white push rod
Most push button toilets have two buttons – one for liquid waste and another for solid waste. This means there’ll be two push rods underneath that activate the flush valves.
Usually, you’ll need to adjust the white threaded rod, which opens the bigger flush valve. The blue rod opens the small flush valve and won’t normally need adjusting.
3. Turn the lock nut
There’ll be a lock nut securing the white threaded rod in place. Use your fingers to turn this anticlockwise.
4. Turn the white push rod
Next, grab the white push rod and turn it anticlockwise once, before retightening the lock nut.
5. Test the flush button
Put the cistern lid back on the toilet tank and press the push button to test how it works. If it still isn’t flushing completely, repeat the steps above to adjust it further.
Voila! Your toilet should now flush properly.
How to fix a toilet flush lever
Not all toilets have a push button. Instead, many will have a lever or toilet handle.
Here’s how to fix the flushing mechanism on your toilet if it has a lever.
Tools you’ll need to fix a toilet that won’t flush
Replacement lift chain or rod (if yours is broken)
Replacement flapper (if yours is damaged or worn)
How to fix a toilet handle flush
1. Turn off the water supply
First, turn off the water supply – either by twisting the valve on the pipe feeding the toilet, or at the mains.
2. Remove the cistern lid
Take off the cistern lid and place it upside down on the toilet.
3. Empty the tank
The rubber flapper sits at the bottom of the cistern and controls the flush mechanism. Pull it up to let the water drain.
4. Check the chain
Check the chain or rod connecting the flush lever to the flapper to see if it’s loose, disconnected or broken.
If it’s loose, remove the chain and reattach it to a hole closer to the flush lever
If it’s disconnected, reconnect it to the flapper
It it’s broken, replace it
Top tip – always leave a bit of slack in the chain.
5. Check the flapper
If you’ve noticed that water doesn’t enter the toilet bowl when you push the flush lever, this could indicate an issue with the flapper.
While the water supply is still turned off, check that the flapper is positioned properly. Alternatively, if it’s damaged or worn, you’ll need to replace it.
6. Check your toilet flush lever is working
Finally, it’s time to see if your fix has worked!
Replace the cistern lid and turn the water supply back on. Then, flush the toilet to check it works properly.
If it's not worked, you'll need to contact a plumber.
Find a plumber to fix a toilet flush
A toilet flush button or lever that isn’t working properly can be a real issue, especially if you have only one toilet in the home!
Hopefully, these steps will help you to get to the root of the problem. But if not, it’s time to call in a professional.
Remember, it’s best not to take any chances when it comes to running water in the home. Plus, a plumber will be able to get the job done quickly and effectively – making sure they get to the root of the problem to provide you with a long-term fix.
Luckily, it’s easy to find a reliable plumber on Checkatrade.
Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
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FAQs
Why won’t my toilet flush properly?
If your toilet isn’t flushing properly, the issue won’t always be with the flushing mechanism. Instead, there could be a problem with the water level or even a blocked pipe.
Head over to our guide on what to do if your toilet isn’t flushing properly for more problem-shooting tips.
Who can fix a toilet flush button?
A plumber will be able to fix your toilet flush button.
How much does it cost to fix a toilet?
As a rough guide, the cost of hiring a plumber tends to be around £50 per hour.
But exactly how much you’ll pay to fix your toilet will depend on the issue.
As an example, the average cost of unblocking a toiletis £112.50.
If you need to replace your toilet syphon, you’re looking at around£20 in materials on top of your plumber’s hourly rate.
The best way to get an accurate price for your project is to get quotes from local plumbers. Enter your postcode below to get started.
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