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How to Fix a Toilet Flush Button in 10 Easy Steps

A malfunctioning toilet flush button is a common bathroom problem. Modern toilets often feature a dual flush system with a push button toilet that can become stuck or unresponsive. Issues can range from a jammed push button to a faulty flush mechanism or leaking cistern button. Understanding your toilet flush mechanism is the first step to a successful repair.

The toilet flush button got somehow broken and now you just have to go back to the old bucket-of-water trick? But don’t despair! Replacing the faulty flushing system is not that hard. In this post, we’ll do exactly that – teach you how to fix the flush button in just a few simple steps.

So, go to your local hardware store and buy a new flushing mechanism. Grab a cuppa upon your return and settle down on the sofa nice and comfy to read our handy guide.

Table of Contents

Common Toilet Flush Button Problems

Some frequent problems homeowners face include:

Toilet flush button not working
Push button stuck in toilet
Slow flush problem
Water running after flush
Leaking cistern push button

These issues can arise due to malfunctioning toilet cistern, broken flush lever, or misaligned flush button. Using toilet repair kits and proper tools can resolve these issues quickly.

The Tools You Need to Replace a Toilet Flush

Here’s a list of the tools you need to resolve your push button toilet flush problems. Also, once you open the toilet cistern, find out whether you’re dealing with a flexi mount dual flush valve or top press dual flush valve!

Pair of grips
Flathead screwdriver
Towel

Let’s get started!

How to Change a Toilet Flush – A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Regardless of whether your toilet has a standard or water-saving flushing mechanism, replacing the faulty button works the same way. On that note, this task may differ though from the way you approach and fix a toilet that won’t flush at all. Right then, follow those steps:

Step 1. Turn off the water supply

If your toilet has an isolation valve, you can turn off the water without stopping the supply to the rest of your home. If there isn’t such a valve next to your toilet, then you need to turn off the water at the stopcock under your kitchen sink. Look for a plate with a sign “water” or just a “W”.

Step 2. Open the cistern

Remove the cistern lid carefully and disconnect the refill tube. Place the lid somewhere safe and remove the old button. You should be able to do this easily by undoing the back nut that holds the push button in place. Clean the rim of the hole so it’s ready when you need to fit the new button.

Step 3. Drain the water

Flush down the system to empty the cistern out of the water. That allows you to remove the whole cistern. There are different ways to do this and it will depend on the type of mechanism you’ve got. Don’t worry if there’s a little water left inside. You can deal with it later.

Step 4. Detach the cistern

You cannot do the toilet push button replacement task without removing the toilet tank, first. Get your screwdriver and remove the two screws that hold the tank attached to the wall. Locate the two wing nuts underneath the cistern and undo them, so you can lift it away from the toilet bowl. Put all nuts and bolts to one side. Remove the pipe that feeds the tank with water. Then, empty any remaining water from the tank and close the toilet lid down. Carefully place the cistern on top after you’ve put a towel on the lid. Wipe any water from the place where the cistern goes.

Step 5. Remove the old flush valve

At the bottom of the cistern, you’ll see a rubber doughnut-shaped gasket. Remove it carefully and use your grips to undo the back nut that holds the flushing mechanism in place. Take off the metal clamp and put it to one side, just in case. Check If the doughnut washer is in good condition. You can re-use it again, even if your new system comes with a washer. Finally, remove the old flush valve from inside the tank. You may need to give it a bit of a wiggle so it slides more easily through the silicon around the hole.

Step 6. Fit the new flushing mechanism

It’s good to point out here that replacing other types of flushing systems could be a bit of a job sometimes. Right then, take the new mechanism out of the packaging. Remove the doughnut washer and undo the nut by hand. Move the new seal upwards, so it sits nice and tight at the bottom of the unit. Then pop the valve through the cistern and secure it in place. Fit the metal clamp back and tighten the nut with your grips or by hand. Put back the old or new doughnut gasket, depending on whether the old one is still reusable.

Step 7. Install the cistern back

Place the two bolts back into the slots at the bottom of the tank and carefully position it in place. Tighten the wing nut to secure the cistern to the toilet bowl. Grab your screwdriver and tighten the screws that hold the tank fixed in place to the wall. Check whether everything seems nice and steady, as the last things you need are some toilet leaks and drips. Finally, attach back the cold water feed.

Step 8. Check and adjust the flush valve

Make sure you’ve set the fill valve to a position. That allows the float to move unobstructed up and down. Double-check with the instructions that come with the unit to make any water-saving float adjustments. You can test the result once you connect the toilet to the water supply again.

Step 9. Replace the flush button

Fitting the push flush button is easy. Just unscrew the nut at the back, fit in the button and tighten the nut. If your button comes with a shroud, use it if you like. You can easily discard the shroud if the button fits fine. Connect the button to the system, close the lid and you’re done.

Step 10. Turn on the water supply

Connect the toilet to the water supply. Flush the toilet a couple of times to test if everything works as it should. Check for any drips and leaks. Consider removing your toilet and getting a new one if the flush problems continue to occur.

Check out this great video guide from Plumber Parts to see the process of changing a push button toilet flush.

Why Is the Water Running on My Push Button Toilet?

If the water keeps running on your push button toilet, it usually means there is a problem with the flush mechanism or cistern components. Common causes include:

Faulty flush valve – The flush valve seal may be worn, damaged, or misaligned, allowing water to leak continuously from the cistern into the bowl.
Stuck or misaligned push button – If the toilet push button is jammed or doesn’t return to its resting position, the flush actuator stays engaged.
Worn or broken cistern components – Springs, rods, or other internal parts in the dual flush mechanism can fail, keeping the valve partially open.
Debris or limescale buildup – Mineral deposits around the flush valve or button assembly can prevent a proper seal or button movement.
Incorrect water level – If the water in the cistern is set too high, it may overflow into the overflow tube, causing constant running.

Fixes:

Inspect the push button mechanism and ensure it moves freely.
Check and replace the flush valve seal if it is worn or damaged.
Clean the cistern components to remove debris or limescale.
Adjust the water level in the cistern to the correct height.
Replace any broken springs or rods in the dual flush actuator.

If the issue persists despite these steps, it may be worth contacting a professional toilet repair service or using a dual flush repair kit for a complete fix.

Final thoughts

As you can see, replacing a toilet flush button is not that complicated. You just need some professional tips at hand and the right tools for the job. Still, note that our advice is guidance only, as we cannot be held liable for any damage caused, because of lack of expertise. It’s always better to call in a plumbing expert, who can provide you with a full guarantee on the work done.