How to Fix a Faulty Toilet Flush Button – A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Regardless of how offhanded or insignificant a flush button may seem like; it can become a complete hassle if it turns faulty at the wrong time. No matter how often you push, the button either won't budge or gets loose to function properly. This leaves you with no choice but to resort to other laborious methods to flush your toilet. 

Unless you are okay with resorting to the bucket trick – which most of us aren't, you need to get everything into order before your bathroom turns into a mess. Surprisingly, fixing a toilet flush button isn't something that demands professional plumbing skills. Unlike the hanging chains attached to cisterns used in the old days, flush buttons are a comparatively recent and simpler technology. 

Even though they are less likely to break or fault, they are easily replaceable and fixed. With the right tools and adequate plumbing knowledge, you can even perform the push button toilet repair yourself – unless you dislike getting your hands dirty. We have explained the procedure in detail. 

Required Tools For Toilet Flush Button Repair – What You Need to Get Started?

All you need to do is get your hands on a new toilet flushing system from the nearest hardware store, fetch the right tools for toilet flush button repair, and start the procedure. If you are new to the entire plumbing scenario, here are the tools you'll need:

1. Screwdriver (flathead)

2. Spanner 

3. Adjustable wrench

4. Pair of grips 

5. Dry cloth or towel 

Step-by-Step Toilet Flush Button Replacement Guide

Although toilets operate on different flushing mechanisms – standard and water-saving- the process of faulty flush button replacement is still the same.

Step I. Stop the Water Supply 

Whether replacing the entire toilet seat or simply the faulty flush button, you need to cut off the water supply from the main lines to prevent the bathroom from flooding. Some toilets have an individual valve setup near the seat that allows you to stop the water supply for the toilet alone while the rest of the outlets work fine. 

Step II. Open the Cistern to Remove Excess Water

You might need a spanner or screwdriver to open the cistern and access the refill tube. The tube is designed to refill the cistern after every flush. Once you dismantle the lid, you can now access the flush button. Rotate the nut at the back of the button to remove it from the rim. 

While you are at it, clean the rim so it is easier to fit the new button in its place. Ensure the water in the cistern is drained out before attempting to remove it from the site. Since there are different draining methods depending on your system, each process will have some water left which you can deal with later.

Step III. Dismantle the Cistern 

While you can replace the push button on the toilet cistern, it won't function smoothly unless you replace or fix the flush valve. For this, you have to remove the cistern from the seat. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it together with the wall, remove the nuts underneath the tank, and lift the cistern away from the toilet bowl.

Detach the lid that supplies water into the tank as well. It is important because most toilet flush buttons are directly connected to the valves while others simply use levers or cables. So, if the flush button is connected you will also need to replace a valve at the same time.  Or you can skip to the last step if you are not facing any such problems like consistently running water or poor flush performance.

Step IV. Remove the Flush Valve

Once you drain out water from the cistern, it's time to remove the round doughnut-shaped gasket located at the bottom. This will enable smooth access to the nuts and bolts that hold the flushing mechanism in place. Dismantle the flush valve from the inside of the tank.

You may need to wiggle to the side for smooth disassembly. Check if the doughnut washer is in good condition so you can reuse it if the new flush valve doesn't come with a washer. 

Step V. Install the New Flushing Actuator 

Fitting the new flushing actuator could be the trickiest part of push button toilet repair. Take the new actuator, remove the washer, and dismantle the nut. Now place it smoothly at the bottom of the unit so the valve can easily slide through the cistern and set in place. Make sure to move up the new seal for a tight fitting. Reattach the metal clamp on top and tighten the nut once it is set. 

Step VI. Reattach the Cistern

Install the cistern back in place, ensuring the two bolts align at the bottom of the tank at their dedicated slots. Tighten the wing nuts at the bottom and screw them tight on the wall, so they don't budge underweight or under pressure. Attach the cold-water supply to the tank and observe if there are any leaks in the tank.

Similarly, ensure that the flush valve is set into place and the float is seamlessly moving up and down. 

Step VII. Mount the Flush Button in Place

Now for the last and final step of the toilet flush button fix. Simply fit the flush button on top of the cistern. Unscrew the nut attached to the button, mount it, and tighten the screws from inside until it's tightly secured. Some toilet flush buttons also come with a shroud that offers a more straightforward, smoother fitting.

Attach the flushing actuator with the button and close the cistern. Turn on the water supply back to see if everything is working fine and if there are no leaks in the cistern or the button. 

What to Do If Problems Persist after Toilet Flush Repair

Sometimes you may still encounter issues after the toilet flush button fix. 

• If the button sticks or is unresponsive, you may only need to clean the button or tank to remove the debris that might be causing this problem. 

• Poor flushing performance is a sign of a far bigger problem than a toilet flush button. Therefore, it is recommended that you inspect other parts in the tank such as the fill valve or flapper to ensure everything is working properly. 

• Leaks or continuous water flow may indicate various problems. If you have recently replaced the toilet flush button then check if it’s correctly installed. Adjust the or refer to the product manual if needed.

In Summary

• Replacing a toilet flush button alone is often a simple, straightforward task.

• However, if there are problems with the actual flushing action of the toilet, then the flush valve will most likely need to be replaced.

• Older toilets may have worn-out flush valves that are prone to failure. If you're replacing the button on an older toilet, it might be a good idea to replace the valve as a preventative measure.

Ending Thoughts

The faulty flush button may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly turn into a hassle if left unresolved. Fortunately, the fixing is not too complex. All you need is the right tools and a little DIY knowledge and you can replace your toilet flush button yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide and you will be able to fix the problems easily and quickly. 

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions