A broken loo flush button can cause serious inconvenience, in terms of inefficiency, water waste and frustration. Fortunately, it’s an issue that many homeowners can solve themselves with a few tools, a little patience and this step-by-step guide. Whether your flush button is stuck, not engaging the flushing mechanism or has completely stopped working, here’s what you need to do to repair it.
At PlumbGas, we’ve seen all sorts of common plumbing issues in Lincoln city and beyond, including toilet repairs. Read on for a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting and repairing your loo flush button.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, make the job easier by getting these supplies:
- A flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- A replacement flush button (only if required)
- A bucket or towels to catch any water that spills
If you’re unsure about fixing plumbing issues, worry not! We are the first and highly regarded plumbing services provider in the industry. For quick, cheap assistance, get in touch with us any time of the day.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Learn what is broken first. If you push the button and the toilet does not flush, the mechanism under the flush button or the flush valve inside the cistern could be at fault. Common issues include:
- Button Get Stuck – Dirt or misaligned causes the button to jam.
- Turn button – The connection between the button and the flush valve has disjointed.
- Faulty Button or Mechanism – The button or internal components have become worn or have broken.
Once you know what’s wrong, you’ll know how to go forward.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
To avoid a flounder, switch the water supply to your toilet off. The shut-off valve is typically on the wall next to the base of the toilet. To close it, turn clockwise. Flush the toilet to drain the majority of the water from the cistern. And don’t forget to put a bucket or towels nearby to catch any spills.
Step 3: You Have to Take Off the Flush Button
Like a fist washer, most flush buttons can simply be twisted counterclockwise to remove. If necessary use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the button. When out, check the inside fittings for any damage or wear.
Pro Tip: Take a picture of how it all fits together before you start taking things apart, you will use this when it comes time to reassemble!
Step 4: Inspect the Mechanism
Check the plastic fittings or rods connecting the button to the flush valve. If the mechanism is unplugged or broken, this may be your problem. Common fixes include:
- Repaired disconnected rods – Help them to reconnect. Make sure they line up properly with the valve.
- Replace Worn Parts — If parts connected to the toilet are worn they can be found at your nearest hardware store. Bring the broken piece with you for an accurate fit.
If problems are found within the flush valve itself, however, a full replacement may be necessary.
Step 5: Clean the Components
Dirt, mineral deposits, and grime can affect the functioning of your toilet over time. Clean all parts including the button assembly and the flush just with a soft cloth or brush. This one step can fix minor issues, such as a button that is hard to press or slow.
Step 6: Reassemble and Test
Reassemble the mechanism and gently reattach the flush button. Turn the water supply on by twisting the valve counterclockwise. Let the cistern fill up and run a test of the flush button. If all goes according to plan, congratulations—you’ve just fixed your loo flush button!
If the problem continues or appears too difficult to fix, do not worry. That is where our expert plumbers at PlumbGas come in!
When to Call in a Professional Plumber
Many loo flush button problems can be tackled by a DIYer, but in some instances, it’s better (and safer!) to get a pro in. Reach out to us if:
- The flush is irreparable.
- There are leaks around the cistern.
- Pipes are broken or corroded.
- You’d prefer to leave it to the experts for peace of mind.
We are experts in all plumbing aspects at PlumbGas. And no job is too small or just too big for our team, from fixing flush buttons to changing complete toilets.
Quality Plumbing Repairs with PlumbGas
PlumbGas professional plumbing and gas experienced over ten years serving Lincoln. When you pick us, you can rely on:
- Professionalism, Reliability & Trustworthiness — It’s at the core of our business.
- Promptness — Whether it’s an emergency or if you need repairs, we’ve got you covered.
- Inexpensive Solutions – We provide you with the best rates while never compromising on quality.
- Customer is always First – Your happiness is always a priority for us.
For help, please contact us on 01522 874 096 or visit
Manage Your Loo Issues with PlumbGas
Take a small plumbing job, such as a non-working flush button — with the proper implementation and guidelines as laid-out above, it is completely viable for you to do! And if it turns out that the problem requires a bit more expertise, professionals like PlumbGas are only a phone call away to get everything flowing smoothly again!
So how can you make sure your home plumbing and heating run smoothly all year round? At PlumbGas, we are dedicated to providing residents of Lincoln with high-quality and reliable plumbing and boiler services.
Call Us Now & for Plumbing Issues Leave It on UP Our Service Hands!