Problem with push button toilet cistern All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[squarefrog]

Hi there. I'm new, so hello! On to my problem - I've just moved into my first home and the toilet is one of those push-button cistern types. It works well, except I have to hold down the button to get it to flush properly.

Its like the toilet will only flush while I'm holding the button down. Also the smaller of the two pushy button parts is broken. Can this whole push button assembly be replaced cheaply?

Thanks for any help you can offer! :D

[nitro23456]

if you have to hold it down, either the cistern isnt filled enough or the plastic leg under the button is adjusted too short.

what is 'broken' about the other bit?

[htg engineer]

They can normallly be replaced, most DIY shops will sell kits. And they will fit most cisterns. Screwfix have one:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/43148/Plu ... op%20Valve

htg

[squarefrog]

[quote="nitro23456"]if you have to hold it down, either the cistern isnt filled enough or the plastic leg under the button is adjusted too short.

what is 'broken' about the other bit?[/quote]

I think the cistern is filled enough, as theres plenty of water when i look in. And if I hold the button down it fills. The smaller push button thing is loose. If you release the button too quick it just pops out. Although I'm not convinced its a dual flush - the button seems like just one assembly.

[quote="htg engineer"]They can normallly be replaced, most DIY shops will sell kits. And they will fit most cisterns.[/quote]

Great! I'll have a look. At that price, its not really worth trying to figure out what's wrong with the old one.

Thanks for your replies.

[diy-tim]

As this is a relatively new installation, you probably have what is called a dual flush cistern. The idea is to save water by only giving a short flush when needed.
The larger button on top is supposted to give a full flush of approx 7 litres of water, the smaller button gives only a short flush whilst you hold down the button. :wink: