DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hello all,

We have a new house; the three toilets are all fitted with push-button flushes and they all stayed pressed until the selected flush had finished. Unfortunately they all dripped slightly, settling to once every few minutes.

Since then the builders have been very patient but we now have three flushers which need holding down, as did the last attempt. Is this normal? The plumber seemed to think it didn't matter.

Is it unreasonable to expect these things not to drip? We don't know about these latest ones yet but the last lot were still dripping after a fortnight's holiday!

Or should I just scrap them all and fit a proper old-fashioned British syphon?

Regards Ant

If your push-buttons are on top of the cistern then you seem to have the type where the bits plug together via plastic rods. Pushing the button triggers a lever to then lift up a 2"(?) wide tube off it`s seating. That action allows the cistern water to rush down the outlet and flush the loo. As the level drops the tube drops back into place and the inlet continues to flood the cistern to the set level. IF it is the flush that continues dribbling then it seems very unusual for all three loo`s to have the same problem.

Lift the cistern lid then lift the tube - which will trigger the flush - and just wiggle the tube so that the emptying water gets a chance to flush any debris (from the installation process or even blue etc flush products)

If it is the INLET that continues to dribble then make sure any service valves in the pipe adjacent to the cistern is fully open. The slot in the valve control should be line with the pipe run for open, and across the valve to close it. The inlet valve needs a certain pressure of water to push it open, and the float to close it cleanly as the level rises. If the problem persists could it be the internal jet (cone shaped) is wrong for the supply? Cone has a small hole for mains pressure or a larger hole for tank-supplied water.

If the push-button is on the side of the tank then it is probably a cable running in a tube (like bicycle brake cable) between the button and the lever assembly. Lid is easier to lift (cable type) as compared to rod connection style. Good luck, EyeTry