The toilet button is broken what to do. Do-it-yourself repair of the toilet cistern flush mechanism with a button. What to do with bolts


If a broken tank lets water through, this causes not only inconvenience in the operation of the structure. An additional cost item will be a large amount of leaking water. In more serious cases, such problems lead to a flood in the apartment.

Plumbing device

Before you fix a toilet that flows with a button, you need to deal with the entire device. The design of a conventional household toilet bowl consists of a bowl and a flush tank. The last device can be attached to the toilet step, mounted separately on the wall or walled in on a special frame.

The drain tank works according to this principle:

  1. when the drain button is pressed, the shut-off valve rises;
  2. water receives a free flow into the cavity of the toilet bowl;
  3. through evenly distributed holes under the rim of the bowl, the water flow washes the entire cavity along the perimeter;
  4. when all the water has left the tank, another valve opens, letting in pressure from the cold water supply pipe to the apartment;
  5. The level of collected water in the tank is regulated by a float.

Under the lid of the tank there is an armature of the entire device: a float to control the level of collected water, seals and levers for supplying and cutting off the water flow.

A shut-off valve is responsible for supplying water. It is attached to the way of connecting the hose for supplying water to the tank. The system of its work includes a float and a membrane.

Tanks with economical water consumption suggest the presence of two buttons in their device - for small and large drains. The mechanism of operation does not differ from standard tanks.

Preparing plumbing for repairs

At the first stage, the tap with the water supply to the tank is turned off. Depending on the built-in taps, it is possible to deprive the entire apartment of water or block the flow only to the tank. If the water constipation mechanism is damaged, then there is a risk of organizing a flood in the apartment.

At the second stage, open the lid of the tank. Here you need to carefully consider the existing latches. If the structure is broken out by force, then it will be difficult to find a similar cover (in plumbing stores they sell fully assembled kits, not individual components).

Before you start repairing a toilet bowl device that flows with a flush button, you need to prepare the necessary tools:

open-end wrenches of several sizes;

  • screwdriver;
  • pliers;
  • tape with an adhesive backing for insulation.

Elimination of a permanent leak

Any model of the tank is equipped with a system that collects water and a trigger. If the tank is not filled to the right level, water constantly flows into the bowl or even overflows over the top, then the problem lies in the systems for accumulating or draining water.

A possible problem lies in the pear, which does not fit snugly enough to the drain hole. In this case, a small load is hung on the pear.

Water does not enter the tank

This problem occurs when debris enters the narrow part of the valve device. First you need to drain all the water from the tank. Completely remove the valve with lever and float. Then you can see the clogged hole. Through this passage, water is drawn into the tank. Garbage can be cleaned with a thin wire or a sewing needle.

On the inlet fitting, the valve is slightly unscrewed and the inside is washed with a stream of water. If, after removing the blockage, the water flows without obstacles, then you can screw the latch back and assemble the entire mechanism.

Troubleshooting a push-button cistern

The tank button is responsible for lowering the water into the bowl itself. After the draining process is completed, the float remains at the bottom of the device. The stop valve also comes into this position, opening the hole for water to enter. As the water collects in the tank, the float rises. Under this action, the lever begins to move.

Rising to the desired level, the lever and the float device take a certain position. In this case, the shut-off valve tightly covers the outlet of the nozzle and the water stops collecting.

If the toilet cistern with a flush button on the lid is leaking, then you need to do the following:

  1. Locate the retaining ring located around the drain button.
  2. Press the button all the way in and unscrew the plastic stopper.
  3. Remove the cover and start repairing.

The locking devices of the buttons are made of plastic. Excessive mechanical impact on this element can lead to device failure.

Water can flow in a continuous stream and constantly flows from the installed tank to the toilet step with a button. In this case, you need to check the position of the float. To do this, open the tank lid and align the floating element.

Otherwise, water may constantly leak into the bowl due to an open hole in the drain pipe. You can check the version by clicking on the pear. In the event of a jet stop, the cause has been clarified. They solve the problem by weighting the pear - by hanging an additional load.

In the event of a failure of the rubber bulb in the shut-off valve device, the tightness of the entire tank structure is violated. The solution to the problem is to replace the damaged element. To do this, the float is brought to the upper position and fixed in this state. Unscrew the connecting nut from the container and remove the mechanism. Remove the worn pear from the valve and install a new one.

A new pear should be chosen as softly as possible. In this case, the dimensions of the products must match.

Check the fixing bolts for the pear.

If they have become unusable, then you should purchase new ones and install them.:

  • water is completely removed from the tank;
  • between the valve near the float and the liner there is a union nut that must be unscrewed and removed;
  • the ear-shaped latches of the tank to the toilet shelf are unscrewed;
  • slightly tilting the tank back, carefully remove the rubber connecting layer between the container and the installed toilet bowl;
  • remove damaged bolts;
  • the faience area under the pear is well cleaned of the formed plaque and dirt; the shelf and top of the tank are also washed out;
  • if an old pear is installed back, then silicone must be applied to its surface for a tighter connection with the hole;
  • all elements of the tank are installed in their place, and fixed with bolts;
  • the connecting cuff is installed in its place;
  • water is run into the tank several times in a row to fully check the result of the work.

If only one fixing bolt has become unusable, then you still need to buy both. These elements must be the same in structure and length.

Overflow problem

If a water leak through the overflow hole is detected in the tank, and restoring the position of the lever does not help, then check the condition of the fixing pins. An unusable element can be replaced with a piece of copper wire. The thickness of the broken and new elements must match.

If the hole where the pin was placed is no longer round, then the valve will have to be changed. It is important to purchase a completely identical new item.

As long as the toilet bowl works properly, we take it for granted. But any breakdown of this simple device can create serious problems. The continuous sound of running water keeps me awake. If you have a water meter installed, constantly flowing water from the tank will result in an increase in payment for cold water. The risk of flooding the neighbors living below you is also high. Fortunately, it's not difficult. Anyone can fix the breakdown or at least temporarily localize the problem before the arrival of a plumber.

Features of breakdowns and repairs depend on the model of the cistern. But there are mechanisms common to all models. We will look at the most common models and the most common problems.

Important! Before you begin any repair work on the drain tank, shut off the water supply through the inlet pipe.

1 type. Water does not enter the tank

The most common cause of this problem is clogging of the narrowest part of the valve. To solve the problem, release all the water from the tank and unscrew the valve along with the lever and float. You will see a narrow hole through which water enters the tank. Clean it with a needle or thin wire.

Slightly unscrew the valve on the inlet pipe and flush out the debris. If water flows freely, close the valve and install the valve with lever and float back.

2 type. Water flows all the time

Regardless of the model, the drain tank is equipped with a system for accumulating and draining water. If your water does not fill the tank, flows into the toilet, or, having filled the tank, overflows over the top, problems have arisen in one of the components of this system.

Consider the problem when the pear is not tight enough to the drain hole. To solve it, you need to weight the pear, how to do it - watch the video:

Troubleshooting a cistern with a button

When you press the cistern button, water flows into the toilet bowl. The float after the descent of the water sinks to the bottom. At this time, the valve that closes the water inlet is also lowered. Water enters the tank, the float gradually rises, setting the lever in motion. Having risen to a certain height, the float with the lever takes a position when the valve tightly closes the opening of the pipe.

The cover with one button is removed in the following order:

  • Loosen the retaining ring around the button. Don't push too hard - the rings are mostly made of plastic and can break.
  • Remove the cover and start repairing.

Advice! Be extremely careful when removing the reservoir cap. If you damage it, it will be extremely difficult to buy a new one.

If water does not stop collecting in the tank, one of two problems may be the cause.


Drain mechanism with a button is the most common

If the bolts holding the pear seat are destroyed, they must be changed.


Water from the tank flows through the overflow

The way to solve the problem will depend on the cause of its occurrence.

  • If the adjustment of the float arm does not work, check the integrity of the stud that holds it. Replace damaged pin with copper wire of the same thickness. Do not use steel wire, it is prone to corrosion.
  • If the pin hole in the plastic valve has changed shape from round to oval and is worn, remove the valve. Take it to the store as a sample size and model, buy a new valve and install it.

Repair of a drain tank with two buttons

Tanks with two buttons are made in order to be able to use two drain modes - full and economical. The fittings in such tanks are equipped with a membrane drain valve. If you press the economy mode button, the lever does not allow the valve cover to fall all the way down, and water is partially consumed.


Repair of a drain tank with a lower water supply

The most commonly used side water supply to the drain tank. But the branch pipe sticking out from the side does not look aesthetically pleasing. In order to hide the tubes, the bottom water supply method is used. This method is justified if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room simply does not allow the installation of a tank with a side supply.

Important! When with a lower supply, carefully check the reliability and tightness of the connections. Leaks in these areas are the most common problem.

There are several problems that are typical for tanks with a lower water supply:

  • The pressure in the water supply system is too low, and water constantly flows into the tank. This problem occurs if a diaphragm filling valve is installed. If the water pressure in the system is less than 0.05 MPa, it simply does not work. The best way out of the situation is to replace the diaphragm valve with a rod valve, the operation of which does not depend on water pressure.
  • The cause of problems with draining water or filling the tank may be hidden in the wrong position. None of its elements should touch the walls of the tank. Carefully inspect the mechanism and adjust its position.
  • Water through the overflow hole enters the toilet bowl if the height of the float position is incorrectly adjusted or violated. Tighten the adjusting screw and lower the float.

In case of serious damage to the drain tank, it is necessary to call a plumber. You may need to change the entire trigger valve. But at least for a while, you can fix most of the problems in this simple mechanism yourself.

Without such a plumbing device as a toilet, it is already difficult to imagine normal living in an apartment. Only, like any plumbing, it can also fail, and more often this happens very unexpectedly for residents. But you can fix a lot in it with your own hands without calling the master to the house. Adjusting, for example, the button to if it sinks or does not work at all, or completely replacing it with a new one is quite realistic and independently without the involvement of specialists, even for a person who does not have much experience in such work.

The device and principle of operation of push-button tanks

All drain tanks are structurally very similar, the difference is only in the mechanism for starting water. They are a container for storing water needed to drain after using the toilet. Equipped for work with fittings. Consist of:

  • filling valve;
  • float;
  • drain mechanism;
  • overflow protection.

The principle of operation of the drain tank is quite simple. When the float is lowered down, water enters through the filling valve, which is responsible for maintaining the liquid level in the tank at a certain level.

Drain tank with button

The float itself is attached to the filling mechanism and directs its work, rising when the tank is filled, and falling when it is empty.

Attention! In addition to the already familiar cisterns in which water is connected from the side, other types of devices are increasingly common today. In them, water is supplied to the tank below. They differ from devices with side connection in the presence of a membrane valve that regulates the water supply.

The drain mechanism is controlled manually using a button on the tank. It is equipped with overflow protection - a mandatory element of the tank, which is adjustable in height when a limit is set in the liquid level. When it is exceeded, it goes immediately into the sewer pipe, without pouring out of the tank.

Types of push-button flush mechanisms

The drain valve is connected to the button on the tank. When you press it, the water drains into the toilet. Drain mechanisms come with:

  • one button;
  • two buttons.

In the first option, when you press the button, the entire volume of liquid in the tank is drained into the toilet. The button in the second version is divided into two parts. When the small button is pressed, the water is not completely drained. And if you press the big one, it will pour out of the tank into the toilet in full. This separation allows you to save water in the apartment and not overpay for its excessive consumption when draining.

Toilet button malfunctions

Any item is designed for a certain period of use. So the service life of the button in the toilet also has its limits. But it can fail even earlier if the mechanism was originally made with inadequate quality. And if the button began to function poorly as a result of mechanical damage, it may be necessary to completely replace it with a new one.

Toilet cistern button mechanism

As a result of one or another malfunction of the drain mechanism, the button, when pressed, can:

  • sticky - you have to press the button more than once to drain the water;
  • fall through - the button drops when draining, as if falling inward.

Elimination of breakdowns and malfunctions

When the button sticks and the water needs to be pressed multiple times to drain the water, then the problem is most likely in the stem that connects the drain valve to the descent device. To fix this you need:

  • block the access of water to the drain tank and drain the one that is in it;
  • open the tank by removing the lid, then unscrew the retaining ring from the part of the button that is inside and remove it. After that, remove the button;
  • repair the stem or replace it with a new part;
  • after the repair or partial replacement of parts, assemble everything back.

Advice. If the stem needs to be replaced, but it is not possible to immediately supply a new part, you can temporarily replace it with a home-made element made from a piece of thick wire.

In the case when the button fails when pressed, one of the reasons for this may be a broken spring, which returns the mechanism to its original state. This will require replacement of the broken part. Another possible reason for the button to fail may be the wrong choice of its height when adjusting the drain mechanism. To eliminate this, you need to turn off the water supply, drain the one that remains, remove the lid from the tank. Then remove the drain valve. After loosening the latches, adjust the height of the glass, then assemble everything back and check if the system is working normally now.

Double push button for cistern

Replacing the button with a new one

Sometimes it happens that it is not possible to repair a damaged part, or it is no longer repairable. Then you may need to completely replace this button with another one. The new part must fully match the one that broke. If the desired option could not be found on sale, then the drain mechanism itself will have to be changed. To carry out work on replacing the button, you need to remove it with disconnection from the exhaust valve and install a new device. All work is best done with sufficient care so as not to accidentally break other fittings in the tank.

A flush button that sinks, fails, or doesn't work at all usually causes enough inconvenience when using the toilet. Therefore, you should not postpone the solution of such an important issue for a long time, especially since you can try to adjust the system, repair or replace the part yourself. If you can’t cope on your own, it is better to call a specialist to fix the problem.

Dismantling the toilet cistern lid: video

The toilet in every home is an element of everyday life, without which it is simply impossible to do. It is operated much more often than all other plumbing fixtures. That is why it fails more often than other devices. And its most vulnerable component is the tank, which consists of several internal components. Their mechanical damage, as well as careless handling of the tank are the reasons for the loss of this device of its performance. In the article, we will look at how to repair a toilet cistern with a button on our own, without calling a plumber team.

All drain tanks have a similar design. The difference is only in the mechanism of starting water.

Structurally, a toilet cistern with a button or two buttons, as well as a flush lever, can be represented as a set of interacting nodes:

  • filling valve. He is responsible for maintaining the water level at a certain level. The valve is controlled by a hollow float. When the water rises to the desired level, the float closes the water supply channel to the tank;
  • Plastic float attached to the filling valve. Works on the principle of a rocker, rising when filling the tank;
  • drain valve having an overflow system. Modern tank options involve controlling this valve by pressing a button. With manual control of the old-style drain, it is enough to pull the lever or chain to start water into the toilet;
  • overflow is a mandatory component of the tank. It is adjustable in height, thanks to which the maximum water level is set. When this level is exceeded, water flows through the overflow pipe into the sewer without spilling out through its walls.
The main structural elements and the principle of operation of the mechanism are the same for all types of drain tanks, only their execution differs

A tank with a mechanical drain is very simple to operate. Water enters it through the filling valve when the float is in the lowered position. After reaching a strictly defined level, the float shuts off the water supply. Drainage is controlled manually. If the tank is equipped with buttons, then the water is drained after pressing them. In this case, the drain valve partially or completely opens, passing water into the toilet. The float drops, slightly opening the filling valve.

The structure of the toilet flush tank with two buttons is a little more complicated, but you can use such a tank more economically. If you press one of the buttons, the water is partially drained. Full drain occurs when the second button is pressed.

Increasingly, you can find new types of tanks that have bottom water connection. It is advisable to install them if the use of lateral connection is not possible due to lack of space. The main difference between this tank is the presence of a membrane valve. Under the influence of water pressure in the pipeline, the valve opens slightly and allows water to enter. When the water rises, the float presses on the piston rod, which gradually closes the diaphragm valve. When the set level is reached, the valve closes completely.

Fittings with bottom water inlet and button control

Common faults

Drain malfunctions may well lead to the loss of the toilet bowl of its performance. For many, such a sudden breakdown can be a real natural disaster. In addition, no one will like the increased water consumption either.

About what it is and what types it happens, read in a separate material.

And how to choose and in what situations it is necessary, we told in another article on the site.

What kind of breakdowns are typical for drain tanks? We list them in order of frequency of occurrence:

1. Leakage of water from the toilet to the floor. Most often, water flows through the sealing ring located between the bottom of the tank and the toilet shelf. If the ring is cracked or warped, water will seep through it. Also, the place of leakage may be the gaskets of the mounting bolts with which the tank is attached to the shelf. They will have to be replaced if tightening the bolts does not work. And it doesn't matter if the cistern of an old-style toilet bowl is being repaired, or a modern system is being repaired. After all, they all have the same mounts.


Tip: When replacing gaskets and seals, it is recommended to lubricate them with liquid silicone to prolong their life and prevent cracking.

2. There is a constant flow of water in the toilet. Most often this is due to the overflow of the tank, in which water flows out through the overflow tube. This can happen due to a change in the height of the overflow, a loose fit of the float to the shut-off valve, and the loss of its tightness by the float. The rubber seal on the drain fitting may also be worn. Most often, the malfunction can be eliminated by adjustment. When the locking gasket is worn, it is desirable to replace the entire drain mechanism.

3. Starter malfunctions. If you are using a push-button water dispenser, water may not flow to the drain when the button is pressed. You can repair the fittings of the drain tank with your own hands, since, most often, the lever mechanism that connects the button to the drain breaks. This also applies to tanks with a handle or a chain.

4. Noisy tank filling. This happens due to the disconnection of the tube through which water is poured into the tank. This is typical for tanks in which water is supplied from the side. With a flown tube, the noise of incoming water will be clearly audible. To fix the problem, remove the top cover and install the tube on the fitting.

5. Water does not flow into the tank. Repairing a toilet cistern with a button or with other descent mechanisms in the event of such a problem comes down to checking the inlet to the cistern. It is necessary to remove the valve from the tank and clean the inlet with a thin steel wire and rinse it with water.

Tank repair with one button

Many people who are accustomed to old-style cisterns do not know how to fix a toilet bowl flush with a button. In fact, the differences between these systems are very minor. For many, the main problem is disassembling such a tank. Indeed, the button located on the tank lid requires careful handling during disassembly. But the device is very easy to disassemble.

The procedure will be as follows:

  • turn off the water;
  • empty the tank;
  • carefully unscrew the plastic nut near the button;
  • remove the cover.

Further actions depend on the nature of the breakdown. Breakdowns of a tank with a button can be as follows:

  1. Little water is drawn into the tank. Check float position and adjust.
  2. The water start button is stuck. This may be due to clogging of the button shaft. It is necessary to clean it, and set the button to its original position.
  3. Water does not go into the toilet when the button is pressed. Most likely, there was a break in the mechanism between the button and the drain valve. You can restore it yourself. If this fitting is broken, then you can use copper wire to replace it or replace the valve completely.
  4. Water flows through the overflow neck. Overflow height or float needs to be adjusted. The overflow is very easy to adjust. To do this, unscrew the union nut and set the desired overflow level.
  5. Water flows into the toilet from under the valve. The drain valve gasket may have worn out. It is best to replace the entire valve. To do this, unscrew the plastic nut at the bottom of the tank and remove the valve from its place. Install a new valve.

Note: It happens that the valve is loosely in place due to skew. Re-opening and closing it helps eliminate the problem of leakage.

Repair of a two-button tank

Economical water consumption adds popularity to such a plumbing fixture. And how to repair a toilet flush tank with two buttons? The principle of disassembling such a tank remains the same as that of the one-button version.

Typical breakdowns of a two-button tank:


Repair of a tank with a bottom water connection

A tank with a bottom water connection uses a membrane-type filling valve. This may cause a problem with filling the tank with low pressure in the water supply system. The water pressure may not be enough to squeeze the valve and fill the tank. If your system is constantly maintained at low pressure, then it is better to replace the diaphragm valve with a rod analogue.

Another common problem is water leakage at the inlet valve reservoir. Its location is such that the valve is constantly under water. With insufficient tightness of the connections, the presence of leaks is almost guaranteed.

Repair of the toilet cistern with a lower water supply is carried out after shutting off the water supply and removing the cistern lid. After that, the problem is fixed using the same algorithms that are described for repairing models with buttons.

We figured out how to repair a flush tank with a button, with two buttons or with mechanical control. They differ slightly, mainly in the design of the control mechanism. The general principle of operation and repair for all considered devices is the same.

The video shows the repair of the toilet cistern with your own hands, or rather, the process of replacing its fittings.

For a comfortable stay of a person, water supply and lighting of the room are necessary, as well as properly working plumbing devices connected to the sewer system. One of the most popular plumbing fixtures are the toilet and cistern. Currently, cisterns are most often equipped with buttons that are responsible for the smooth descent of water into the toilet. The toilet bowl button becomes unusable over time or requires repair. How to do this, read on.

Tank device with a button

The drain tank is a container that stores water for draining. For operation, the tank is equipped with elements. Toilet cistern device with button:

  1. drain mechanism. The device connected to the button is responsible for draining the water. In the lower part, the drain mechanism is equipped with a sealed membrane that protects against the formation of water leakage into the toilet bowl;

The drain mechanism can be equipped with:

  • single button. Descent of water occurs at the touch of a button. In this case, all the liquid from the tank enters the toilet;

  • dual mode button. The button with several modes of operation is divided into two parts: small and large. When using a smaller part, half of the liquid in the tank gets into the toilet. When the water is drained by the greater part of the button, the water is drained completely.

Using a button with two operating modes allows you to save cold water.

  1. filling valve responsible for the collection of water in the tank. The filling mechanism is equipped with a float that regulates the level of water in the tank. The mechanism may have:
    • lateral water supply. Most often found in Russian-made cisterns. A distinctive feature of the mechanism is the formation of noise when collecting water;

  • bottom water supply. When installing a valve with a bottom connection, it is important to achieve complete tightness of the connection.

All fittings installed in are interconnected. After pressing the button, the water is drained. In this case, the float of the filling valve sinks to the bottom of the tank and opens the inlet valve. Water begins to flow from the water supply and raise the float to the set level. When the container is full, the inlet valve will be automatically closed.

Button repair

The fittings of the tank may become unusable for the following reasons:

  • use of low-quality mechanisms. Professional plumbers recommend installing cistern fittings made by companies such as Cersanit, Vidima, Jika;
  • natural wear. Any device is designed for a certain number of years of use or number of flush cycles;
  • mechanical damage. Careless use may cause damage.

Button malfunctions and solutions

The most common button failures are:

  • "sticking" of the button, that is, the flushing of water occurs only after repeatedly pressing the descender;
  • failure of the button, that is, the button mechanism descends into the capacity of the drain tank.

Elimination of sticking

If the water is flushed after repeatedly pressing the button, then the malfunction is related to the rod connecting the drain device and the drain mechanism.

To fix the problem, you need:

  1. block the flow of water into the tank;
  2. remove the tank cover. To do this, first of all, the inside of the button is removed, and then the retaining ring located on the button is unscrewed counterclockwise and removed;

  1. the button is removed;

  1. stock is being repaired;
  2. the system is assembled in reverse order.

The stem is made of plastic. Therefore, repairs most often come down to a complete replacement of the product. For temporary troubleshooting, the stem can be replaced with wire.

Elimination of failure

If the toilet cistern button fails, then the causes of the breakdown may be:

  • incorrect setting of the drain device (insufficient button height selected);
  • failure of the spring that returns the button to its original position. The problem is solved by replacing the spring.

To set up the drain mechanism, you must:

  1. shut off the water supply to the container and completely drain the remaining liquid;
  2. remove the drain mechanism (the whole turns to the left until it clicks);
  3. press the clamps securing the glass;
  4. increase height;

  1. install the valve and cover;
  2. check if the problem is resolved and repeat the procedure if necessary.

How to adjust the drain mechanism is shown in the video.

Button replacement

If the listed actions do not help to eliminate the malfunction of the tank trigger, then the drain button needs to be replaced. You can work in the following way:

  1. remove the button, according to the scheme described in detail above;
  2. disconnect the button from the exhaust valve;
  3. install a new device.

The new toilet button must fully match the broken device. Otherwise, the drain valve will need to be replaced.

All troubleshooting work on the button must be done very carefully so as not to damage the rest of the fittings. If it is not possible to eliminate the breakdown on your own, then it is more expedient to seek help from specialists.