How to Quickly FIX a Running Toilet with push button, by Fix it with Fowler on YouTube. 8 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water supply to the cistern, usually a valve on the pipe below or beside it. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern.
Remove the push button. On most dual flush buttons, twist the outer ring anticlockwise or press the two side clips and lift the button out.
Lift off the cistern lid and set it down somewhere safe. Look inside and find the flush valve, the large unit in the middle with the button rod on top.
Check the water level. If water is flowing over the top of the overflow or fill valve, adjust the float so the level sits below it.
Lift out the flush valve. Twist it anticlockwise or release the side clips, then pull the whole unit up and out of the cistern.
Inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of the flush valve. Remove any grit, limescale or hair, and wipe the seal and the outlet seat clean with a cloth.
If the seal is worn or split, fit a new flush valve washer or a universal dual flush replacement valve.
Refit the flush valve, line up the button rod, and replace the cistern lid and push button.
Turn the water back on and let the cistern fill. Flush once and watch the pan to confirm the water stops running.
Tips and common mistakes
Most running push button toilets are caused by a dirty or worn seal, so clean it before buying parts.
Hold the button rod straight when refitting the valve so the button lines up and does not stick.
If the water still runs after cleaning, replace the whole flush valve rather than just the washer.
Questions
Why does my push button toilet keep running into the pan?
The rubber seal at the bottom of the flush valve is not closing fully, usually because of grit, limescale or a worn washer. Cleaning or replacing it normally stops the flow.
Do I need to turn the water off first?
Yes. Turn off the supply and flush the cistern empty before removing the button and valve, so you do not flood the bathroom.
Can I fix it without buying any parts?
Often yes. Cleaning the seal and the outlet seat fixes many running toilets. If the rubber is split or hardened, you will need a new washer or valve.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
