Constantly flushing toilet - change cistern?

ashcarrot

I have three toilets and two of which my housemates seem to find a way to break so that they constantly flush.. being on a water meter it does my head in, especially as im paying the bill.

Its a top button dual press thingy. I believe its a "drop valve" having opened it up but i dont know alot about em. (two buttons internally which are screwed into the buttons above.) ... meaning i have to unscrew the top before lifting the lid. I had a look on interflush.co.uk and see they have something called a siphon valve thingy is that what i want (I've only seen push lever ones so far)? Is there any disadvantage oh this over the drop valve (else why aren't they fitted as standard) and will they deffo not constantly flush / mess up... I want to go away or out at night without having to worry about them breaking it yet again and getting a huge bill as a result.

Or any other suggestions ?

withabix

New innards is all you need. About £20 from B&Q.

The newer 'push button' types seem to be more reliable than the ones from a few years ago. Saynig that, the last one was 7 years old when I replaced it.

missile

I find these are temperamental and a !!!!!! to fit and adjust.

As reported you only need to adjust/repair/replace the inards.

Lorian

Depends on the make and model to get parts.

If you are going to replace the whiole thing then try screfix for drop valves or one of these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/51173/Plumbing/Toilet-Fittings/Fluidmaster-Cable-Dual-Valve

If you replace the whole valve you will need to uncouple the cistern from the pan (assuming its closed coupled) and reconnect. This is easy enough to do but you'll probably want a new rubber donut seal.

Better prices than B&Q.

ormus

it might just be the button system. they are not the most reliable of things. cheap and cheerful usually.
they can stick and hold the flap valve open.