How to Flush a British Toilet

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Co-authored by Dave Jones

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

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Flushing a Toilet with a Lever

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Flushing a Chain-Pull Toilet

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Flushing a Dual Flush Toilet

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Q&A

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Tips

British toilets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of the older ones, especially those found in turn-of-the-century homes and Bed and Breakfasts, require a little know-how in order to flush them. In contrast, the newer dual flush models can be a bit tricky.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Flushing a Toilet with a Lever

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Though many countries have “squat style” toilets, British toilets are almost always designed for sitting. In this aspect, they are usually similar to other Western style toilets. ^{[1]
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Be sure that you push the lever as far down as it will go, but don’t hold it there for more than a second. Release it quickly after you feel it stop.

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If a single flush didn’t work, wait until the toilet refills itself, and try again. This time, try holding the lever at the bottom for a couple of seconds. Some older toilets require a bit longer for the tank to drain or fill.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Flushing a Chain-Pull Toilet

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Sit on the toilet, drop your waste, and then dispose of your paper.
Older British toilets often do not come with a lever. Instead, they have a chain, which is typically attached to the wall. ^{[2]
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Don't pull too hard or you may snap the chain or lever at the top. If the water does not flow, or flows very slowly, you may need to try a quicker movement. Don’t pull hard; just increase your speed a bit. ^{[3]
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Release the chain as soon as you hear or see water. The toilet will continue flushing. There is no need to hold the chain down, and doing so may cause the toilet to malfunction. ^{[4]
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- Should the toilet keep on running for more than a few minutes, flush again, and this time release the tension on the chain gently. (On a properly functioning toilet, you should be able to just let go, but older toilets may be in disrepair.)^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Flushing a Dual Flush Toilet

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Sit and relieve your bowels. Dispose of your toilet paper. Dual flush toilets are usually of a more modern variety.
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Locate the buttons on the top of the toilet. Look for signs that show you which button is which. Some dual flush toilets have decals that tell you how much water each button offers. Others will have larger buttons for the larger flush and smaller buttons for the smaller flush. ^{[6]
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- In some cases, dual flush toilets will have up-and-down levers instead of buttons. If this is the case, look for signs that tell you whether to pull the lever up or push it down (based on whether you have deposited liquids or solids). ^{[7]
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Push the appropriate button. You’ll need the smaller flush for liquids and the larger flush for solids. Be sure to push the button firmly, as far as it will go, but don’t hold it down for more than a second. ^{[8]
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- Dual flush toilets usually offer a .8 gallon flush and a 1.6 gallon flush. ^{[9]
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Ensure the toilet bowl is empty before leaving. If the toilet bowl is not fully clean, simply flush the toilet again.

Community Q&A

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Question

Do I need to shut the lid while flushing?

Community Answer

It does not matter if you shut it or not. You can if you please, but you do not have to shut the lid before flushing it. Closing the lid, however, does prevent germs spreading, so is recommended.

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Question

How do I fix a dual-flush toilet from continuously flushing?

Community Answer

If possible, lift the top of the cistern up. Sometimes this stops continuous flushing. However, you will not be able to do this in some public toilets where the toilet mechanics are hidden behind a panel.

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Question

I'm British, what is the point of this tutorial? Flushing the toilet is easy!

Community Answer

This tutorial is most likely for immigrants or tourists who are coming to Britain and perhaps have never even encountered a flush toilet.

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