The actuator button is a common feature in older standard toilet models. This button regulates how the water flows from the toilet tank into the bowl. If you’ve seen a flapper valve in modern toilets, these parts are similar to the function of the actuator. The actuator functions by determining the proper amount of water to flow from tank to bowl. Without this piece, the toilet tank will let too much water flow into the bowl, running risk of overflowing and costing you precious money is raised water bills.
Actuator Button: What is it? What does it look like?
The actuator is designed with the “button” as well as a tube that attaches with a hinge. This main tube runs into the toilet’s mechanics and connects into a smaller secondary tube. At the bottom of the secondary tube is a seal that stops up the drain. Similar to the way a plug works in a bathtub, this drain seals the flow points in the tank to ensure that when the water has reached a certain drainage amount, the tank is sealed off. It is important to change the rubber drain every few years, as the drain will begin to erode and can cause water leaking with or without flushing.