Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for a “dodgy half flush.” You’re spot on about the gunked-up buttons - sometimes it’s just a bit of soap scum or limescale making everything stick. But here’s something weird I’ve noticed: if the water level in the cistern is even a little low, the half flush just doesn’t have enough oomph. Some folks try to save water by adjusting the float too low, but then you get that weak flush that barely does anything.

I’m with you on Fluidmaster being less fiddly, though I’ve had one or two Geberits where the cable stretched over time and needed replacing. Not a huge deal, but it threw me for a loop the first time. Also, sometimes those universal kits claim they fit “every cistern,” but there’s always that one oddball tank where nothing lines up right.

Trial and error sums it up. Sometimes you fix one thing and three more pop up... toilets are sneaky like that.

Had the same issue when I tried lowering the float to save water - ended up flushing twice every time, which kinda defeats the point. I’ve also found some half flush buttons just get sticky over time, no matter how much I clean them. Toilets really do have a mind of their own...

Yeah, lowering the float can backfire pretty quick. I’ve seen folks try to save water that way, but then you’re just stuck with weak flushes and, like you said, double flushing. Half flush buttons are notorious for sticking too - sometimes it’s just cheap plastic parts inside wearing down, not even dirt or grime. I’ve replaced a bunch of those mechanisms over the years. Honestly, some of these dual flush setups are more trouble than they’re worth... sometimes the old single lever just works better in the long run.

I totally get what you mean about the dual flush setups being more hassle than they’re worth. I thought I was doing the “green” thing by getting one, but honestly, I’m always worried it’s going to leak or just not work when I need it. The half flush barely clears anything, and then I’m stuck using more water anyway. Has anyone actually found a model that’s reliable long-term? Or is it just better to stick with the old-school single lever and not risk a bathroom disaster?

Half flushes really are hit or miss. I’ve installed a couple brands over the years, and honestly, only one (Toto) has held up without constant fiddling. Most of the cheaper ones just don’t have enough power. Sometimes I wonder if the water savings are worth the hassle, especially when you end up double flushing anyway. If you’re not set on dual flush, a good single lever with a modern low-flow tank can be just as efficient and way less finicky.