How to repair a loose toilet handle

 

A loose or moving toilet handle can be annoying. A toilet handle that does not flush is even worse.

Fortunately, a loose handle is a minor problem that is usually easy to fix. Here's how to repair a broken toilet handle by tightening it or replacing it.

How to tighten the toilet handle

Close the lid of the toilet seat.

Prevent parts or tools from falling in.

Remove the lid of the toilet tank.

Use two hands because it may be heavy and place it on a flat surface where it cannot fall or break.

Shut off the water supply to the toilet.

The stop valve should be near the base, towards the back of the toilet.

Press the lever on the toilet tank to empty the water from the tank.

This allows easier access to the inside of the handle.

Find the nut of the toilet handle.

It is located inside the porcelain wall adjacent to the handle. This is probably the cause of the loosening of the toilet handle.

Tighten the toilet handle nut.

Use an adjustable spanner or clockwise pliers to ensure that the nut fits tightly. Do not over-tighten, as this could cause the porcelain tank to crack.

Press the handle of the toilet to test it.

If the feel and sound have improved, you are done. If not, read on to find out how to replace the toilet handle.

Turn the water supply back on.

Turn the shut-off valve anticlockwise to open it. The tank will fill up.

How to replace the toilet handle

Determine the hardware needed to replace the toilet handle. Most hardware shops sell universal toilet handles, but you may need a specific variety. Look up the existing brand, model and make to see which type of flush handle will work.

Close the seat, remove the tank lid, turn off the water and empty the tank. 

Look inside the tank and unhook the chain clip attached to the lever. This is a small chain attached to the inside of the toilet handle.

Remove the mounting nut. This is the same nut that you would have tightened in the first procedure described above. Use a spanner or pliers to unscrew the nut and remove it. 

Pull out the old handle. Once you have removed the nut and chain holding it in place, you can pull it out by hand. It may be necessary to tilt it a little to pull it out, but this is normal.

Unscrew the nut for mounting the new handle, but do not lose it. The nut may be made of metal or plastic.

Insert the new handle into the tank so that it matches the position of the old one. You will know it is inserted correctly when the handle is flush with the side of the tank. 

Secure the handle from the inside of the tank with the new mounting nut.

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