How to Fix a Toilet Handle

If jiggling the handle doesn't solve the problem, i of these simple fixes probably volition.

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Time

An hour or less

Complication

Beginner

Cost

$20-l

Introduction

A toilet handle is a simple machinery — but a few things tin can malfunction. The fix is easier than you call back.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Teflon plumber'south tape

Troubleshooting The Problem

  • Kickoff by lifting the lid off the top of the toilet tank and peeking inside.
  • The nut that holds the handle onto the tank could be loose or too tight. Run across Footstep 1.
  • The threads on the nut or the handle housing could be stripped. See Pace ii.
  • The handle arm could be cracked or broken off. Run into Step 3.
  • The chain from the handle arm to the flapper could be disconnected or broken. See Stride four.

Project step-by-step (4)

Step ane

Loose Handle

  • If the handle is loose, tighten the nut and washer on the inside of the tank with a pair of pliers. Do not overtighten the nut. You lot could strip the threads or, worse, scissure the porcelain tank.
  • If the handle is stuck down in the affluent position, it may not be installed properly. Loosen the nut washer, reposition the handle so information technology is parallel with the pinnacle edge of the tank and re-tighten the nut.

lose toilet handle

Step 3

Handle Arm

  • Inspect the handle arm for defects, cracks or breaks.
  • If there are defects, replace the complete handle and arm assembly.
    • Pro tip: Before purchasing a replacement handle, note where your handle is mounted on the tank. There are several types: front mountain left, front mountain right, front mount universal and side mount.

Toilet Handle repair

Pace 4

The Chain

  • If the handle seems to be operating properly but the toilet still doesn't affluent, the chain connecting the handle arm to the flapper could be disconnected or broken.
    • Before working on the chain, empty the tank. To do this, close off the water supply valve and pull up on the flapper, letting the water drain.
  • If the chain is asunder from the handle arm, reconnect the chain from the flapper into the holes on the handle arm, using the concatenation hook. Get out a niggling slack in the chain.
  • If the concatenation is disconnected from the flapper, reconnect the chain to the flapper.
  • If the chain or the flapper is lacking, replace information technology.

toilet chain repair

Originally Published: September 29, 2022