What Is Toilet Handle And How To Fix Broken Toilet Handle?

A broken toilet handle can cause a problem that can inhibit the performance of your toilet. But what is a toilet handle and how do you fix a broken toilet handle? If you’ve ever experienced this issue, come on closer and let’s discuss how to fix this problem.

Your toilet handle will need replacement if it’s broken, rusted, feels loose, or difficult to handle. However, you may have other reasons why your toilet handle needs to be replaced – such as being plain or old-fashioned and improving the overall look of your bathroom.

Fixing a broken toilet handle is pretty straightforward and you can achieve this in less than 20 minutes once you have the right knowledge. So, continue reading to learn how to fix your broken toilet handle.  

What Is Toilet Handle?

When we talk about a toilet handle, we’re referring to the handle at the upper part of the toilet tank. When this arm is pulled or pushed, it brings about the flushing effect.

If you lift your toilet lid and take a peep into your toilet tank, you will see the toilet handle is attached to a long and thin arm. So, this toilet handle has a connection with the long thin arm that extends into the toilet tank. Once the end of the arm is pulled, the toilet chain releases the flapper and the toilet flush activates.

Common Problems Associated With Toilet Handles

Although toilet handles tend to have a long life span, you may still encounter some issues with it. Below we’ve listed the common problems associated with toilet handles:

• There is a nut that secures the toilet handle in place. Now, this nut may become loose or even separated as time goes on.
• In other situations, the lever can become corroded and even fall apart as time elapses.
• In extreme cases, the toilet handle can get broken and this will require a total replacement.

Now, let’s discuss how you can solve the above problems relating to toilet handles.

How To Tighten And Secure The Nut Of Your Toilet Handle

The nut holding your toilet handle may become loose. Simply tightening the nut can give a quick fix to this issue. Here’s how to tighten the nut of your toilet handle:

• Gently remove the tank lid of your toilet and turn off the water supply. Then flush the toilet so you can have an empty tank to work on.
• Next, you will need to locate the nut of your toilet handle. You can find this inside the tank part of where your toilet handle is attached to.
• With the help of an adjustable wrench or pliers, the nut should be turned in a clockwise motion. Aim to tighten the nut but don’t over-tighten it so you won’t damage the handle or toilet tank. As you’re tightening the nut, do some tests by pulling the handle to see if the handle isn’t loose. If it’s still loose, tighten the nut a bit more until it’s perfect.
• Then turn on the water supply and do the final test by flushing the final test by pulling the handle to flush the toilet.
• However, if the handle is still loose, then you may need to totally replace the handle.

Keep on reading for some tips on how to replace and fix your toilet handle.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Fix Your Broken Toilet Handle

Once your toilet handle becomes corroded or broken, a replacement is the best fix. Fixing your toilet handle is pretty easy and very cost-effective. Below we’ve outlined a DIY process to fix your broken toilet handle:

Step 1 – Assemble your working tools

The first step to replacing or fixing your toilet handle is to get your working tools. Get your adjustable wrench and a replacement toilet handle.

A new toilet handle kit should be purchased to successfully replace your toilet handle. The toilet handle kit should come with a flush handle, tank lever nut, and tank lever.

Step 2 – Empty the tank and lift the lid

Switch off the water supply and flush to keep the toilet tank empty for easy accessibility. The toilet tank lid should be lifted up and you can begin to work on it. In case you’re using a porcelain toilet, you should be extra careful when carrying the lid so you won’t break it.

Step 3 – Unhooking the lift chain

This next step involves unhooking the lift chain. Take a closer look into your tank and you should notice the flush handle connected to a long arm. This arm is connected to the chain that lifts the flush valve whenever the flush handle is pushed.

A crucial point is to ensure you take note of which hole the chain was connected to. This is so you don’t get confused because there are about 3 or even more holes in the arm. So, this ensures you return the chain right back to where it was when replacing it.

Step 4 – Handle Removal

The next step is to remove the old handle and you can do this with the help of a wrench. Because most toilet handles are left-handed, the nut will turn in the opposite direction to loosen it. So, you should turn the nut in a clockwise direction.

We recommend you do this process carefully so you don’t damage the porcelain. In case the nut is rusted, don’t force it to loosen it. Rather, put some lubricant like WD-40 and carefully work on the nut to loosen it.

Step 5 – Installing the newly purchased flush handle

Now, it’s time to install the new handle. But before that, we recommend you clean any rust stain inside the tank that may be surrounding the handle hole.

So, take out the nut from the newly purchased flush handle and slide the arm inside the hole from the front part. Then slide the new nut down the lever and use your hand to screw the nut. Don’t forget that it should most likely be left-hand threaded.

So, once you’ve fitted the nut with your hand, further use your adjuster wrench to tighten the nut. Take note not to over-tighten the nut so you don’t crack and damage your porcelain.

Step 6 – Chain reattachment

The next step is to attach the chain back to the hole where it was previously positioned with the old handle.

Step 7 – Testing

Then the final step is to do some tests to know how your newly installed flush handle is doing. So, put on the water supply and let the tank fill up. Flush the toilet a couple of times to see how the flush mechanism works.

Know that once the chain is too loose, it will be difficult for the tank to fully drain. Again, if the sealing is extra tight, it may cause the chain to inhibit the flush valve from seating well and this can cause constant leak. Do the right adjustment by switching to different holes to find the appropriate position for the chain.

Do another flush test to confirm the setup. So, once you’re satisfied with the installation and everything is in good working order, you can replace and cover the toilet lid.

Final Say

When it comes to fixing your toilet handle, it’s pretty easy to go about it. Even if you don’t have an issue with your toilet handle, you may just want to change the handle just to have a new face to your bathroom look.

Replacing your toilet handle is a simple job that won’t cost you much and you can find the proper info on how to do that here.