Repairing Guides

how to repair flush handle on toilet

by Ayden Beer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Possible Causes & How to Fix

  • Handle. Take the cover off the toilet tank and locate the mounting nut of the handle. ...
  • Lift Arm. While still inside the tank, check the arm lever to see if it’s bent or needs some other kind of fixing.
  • The Chain. The length of the chain can significantly affect how the flush cycle occurs. ...
  • The Flapper. ...

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Toilet - Toilet Handle Replacement - YouTube
0:59
2:26
Disconnect the flapper chain from the flush handle and hook it over the toilets overflow tubeMoreDisconnect the flapper chain from the flush handle and hook it over the toilets overflow tube located. In the center of the toilet. Take an adjustable open end wrench and unscrew the tank lever nut.

Full Answer

How do you replace the handle on a toilet?

  • Shut off the water supply to the toilet tank. ...
  • Lift and remove the cover from the water tank. ...
  • Locate the lift chain hooked to the handle rod. ...
  • Unhook the chain from the handle rod.
  • Remove the nut that is attached to the handle, holding it in place. ...
  • Remove the handle and replace it with the new one. ...

More items...

How to fix a toilet that leaks without flushing?

Use a Piece of Toilet Paper

  • Cut about 10 sheets of toilet paper and fold them together into a roll.
  • Use a dry piece of cloth (or just toilet paper) to wipe dry the inside of the bowl and especially around the rim of the bowl.
  • Place and hold the toilet paper roll on the rim of the toilet bowl for about 10 minutes. ...

Why is my toilet handle not working?

This means you may have one of the following common issues:

  • Low water level in the tank
  • Faulty flushing mechanism
  • Broken handle
  • Flush link not properly connected

How to stop your toilet from running constantly?

How to Stop a Toilet from Running – 4 DIY Steps

  1. Check the Fill Tube. One cause of your issue could be the overflow tube. ...
  2. Adjust the Fill Height. The water level in the toilet is adjusted via the float. ...
  3. Adjust the Flush Handle / Flapper Chain. If the chain in your toilet tank is too short, the flapper won’t be able to close, which will cause the toilet ...
  4. Replace the Flapper. ...

How to remove a toilet handle from porcelain?

What does it mean when a flush handle is sticky?

Why does my toilet tank never spring back?

How does a toilet work?

What does a flapper do to a toilet?

Why won't my toilet handle spring back up?

What to do if your lever is bent?

See more

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How do you fix a toilet handle to flush?

To fix this issue, you just have to know how to adjust toilet flapper. To do this, adjust the chain length so there is only about ½ inch of slack. Trim the length of the leftover chain if it hangs down too far and interferes with any part.

Why does my toilet handle not come back up?

There's a small tab inside the handle mechanism that acts as a stop to hold the handle in the upright position. If the tab is worn or broken, the toilet handle won't stay up. To fix a toilet handle that won't come back up when flushed, you'll need to replace the handle.

Can you replace the handle on a toilet?

Replacing a toilet handle is a simple project that even a novice DIYer can take care of. In just a few minutes you can update the look of your toilet and bathroom with a new handle or replace a broken toilet handle that is wiggle-free.

Are flush levers universal?

Choosing a Toilet Handle Another way to get the type of handle you need is to purchase one from the manufacturer of your specific toilet. There are also universal handles that will fit almost any toilet, no matter what type of tank lever you currently have.

How do you fix a broken toilet handle chain?

0:331:46Toilet Repair : How to Use the Lift Chain Kit to Fix a Toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat open link will simply crimp right on to your flapper. And you'll take that assembly stick it onMoreThat open link will simply crimp right on to your flapper. And you'll take that assembly stick it on there. And use a pair of pliers to pinch that shut. And now you're ready to reinstall.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet handle?

Cost to Replace Toilet Handle Expect to spend between $50 and $120 to replace a toilet handle. Some toilet handle models have a low cost. For high-end models, you may pay up to $100. The toilet handle is responsible for lifting the chain connected to the flapper and flushing the water into the bowl.

Why does toilet handle stick down?

If the chain or wire is tangled, out of adjustment or contacting other components, the handle and lever assembly can stick, causing the flapper to remain open and toilet water to continually run.

Why is toilet handle hard to push?

If the chain is stuck, your toilet handle will feel more difficult to push. Make Sure the Chain is the Right Length. When you flush your toilet, the flapper or seal should rise (about 90 degrees). If the chain is too long, the flapper will only lift a tiny bit or not at all.

If jiggling the handle doesn't solve the problem, one of these simple fixes probably will

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Introduction

A toilet handle is a simple mechanism — only a few things can malfunction. The fix is easier than you think.

Materials Required

Start by lifting the lid off the top of the toilet tank and peeking inside.

Project step-by-step (4)

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 could strip the threads or, worse, crack the porcelain tank.

How to remove a toilet handle from porcelain?

It should be directly opposite the handle from inside the porcelain. Take an adjustable wrench and begin removing the handle by turning the nut clockwise. You should have unhooked the chain from the arm lever by now.

Why does my toilet tank never spring back?

Some of the reasons your toilet tank handle stays down and never springs back include; A stuck handle that doesn’t easily glide back up after a flush. A disconnected chain that doesn’t pull back the lever which in turn should raise the handle back. A failing flapper that causes the water not to refill to its maximum capacity, ...

How does a toilet work?

A properly working toilet works like magic. The moment you flush, water is released into the toilet bowl through the flapper valve as the ballcock valve opens to allow more water to refill the tank. Simultaneously, the handle should slowly get back into its upright position ready for another flush. But wait, it won’t spring back up after flushing.

What does a flapper do to a toilet?

The Flapper. Lastly, check the flapper that releases water to the toilet bowl once a flush has been initiated. This will be the last course of action before you call for plumbing services. The flapper will mostly affect the speed of the refill, chain inability move, or the flush size.

Why won't my toilet handle spring back up?

But wait, it won’t spring back up after flushing. More often than not, if the handle isn’t working as it is supposed to work, it means any of the toilet tank’s interior components is faulty. For instance, it could mean the chain is loose, disconnected, or too long. Basic inspection of the tank can lead you to where the issue is.

What to do if your lever is bent?

Don’t try to change that. If it’s wrongly bent, use the adjustable wrench or pliers to straighten it out. Check how the lever/ arm affects the flapper beneath.

What does it mean when a flush handle is sticky?

If the handle is sticky it means after the flush, the handle cant return smoothly as it’s gummed up. Remove every speck of dirt you see. Reconnect the handle and tighten the mounting nut by turning it counterclockwise. Don’t exert too much force.

How to remove a toilet handle from porcelain?

It should be directly opposite the handle from inside the porcelain. Take an adjustable wrench and begin removing the handle by turning the nut clockwise. You should have unhooked the chain from the arm lever by now.

What does it mean when a flush handle is sticky?

If the handle is sticky it means after the flush, the handle cant return smoothly as it’s gummed up. Remove every speck of dirt you see. Reconnect the handle and tighten the mounting nut by turning it counterclockwise. Don’t exert too much force.

Why does my toilet tank never spring back?

Some of the reasons your toilet tank handle stays down and never springs back include; A stuck handle that doesn’t easily glide back up after a flush. A disconnected chain that doesn’t pull back the lever which in turn should raise the handle back. A failing flapper that causes the water not to refill to its maximum capacity, ...

How does a toilet work?

A properly working toilet works like magic. The moment you flush, water is released into the toilet bowl through the flapper valve as the ballcock valve opens to allow more water to refill the tank. Simultaneously, the handle should slowly get back into its upright position ready for another flush. But wait, it won’t spring back up after flushing.

What does a flapper do to a toilet?

The Flapper. Lastly, check the flapper that releases water to the toilet bowl once a flush has been initiated. This will be the last course of action before you call for plumbing services. The flapper will mostly affect the speed of the refill, chain inability move, or the flush size.

Why won't my toilet handle spring back up?

But wait, it won’t spring back up after flushing. More often than not, if the handle isn’t working as it is supposed to work, it means any of the toilet tank’s interior components is faulty. For instance, it could mean the chain is loose, disconnected, or too long. Basic inspection of the tank can lead you to where the issue is.

What to do if your lever is bent?

Don’t try to change that. If it’s wrongly bent, use the adjustable wrench or pliers to straighten it out. Check how the lever/ arm affects the flapper beneath.

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