Toilet handles are one of the commonly used parts of a toilet. The frequency of use means the handle may break or become loose at some point. Addressing this problem can be done DIY, or you could save time and energy by calling on H&A Brooklyn Plumbing | Expert Plumber for Toilet Repair. If you’ve chosen to repair the loose toilet handle yourself, you’ll need a comprehensive guide to walk you through the steps.
Below is a step-by-step guide taking you through the repair process.
Fixing a Loose Toilet Handle
Step 1: Close the toilet seat cover
The very first and obvious step is to close the toilet seat cover. This ensures that your tools do not fall into the toilet bowl while working. It also gives you enough space to work on the toilet handle, which is now loose and non-performing.
Step 2: Remove the toilet tank cover
The toilet tank cover is a fragile material that should be removed and placed safely in a secure area. Ensure that the toilet tank cover is placed on a flat and even surface for balance. Remember that it is made of porcelain and can break easily.
Step 3: Turn off the water supply
After removing the toilet tank cover, shut off the water supply valve serving the toilet tank. The supply valve should be on the side of the toilet itself. Once shut off, you should notice a stop in the water flow into the tank. If the water flow hasn’t stopped, chances are high that you’ve shut off the wrong valve.
Step 4: Flush the toilet
Flushing the toilet can raise germs into the air, which is one reason your toilet seat cover should be closed. By flushing, you’re effectively removing the water volume in the tank and allowing more space to work on the loose handle. If the loose handle doesn’t flush the toilet, pull the mechanism wherein the handle is connected to arrive at the same outcome.
Step 5: Find the toilet handle nut
It is often located on the inside of the toilet tank, just on the other side of the loose handle. It is usually made from plastic to protect the porcelain material from which the tank is made. Once located, get out your wrench and get to work tightening it. Please be advised that reasonable force should be applied to avoid over tightening the nut and breaking the toilet tank.
Step 6: Assess the outcome
Now that it’s tightened, operate the once loose toilet handle to see whether it’s been restored or not. If it’s still loose or mildly loose, retry step 5 again until you’re confident and satisfied.
Step 7: Restore all parts
Now that you’re done tightening your toilet handle, restore everything to how it was before your DIY experience. Start by turning on the water inlet valve supplying the toilet tank, then replace the tank lid as carefully as possible. You can then open the toilet seat. Take an immediate test by flushing the toilet to test the handle and how tight it has become.
How to Replace a Toilet Handle
Sometimes, the problem is beyond a loose toilet handle; you may find that the handle is damaged from the inside. This means you’ll have to replace it to get the most out of your toilet in the coming days, weeks, and months. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your toilet handle.
Step 1: What type of toilet handle do you need
There are different toilet handles on the market. The key to a successful replacement task is to secure the right replacement part for your toilet tank. You can streamline your search based on the toilet’s brand name.
Step 2: Go over steps 1 – 4 above
Ensure the toilet seat cover is closed to prevent tools from falling into the toilet bowl. Shut off the toilet’s water inlet valve, carefully remove the toilet tank cover, and flush the toilet to empty its tank.
Step 3: Loosen not Tighten
Unlike fixing the loosened toilet handle, start by unclasping the chain clip connecting the handle to the flush mechanism. Proceed to unscrew the handle’s nut from the inside using your wrench.
Note: Always turn counterclockwise to loosen and clockwise to tighten.
Step 4: Remove and replace
If you’ve done step 3 above correctly, your old toilet handle should have come off easily. Replace with the new handle, screw it shut, and reconnect the chain to the flush mechanism. Once done, test the flush handle to be sure it is rightly connected and activate the flush mechanism.
Step 5: Restore all parts
You can now restore all parts, replace the tank cover, turn on the water inlet valve, and flush your toilet.
If you don’t see yourself having the time to do any of these, contact a plumber nearest to you for help.
