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How to Fix a Broken Toilet Handle

Feb 19, 2022

How to Fix a Broken Toilet Handle

A toilet handle is the lever on the outside of the cistern that pulls up the flapper in the tank to allow water to flow into the bowl when you flush. This handle can malfunction when the flushing apparatus becomes weak or the chain that connects the handle to the flush valve gets disconnected. Having a broken toilet handle means you won't be able to flush your toilet, and this is one of the problems you don't want to experience. Fortunately, fixing a broken toilet handle is relatively easy, provided you have the right tools for the job.

In this article, we will outline the steps to follow to fix a broken toilet handle.

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

You’ll need a towel, a crescent wrench, and a replacement handle to complete this job. Ensure you buy a compatible toilet handle by checking the model name and number printed inside the tank.

Step 2: Open The Tank

Start with removing the tank lid to access the lift chain and the nut that holds the handle in place. If you have a porcelain tank, remove the lid with a lot of care because they tend to be brittle.

Step 3: Unhook The Lift Chain

The next step is to remove the lift chain. Inside the tank, you'll see a flush lever which is attached to a chain that lifts the flapper valve when you flush your toilet. Detach the lift arm from the chain. 

Step 4: Remove the Handle

Use a crescent wrench to turn the mounting nut that secures the flush handle. If the nut is reverse-threaded, you’ll need to turn it in a clockwise direction to loosen it. Be careful not to use too much force as you could damage your toilet tank. If the nut is rusted, apply some lubricant to make it easier to loosen the nut.

Step 5: Install the New Handle

Remove the nut and o-ring from the new handle, and then slide the arm through the hole in the toilet tank. After that, screw the nut back over the arm and tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten the nut.

Step 6: Attach the Chain

Complete the process by reattaching the lift chain to the flush lever and testing the handle to see if it's working correctly.

So there you have it. By following these steps, you should be able to replace a broken toilet handle without any hassles.

Are You in Need of Toilet Repair? Let Sunshine Plumbers Help You

Perhaps your toilet handle is broken, the toilet tank takes too long to fill, or the toilet is clogged. Whatever toilet problems you may be facing, you need to have them resolved as soon as possible to avoid unsanitary conditions and expensive repairs. If you're in need of toilet repair in your home, office, or business premises, call Sunshine Plumbers to help you out. At Sunshine Plumbers, we provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services to accommodate the needs of our customers.