How to Fix a Broken Toilet Handle in 5 Easy Steps

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How to Fix a Broken Toilet Handle

Your toilet handle is one of the most important parts of your bathroom, but it’s also one of the most fragile. If your toilet handle breaks, it can be a major inconvenience. Luckily, fixing a broken toilet handle is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a broken toilet handle. We’ll cover everything from identifying the problem to replacing the handle. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to get your toilet back in working order in no time.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Remove the old handle.
3 Install the new handle.
4 Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Identifying the Problem

There are a few signs that can indicate that your toilet handle is broken.

  • The handle may not be able to move up and down. This could be due to a problem with the linkage between the handle and the flush valve, or it could be because the handle itself is broken.
  • The handle may not be able to flush the toilet. This could be due to a problem with the flush valve, or it could be because the handle is not connected to the flush valve properly.
  • The handle may be loose or wobbly. This could be due to a problem with the mounting hardware, or it could be because the handle itself is broken.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible. A broken toilet handle can make it difficult to flush the toilet, which can lead to problems with plumbing and sanitation.

To determine if the problem is with the handle or the flush valve, you can try to flush the toilet with the handle in different positions. If the toilet flushes when the handle is in the up position, but not when it’s in the down position, then the problem is with the handle. If the toilet does not flush at all, then the problem is with the flush valve.

Removing the Old Handle

Before you can replace the toilet handle, you need to remove the old handle. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
3. Remove the tank lid.
4. Locate the mounting screws for the handle.
5. Remove the screws and carefully lift the handle off of the tank.

How to Turn Off the Water Supply to the Toilet

The water supply to the toilet is usually located behind the toilet tank. It is a small, round valve with a handle. To turn off the water supply, simply turn the handle clockwise until it is all the way closed.

How to Remove the Tank Lid

The tank lid is usually held in place by two clips. To remove the tank lid, locate the clips and carefully pry them open. Once the clips are open, you can lift the tank lid off of the tank.

Locating the Mounting Screws for the Handle

The mounting screws for the handle are usually located on the back of the tank. There are usually two screws, one on each side of the handle.

Removing the Screws and Lifting the Handle Off of the Tank

Once you have located the mounting screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to drop the screws into the tank. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift the handle off of the tank.

Replacing the Toilet Handle

To replace the toilet handle, you will need to:

1. Align the new handle with the mounting holes in the tank.
2. Insert the screws into the mounting holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.
3. Replace the tank lid.
4. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Aligning the New Handle with the Mounting Holes in the Tank

The new handle should be aligned with the mounting holes in the tank. To do this, hold the handle up to the tank and make sure that the holes in the handle line up with the holes in the tank.

Inserting the Screws into the Mounting Holes and Tightening Them with a Screwdriver

Once the handle is aligned with the mounting holes, insert the screws into the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the handle.

Replacing the Tank Lid

Once the screws are tightened, replace the tank lid. Make sure that the lid is properly seated on the tank.

Turning on the Water Supply to the Toilet

Once the tank lid is replaced, turn on the water supply to the toilet. The toilet should now be able to flush properly.

3. Installing the New Handle

How to choose the right replacement handle

When choosing a replacement toilet handle, it is important to find one that is compatible with your toilet. There are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:

  • The type of toilet. Most toilet handles are designed for either a standard or elongated toilet bowl. Make sure to choose a handle that is compatible with the type of toilet you have.
  • The style of the handle. There are a variety of different styles of toilet handles available, including lever handles, push-button handles, and swing handles. Choose a handle that you think will look good in your bathroom and that is easy to use.
  • The color of the handle. Most toilet handles are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches the rest of your bathroom dcor.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a replacement toilet handle. You can find replacement handles at most home improvement stores and online retailers.

How to install the new handle

Installing a new toilet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the old handle. To do this, you will need to unscrew the two screws that hold the handle in place. Once the screws are removed, you can lift the handle off of the toilet.
3. Install the new handle. To do this, you will need to align the new handle with the holes in the toilet and then screw it into place. Make sure that the handle is tight enough so that it does not wobble.
4. Turn the water supply back on. Once the new handle is installed, you can turn the water supply back on.

That’s it! You have now successfully installed a new toilet handle.

4. Testing the New Handle

Once you have installed the new toilet handle, it is important to test it to make sure that it is working properly. Here are a few things to check:

  • The handle should be easy to operate. It should not be too hard to push or pull the handle, and it should not stick or wobble.
  • The handle should stop the water flow when it is pushed or pulled. When you push or pull the handle, the water should stop flowing from the toilet.
  • The handle should not leak. There should be no water leaking from the toilet when the handle is not in use.

If the new handle is not working properly, you may need to remove it and reinstall it. If you are still having problems, you may need to contact a plumber.

Replacing a toilet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily fix a broken toilet handle and get your toilet back in working order.

How do I fix a broken toilet handle?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the old handle. There will be two screws on the back of the handle. Unscrew these and the handle will come off.
3. Install the new handle. Make sure that the new handle is the same size and type as the old one. Attach the new handle to the toilet with the two screws.
4. Turn the water supply back on. Flush the toilet to make sure that the new handle is working properly.

What if the handle is stuck?

1. Try turning the handle in the opposite direction.
2. Spray some WD-40 or other lubricant on the handle and work it back and forth until it loosens up.
3. If the handle is still stuck, you may need to replace it.

What if the handle is broken off?

1. You will need to remove the old handle and install a new one.
2. To remove the old handle, you will need to unscrew the two screws on the back of the handle.
3. To install the new handle, you will need to attach it to the toilet with the two screws.

What if the handle is loose?

1. Tighten the two screws on the back of the handle.
2. If the screws are stripped, you may need to replace them.

What if the handle is making a noise?

1. The noise may be coming from the flapper valve. Try replacing the flapper valve.
2. The noise may also be coming from the tank bolts. Try tightening the tank bolts.

What if the toilet is leaking?

1. The leak may be coming from the flapper valve. Try replacing the flapper valve.
2. The leak may also be coming from the tank bolts. Try tightening the tank bolts.
3. The leak may also be coming from the water supply line. Try tightening the water supply line.

How do I prevent a toilet handle from breaking?

1. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the toilet.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the toilet.
3. Don’t overtighten the handle screws.
4. Replace the handle if it is damaged or worn out.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to fix a broken toilet handle. We have covered the different types of toilet handles, the common causes of a broken toilet handle, and the steps involved in repairing a broken toilet handle. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your own broken toilet handle.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • There are two main types of toilet handles: the flush valve handle and the tank ball cock handle.
  • The most common cause of a broken toilet handle is a worn-out or damaged flush valve.
  • To fix a broken toilet handle, you will need to remove the old handle, replace the damaged parts, and reinstall the new handle.
  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, you may want to hire a professional plumber to fix your broken toilet handle.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.