How to Flush a Toilet With a Broken Handle: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Flush the Toilet When the Handle Is Broken

There are few things more frustrating than a broken toilet handle. You’re trying to go about your day, but you can’t even use the bathroom because the toilet won’t flush.

If you’re faced with this situation, don’t despair. There are a few simple steps you can take to flush the toilet without using the handle.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of flushing a toilet with a broken handle. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future handle breaks.

So, if your toilet handle is broken, read on for all the information you need to know.

Step Instructions Image
1 Locate the toilet tank lid and open it.
2 Find the chain that is connected to the flush valve.
3 Pull up on the chain to flush the toilet.

How To Flush The Toilet When The Handle Is Broken?

Identifying the Problem

  • What are the signs that the toilet handle is broken?

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

  • The handle does not move when you try to flush the toilet.
  • The toilet does not flush when you push the handle.
  • The toilet makes a gurgling or bubbling sound when you push the handle.
  • The toilet overflows when you push the handle.

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your toilet handle is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced.

  • What are the possible causes of a broken toilet handle?

There are a few different things that can cause a toilet handle to break. These include:

  • Age: Toilet handles are made of plastic or metal, and both materials can eventually wear out and break.
  • Rust: If your toilet handle is made of metal, it can rust over time and become brittle. This can make it more likely to break.
  • Damage: If your toilet handle is damaged, it may not be able to function properly. This could be due to a fall, a sharp object, or another type of impact.
  • Misuse: If you misuse your toilet handle, it may break. This could include slamming the handle down too hard, or using it to open the door to the bathroom.

Finding a Temporary Solution

If your toilet handle is broken, you will need to find a temporary solution to flush the toilet. There are a few different ways to do this:

  • Use a plunger: You can use a plunger to flush the toilet by placing the cup of the plunger over the drain and pushing down and up quickly. This will create suction that will help to move the water in the toilet bowl and flush it.
  • Use a bucket: You can also use a bucket to flush the toilet by filling the bucket with water and pouring it into the toilet bowl. This will create enough water to flush the toilet.
  • Use a hose: If you have a hose available, you can use it to flush the toilet by attaching the hose to the faucet and turning on the water. This will create a strong stream of water that will help to flush the toilet.

Note: These are just temporary solutions. If your toilet handle is broken, you will need to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

How to Fix the Toilet Handle

If you are handy, you may be able to fix the toilet handle yourself. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the handle.
2. Locate the screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the back of the toilet tank.
3. Remove the screws and carefully lift the handle off of the toilet tank.
4. Inspect the handle for damage. If the handle is broken, you will need to replace it.
5. Install the new handle by following the steps above in reverse.

Note: If you are not comfortable fixing the toilet handle yourself, you can always call a plumber to do the job for you.

How to Replace the Toilet Handle

If the toilet handle is completely broken, you will need to replace it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the handle.
2. Locate the screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the back of the toilet tank.
3. Remove the screws and carefully lift the handle off of the toilet tank.
4. Remove the old handle from the toilet tank. The old handle will usually be held in place by a clip or a nut.
5. Install the new handle by following the steps above in reverse.

Note: If you are not comfortable replacing the toilet handle yourself, you can always call a plumber to do the job for you.

If your toilet handle is broken, you can either fix it yourself or have a plumber do it for you. If you decide to fix it yourself, be sure to follow the steps in this guide carefully.

How to Flush the Toilet When the Handle is Broken

A broken toilet handle can be a major inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With a few simple steps, you can flush the toilet and get on with your day.

Step 1: Find the shut-off valve

The first step is to find the shut-off valve for the toilet. This is usually located near the base of the toilet, on the wall or floor. Once you’ve found the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to the toilet.

Step 2: Flush the toilet

With the water supply turned off, you can now flush the toilet. To do this, simply press down on the flush lever or button. The toilet will flush normally, even though the handle is broken.

Step 3: Turn on the water supply

Once the toilet has flushed, you can turn the water supply back on. To do this, simply turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise. The water will flow back to the toilet, and you’ll be able to use it as normal.

Step 4: Replace the toilet handle

If you’re handy, you may be able to replace the toilet handle yourself. To do this, you’ll need to purchase a new handle and follow the instructions that come with it. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a plumber to fix the toilet handle for you.

Tips for Flushing the Toilet When the Handle is Broken

  • If you can’t find the shut-off valve, you can try turning off the main water supply to your home. This is usually located near the water meter, outside of your home. Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, you can flush the toilet and turn the water supply back on.
  • If you’re having trouble flushing the toilet, you can try using a plunger. A plunger can help to break up any clogs that are preventing the toilet from flushing properly.
  • If you’re not sure how to flush the toilet when the handle is broken, you can always call a plumber for help. A plumber can quickly and easily fix the toilet handle so that you can use your toilet again.

Getting a Permanent Solution

If you’re tired of dealing with a broken toilet handle, you may want to consider getting a permanent solution. There are a few different ways to fix a toilet handle, and the best option for you will depend on your budget and skills.

Option 1: Contact a plumber

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of fixing the toilet handle yourself, you can always contact a plumber. A plumber can quickly and easily fix the toilet handle for you, and you’ll be able to use your toilet again in no time.

Option 2: Replace the toilet handle yourself

If you’re handy and have some basic DIY skills, you can try replacing the toilet handle yourself. This is a relatively simple task, and you can usually find all of the necessary parts at your local hardware store.

Option 3: Buy a new toilet

If your toilet is old and in need of replacement, you may want to consider buying a new toilet altogether. This is a more expensive option, but it will give you a new toilet that you can enjoy for many years to come.

Cost of Fixing a Toilet Handle

The cost of fixing a toilet handle will vary depending on the method you choose. If you contact a plumber, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100. If you replace the toilet handle yourself, you can usually find a new handle for less than $20. If you buy a new toilet, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

Benefits of Getting a Permanent Fix

There are several benefits to getting a permanent fix for your toilet handle. First, it will save you time and hassle in the long run. You won’t have to worry about dealing with a broken toilet handle again. Second, a permanent fix will be more durable than a temporary fix. You won’t have to worry about the handle breaking again. Third, a permanent fix will improve the appearance of your bathroom. A new toilet handle will make your bathroom look more modern and stylish.

Preventing Future Problems

The best way to prevent future problems with your toilet handle is to maintain it properly. Here are a few tips for maintaining your toilet handle:

  • Keep the toilet handle clean. Wipe down the toilet handle with a damp cloth every few days to remove dirt and bacteria.

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How do I flush the toilet if the handle is broken?

1. Use a plunger. If the toilet is clogged, you can use a plunger to clear the blockage and flush the toilet.
2. Use a toilet snake. If the plunger does not work, you can use a toilet snake to reach into the toilet bowl and clear the blockage.
3. Call a plumber. If you are unable to clear the blockage yourself, you should call a plumber to fix the problem.

What if the toilet is overflowing?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will stop the water from flowing into the toilet bowl and prevent the overflow from getting worse.
2. Use a plunger to clear the blockage. If the toilet is clogged, you can use a plunger to clear the blockage and stop the overflow.
3. Call a plumber. If you are unable to clear the blockage yourself, you should call a plumber to fix the problem.

What if the toilet is not flushing all the way?

1. Check the water level in the toilet tank. The water level should be about halfway up the overflow tube. If the water level is too low, the toilet may not be flushing all the way.
2. Clean the toilet bowl. If the toilet bowl is dirty, the debris can block the drain and prevent the toilet from flushing all the way.
3. Replace the toilet flapper. If the toilet flapper is worn out or damaged, it can leak water and prevent the toilet from flushing all the way.
4. Call a plumber. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you should call a plumber to fix the problem.

How can I prevent toilet handles from breaking?

1. Install a quality toilet handle. Choose a toilet handle that is made from durable materials and is designed to withstand heavy use.
2. Use the toilet handle gently. Do not slam the toilet handle down, as this can damage the handle over time.
3. Keep the toilet clean. A dirty toilet can cause the handle to rust and break.
4. Replace the toilet handle regularly. If the toilet handle is worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to flush a toilet when the handle is broken. We have covered a variety of methods, including using a plunger, a coat hanger, and a bucket of water. We have also provided tips on how to prevent your toilet handle from breaking in the future.

We hope that this information has been helpful. If you have any other questions about how to flush a toilet with a broken handle, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.