How to Easily Install a Toilet Lever (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Install a Toilet Lever

Tired of your old, broken toilet lever? Or maybe you’re just looking to give your bathroom a new look. Either way, installing a new toilet lever is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of installing a toilet lever, from start to finish. We’ll provide detailed instructions and images to help you along the way. So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about installing a toilet lever.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following materials:

  • New toilet lever
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag

Step 1: Remove the Old Lever

The first step is to remove the old toilet lever. To do this, you’ll need to locate the two screws that hold the lever in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the toilet tank, near the top.

Once you’ve located the screws, use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen them. Be careful not to drop the screws into the toilet tank, as they can be difficult to retrieve.

Once the screws are loose, you can carefully pry the lever off of the tank. Be careful not to damage the tank or the lever.

Step 2: Clean the Mounting Plate

Now that the old lever is removed, you’ll need to clean the mounting plate. The mounting plate is the metal plate that the lever is attached to.

To clean the mounting plate, use a rag and some penetrating oil. Be sure to remove any dirt, grime, or rust from the plate.

Step 3: Install the New Lever

Now it’s time to install the new lever. To do this, you’ll need to align the holes in the lever with the holes in the mounting plate.

Once the holes are aligned, you can secure the lever to the mounting plate using the screws that you removed in Step 1.

Be sure to tighten the screws securely, but don’t overtighten them.

Step 4: Test the Lever

Now that the new lever is installed, it’s time to test it. To do this, simply turn on the water to the toilet and flush the toilet.

The lever should move smoothly and the toilet should flush properly.

If the lever doesn’t move smoothly or the toilet doesn’t flush properly, you may need to adjust the position of the lever or tighten the screws.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Pliers, screwdriver, new toilet lever Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
Remove the old toilet lever by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place.
Apply plumber’s grease to the threads of the new toilet lever.
Insert the new toilet lever into the hole in the toilet tank.
Tighten the nuts that hold the new toilet lever in place.
Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
2 Pliers, screwdriver, new toilet flapper Remove the old toilet flapper by unscrewing the nut that holds it in place.
Apply plumber’s grease to the threads of the new toilet flapper.
Insert the new toilet flapper into the hole in the toilet tank.
Tighten the nut that holds the new toilet flapper in place.
3 Pliers, screwdriver, new toilet tank bolts Remove the old toilet tank bolts by unscrewing them.
Insert the new toilet tank bolts into the holes in the toilet tank.
Tighten the new toilet tank bolts.

Toilet levers are a common part of every bathroom, but they can also be a source of frustration when they break. If your toilet lever is broken, you may be able to fix it yourself by following these simple steps.

This guide will walk you through the process of replacing a toilet lever, from gathering your materials to reinstalling the new lever. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to fix your broken toilet lever like a pro.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Before you can start replacing your toilet lever, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

  • A new toilet lever
  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A rag
  • Penetrating oil (optional)

Step 2: Turn off the water supply to the toilet

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. There will be a valve that you can turn to shut off the water. Once you’ve turned off the water, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Remove the old toilet lever

Now that the water is turned off, you can start removing the old toilet lever. To do this, you’ll need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lever in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the lever off of the toilet.

Step 4: Clean the toilet valve

Before you install the new toilet lever, you’ll need to clean the toilet valve. This is to remove any dirt or debris that may be preventing the new lever from fitting properly. To clean the valve, you can use a rag and some penetrating oil.

Step 5: Install the new toilet lever

Now that the valve is clean, you can install the new toilet lever. To do this, you’ll need to align the holes in the lever with the screws on the valve. Once the holes are aligned, you can screw the lever into place.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply to the toilet

Now that the new toilet lever is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the toilet. Once the water is turned on, you can test the lever to make sure it’s working properly.

Replacing a toilet lever is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can fix your broken toilet lever like a pro.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a toilet lever:

  • If you’re having trouble removing the old lever, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the screws.
  • Make sure the new lever is aligned properly with the valve before you start screwing it in.
  • Test the lever to make sure it’s working properly before you turn on the water supply.

If you have any questions about replacing a toilet lever, you can always consult a professional plumber.

Additional tips for replacing a toilet lever:

  • If you’re not comfortable working with tools, you can hire a plumber to replace the toilet lever for you.
  • If you’re replacing a lever on a toilet that’s older than 10 years, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model. Newer toilet levers are often more durable and easier to use.
  • If you’re having trouble finding a replacement toilet lever, you can try looking online or at a hardware store.

How to Install a Toilet Lever

Installing a toilet lever is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully in order to ensure that the lever is installed correctly and securely.

Tools and Materials

To install a toilet lever, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver
  • A new toilet lever
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flat head screwdriver
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag

Step 1: Prepare the Toilet Tank

The first step is to prepare the toilet tank by removing the old lever. To do this, you will need to locate the two screws that are holding the lever in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the toilet tank, near the top.

Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the lever. Be careful not to drop the screws into the toilet tank.

Step 2: Apply Penetrating Oil

Once the old lever has been removed, you will need to apply penetrating oil to the threads of the screws that hold the new lever in place. This will help to prevent the screws from becoming stuck when you are tightening them.

Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the screws and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Step 3: Install the New Lever

Now it is time to install the new lever. Place the new lever over the existing holes in the toilet tank. Insert the screws through the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.

Be sure to tighten the screws until they are snug, but not so tight that you damage the threads.

Step 4: Test the Lever

Once the new lever has been installed, test it to make sure that it is working properly. Flush the toilet and make sure that the lever is able to raise and lower the toilet seat.

If the lever is not working properly, you may need to adjust the screws or tighten them further.

Installing a toilet lever is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that the lever is installed correctly and securely.

Here are some additional tips for installing a toilet lever:

  • Make sure that the new lever is the same size and style as the old lever.
  • If the old lever was attached with a nut and bolt, you will need to use a wrench to remove the nut and bolt.
  • Be careful not to drop any screws or parts into the toilet tank.
  • If you are not comfortable installing the lever yourself, you can hire a plumber to do the job for you.

    How To Install Toilet Lever?

Q: What tools do I need?

A: You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a tape measure, and a pencil.

Q: What is the first step?

A: The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or in the basement. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the old lever by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.

Q: What is the second step?

A: The second step is to install the new lever. To do this, you will need to align the holes in the lever with the holes in the toilet tank. Once the holes are aligned, you can screw the lever in place.

Q: What is the third step?

A: The third step is to turn on the water supply to the toilet. Once the water is turned on, you can test the lever to make sure it is working properly.

Q: What are some common problems with toilet levers?

A: Some common problems with toilet levers include the lever becoming stuck, the lever not working properly, and the lever breaking.

Q: How can I fix a stuck toilet lever?

A: If your toilet lever is stuck, you can try to fix it by using a lubricant such as WD-40. You can also try to loosen the lever by using a flathead screwdriver.

Q: How can I fix a toilet lever that is not working properly?

A: If your toilet lever is not working properly, you can try to fix it by replacing the gasket. You can also try to adjust the linkage between the lever and the flush valve.

Q: How can I fix a broken toilet lever?

A: If your toilet lever is broken, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to remove the old lever and install the new lever.

Q: Where can I buy a toilet lever?

A: You can buy a toilet lever at most hardware stores or home improvement stores. You can also buy a toilet lever online.

In this article, we have discussed how to install a toilet lever. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get the job done correctly.

We hope that this article has been helpful and that you now feel confident in your ability to install a toilet lever. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Toilet levers are an important part of your toilet and can help you to maintain a clean and sanitary bathroom.
  • Installing a toilet lever is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
  • When installing a toilet lever, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  • If you are not comfortable installing a toilet lever yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.

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.