Replacing a Broken Toilet Handle in Six Easy Steps

The flush handle/lever on your toilet lifts the flapper at the bottom of the toilet, causing the toilet to flush. These handles get a lot of use. After a while, they can become loose or broken and need to be replaced. Good news: replacing a broken toilet handle is a DIY plumbing project most homeowners can tackle on their own.

(NOTE: If the flush lever breaks, you can still flush your toilet. Remove the lid to your tank and pull up on the chain connected to the flush valve, or flapper, located at the bottom of the tank.)

Here’s how to replace your toilet’s broken flush handle in six easy steps:

Buy a Replacement Toilet Handle

You can buy a new toilet handle at just about any department or home improvement store. You can also purchase one online. Before you make your purchase note the mounting position and orientation of the handle.

Remove the Toilet Tank Lid

Once you have your new toilet handle, you’re ready to get started. The only tool you’ll need is a crescent wrench.

Remove the toilet tank lid and place it out of the way. Reach inside the tank and detach the lift handle from the chain/rod that connects it to the flush valve.

Remove the Broken Toilet Handle

Use your crescent wrench to remove the nut that holds the handle in place. You may have to turn the wrench clockwise instead of counter-clockwise to loosen it. That’s because most toilets have left-handed threads, which means they turn in the reverse direction of a typical nut. Once you’ve removed the nut, the old handle should come right out.

Install the New Handle

Remove the nut from the new handle. Place the new handle in position on the tank and then tighten securely fasten it with the nut. Reattach the flapper chain.

Make a Test Flush

You may have to adjust the length of the flapper chain to assure the proper operation of the new handle.

Oceanside, CA’s First Choice for Plumbing Repairs

Some plumbing problems have easy DIY solutions. Other problems, such as leaking pipes and malfunctioning water heaters, require the attention of a professional Oceanside, CA plumber.

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been delivering outstanding plumbing services to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. Our team of licensed Oceanside, CA plumbers have the training and tools to tackle just about any plumbing problem you may be experiencing:

• Plumbing leaks
• Clogged sinks and drains
• Running toilets
• Clogged, leaking, or broken toilets
• Damaged sewer lines
• Damaged indoor and outdoor water lines
• Damaged faucets and other fixtures
• Malfunctioning garbage disposal units
• Mold and mildew damage
• Flood damage
• Slab leaks
• Water pressure problems
• Discolored or foul-smelling water
• Water heater issues

Contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website, or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a call from an Oceanside, CA plumbing professional. Emergency plumbing services are available 24/7. In most cases, we can be onsite within an hour of your call.