How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle?
Your serenity may be disturbed by a toilet handle that is not securely fastened. When the toilet in question does not flush, the problem may become much more severe. Is your toilet handle loose? In such a case, you are not the only one. This issue affects a great number of people at some point in their lives. To our relief, there is a simple solution.
Keep in mind that we are ready to assist you in completing any of these stages if you find that you are unable to do so on your own. Our highly trained and experienced staff at Rick’s Plumbing is always ready to help our customers in any way they need. No matter what caused your toilet handle to go loose, we will quickly tighten it for you.
How to Tighten a Toilet Handle
Put the cover back on the toilet seat.
1. This prevents the lid from getting in the way, as well as any tools or components from falling into the bowl of the toilet.
2. Take off the lid of the toilet tank.
Perform this action using both hands, then set it down on a level surface. If your tank is constructed of porcelain, you need to avoid dropping it at all costs so that it doesn’t crack.
3. Remove the water supply cap from the tank of the toilet.
Behind the toilet, in close proximity to the floor, is often where one will find the shut-off valve. To stop the flow of water, turn the knob or handle so that it faces clockwise.
4. Empty the holding tank by flushing the toilet.
Perform this action so that you can easily access the handle and see what you are doing at the same time.
5. Find the nut that attaches the toilet handle.
Most of the time, a loose toilet handle can be traced back to the nut that secures it. It may often be found on the underside of the handle that is located inside the tank.
6. Utilize a wrench to turn the nut on the toilet handle till it is snug.
Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, turn the nut clockwise until it is tight. Take care not to overtighten the screw, as this might cause the handle or the tank to get damaged.
7. If the handle is still wiggle-worthy, go back and redo steps 5-7 until it is secure. If it makes you feel better, you should be commended.
8. Activate the water supply for the toilet by turning the water on.
By simply rotating the handle of the shut-off valve counterclockwise, you may refill the tank with water.
9. To ensure that the handle is working properly, flush the toilet.
If everything goes smoothly, then your task here is over. If the handle is still loose after trying these solutions, there may be another issue. Don’t give up hope; either contact Rick’s Plumbing for assistance or replace the handle on your toilet by following the directions in the next section.
How to Replace a Toilet Handle
1. Be familiar with the many types of toilet handles available.
Check the brand name, model, and company that made your toilet by looking at the handle. If you can’t find the information, you should be able to get a universal flush handle from a hardware store in your area.
2. Perform steps 1–4 outlined in the previous section.
Put the cover back on the toilet seat, take off the lid of the tank, turn off the water supply, and then flush the toilet.
3. Remove the clasp from the chain clip
You will find the handle for the flushing mechanism within the tank of the toilet, along with a chain or wire connecting it. One end of the chain is attached to a flapper valve, and the other end is disconnected. The clip that maintains the chain’s position is referred to as the “chain clip.” Remove the clip.
4. Take the mounting nut from the bracket.
Do you remember the nut we told you to turn in a clockwise direction in the last paragraph? So this is the end of it. To take it off, use a wrench and spin it in the opposite direction as the clock. The handle of the flush and any related pieces should be easy to remove. If not, tug on it firmly while remaining gentle.
5. Take the old grip off the door.
If you were successful in removing the chain and nut, the old handle should come off without any effort on your part. If it is stuck, you might have to tilt it or use pliers to get it unstuck.
6. Remove the mounting nut from the new handle by unscrewing it.
Typically, this will be found on the bottom of the handle. Unscrew it and store it somewhere secure so that you don’t end up losing it.
7. Screw the new mounting nut onto the mounting bracket.
Hand-torque the new mounting nut until it is securely fastened. Do not overtighten the screw, since this might cause the handle to become damaged.
8. Place the new handle inside the tank’s corresponding hole.
Put some light pressure on it, and keep going until it’s snug. If you have a universal handle, the shaft may need to be trimmed in order for it to fit properly.
9. Reestablish the link in the chain.
The new handle should have one end of the chain or wire attached to it, and the other end should be attached to the flapper valve. It is important to leave sufficient slack in the chain so that the chain is not pulled too tightly when the toilet is flushed.
10. Make sure the water supply is turned on.
By simply rotating the handle of the shut-off valve counterclockwise, you may refill the tank with water.
11. After installing the new handle, test the toilet by flushing it.
If everything goes smoothly, then your task here is over. Congratulations!
