How to Fix a Broken Toilet Handle

Things You Need:

Before beginning the repair, make sure you have all the tools and materials necessary on hand.

• Towel –

You’ll need a towel to lay the lid of the toilet tank on while repairing the handle.

• Crescent Wrench –

A crescent wrench is necessary to remove the nut that secures the handle to the toilet.

• WD-40 –

WD-40, or a similar lubricant, may be necessary if it is too difficult to remove the nut with your wrench.

• Replacement Toilet Trip Lever –

The replacement part you buy at the hardware store is called a ‘toilet trip lever.’ Be cautious when purchasing your replacement: the length and angle of the arm, the style and finish of the handle, and its placement on the tank must match your previous handle.

• Soap –

Soap is necessary to clean off rust and mildew from your toilet tank.

• Scrub Brush –

You will use soap and a scrub brush to scrub the tank before you install the new handle.

• Open the Tank

The toilet handle is connected to several other parts of your toilet, all of which are in the tank. So, the first step to fixing your toilet handle is to open the tank. After removing the lid of the tank, gently place it on a towel in an area far removed from your workspace. You don’t want to accidentally step on the lid and crack the porcelain. After removing the lid, make note of any model names and numbers printed inside the tank, as well as the brand of the toilet. This information is crucial when you’re buying a replacement handle.

• Unhook the Chain

Next, unhook the chain. The handle is connected to a long arm, which is in turn linked to a chain that lifts the valve. What you need to do is unhook the clasp that connects the chain to the arm

• Remove the Old Handle

To remove the old handle, you need a crescent wrench. In most toilets, the nut that secures the handle to the tank has left-handed threads. That means it turns in the opposite direction of a normal nut. If the nut is sticking or is rusted, apply WD-40 or another lubricant to the area. Once you have loosened the nut, remove it by hand and pull the arm through the hole on the front of the tank.

• Attach the New Handle

Before attaching the new handle, clean the hole in the tank with a soapy scrub brush. Removing all mildew and rust will extend the life of your new handle and arm. To attach the new handle, insert the arm through the hole, then hand-tighten the nut onto the arm.
Use the crescent wrench sparingly: if you tighten the nut too much it could crack the porcelain.

• Attach the Chain

Finally, clip the chain to the arm. Then, flush the toilet a few times to make sure it fills and drains properly.