Fixing a Broken Toilet Handle in Oceanside, CA

Life can get really uncomfortable when your toilet handle isn’t doing its job. Fortunately, a toilet handle isn’t a very sophisticated mechanism. Fixing a broken toilet handle is a project most homeowners can tackle without too much difficulty.
The first step is to remove the lid from your toilet tank. That will let you see what’s going on inside. Don’t worry – the water inside the tank is clean, but you can drain it if you wish.

A Broken Chain

There should be a chain attached to your toilet handle. This is the flapper chain that connects to the flapper – the stopper located at the bottom of the tank. When you pull down on the handle, the chain lifts the flapper, causing the toilet to flush. If it’s become unclasped, all you have to do is reconnect it. If the flapper chain is broken or is too long or too short, you can find a replacement in the plumbing section of your local hardware store.

A Loose Toilet Handle Nut

Your toilet handle gets a lot of use. After a while, this can cause wear to the toilet handle mechanism. The handle can become loose, making it hard or impossible to flush the toilet.

In most cases, the toilet handle nut is to blame. All you need to tighten a loose toilet handle nut is a pair of adjustable pliers.

Locate the toilet handle nut. It is inside the tank wall next to the handle. If the nut is loose, use the pliers to gently tighten it to a snug fit. Don’t use too much pressure – you could damage the nut.

Once you’ve tightened the nut, take a test flush to make sure the problem has been resolved. You may have to loosen or tighten the nut to ensure the handle functions smoothly.

A Broken Toilet Handle

If the handle is broken or damaged, you’ll need to replace it. Before you get started, you’ll need to buy a replacement toilet handle. Make sure you choose the right one. There are five types of toilet handles:

• Front-mount handle
• Side-mount handle
• Angle-mount handle
• Extended long reach cistern lever handle
• Universal toilet lever

Most hardware stores that sell plumbing supplies have a wide selection of toilet handles, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding the one you need.

To replace the toilet handle, first, unclasp the clapper chain. Remove the mounting nut. Pull the old handle out.

Place the new handle into position. Secure the new handle using the new mounting nut. Reattach the clapper chain. If you did it right, the toilet should flush easily. If you’re still experiencing problems, you may need to make some adjustments.

Your First Choice for Reliable Plumbing Services in Oceanside, CA

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been providing reliable plumbing services to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. Our team of expert, licensed Oceanside plumbers have the experience, expertise, and equipment to tackle just about any plumbing problem.

Experiencing a plumbing emergency? Contact us 24/7 through our website or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a call. In most cases, one of our plumbers can be onsite and at work within an hour of your call.