How to fix toilet handle

Índice Show

My toilet won’t flush
Drainage issues
Check the water level in the tank
How to fix a toilet flushing mechanism
Check for a broken toilet flush handle
How to fix a toilet flush handle
Check if the link is connected
My toilet still won’t flush

Are toilet handles universal?

There are universals out there. Even if your replacement handle isn't perfect though, it's pretty easy to get one to sit in place. If you're really worried, take your old handle to the store with you and look for a comparable model.
Is this something you need a contractor for?

No. Even if you've never fixed a thing in your life, this one shouldn't be especially difficult. There are very few steps involved, and it doesn't require any tools.
What happens if the chain keeps getting caught in the flapper?

Your chain isn't hooked up at the right height. Look at the tank's lever. There should be multiple holes in there. Try moving the chain up a few holes. Eventually, once you find the right hole, your chain will be tight enough where it won't catch in the flapper, but with enough slack where you can move the handle freely with a light resistance.
Why does my toilet leak around the outside of the handle?

You might have a bad or loose washer, or a cracked tank. The water level might also be too high. You can adjust that by changing the float's position.
The lock nut is plastic, but it won't budge. How do I safely remove it?

The nut has left-hand threads, so you have to turn it in the opposite direction of a regular nut to loosen it.
What adjustments can be made to a chain to get a good flush?

The chain may be adjusted too long, which could be allowing the flapper to drop back too quickly. Try shortening the chain so it raises the flap higher when the handle is pressed. There should still be a little slack in it when at rest.
What do I do if the chain on the handle is broken?

Get another chain from your local hardware store.
How do I adjust a toilet's float?

Turn the float ball clockwise to raise the water level, and turn it counterclockwise to lower the level. If you have one without a ball, there is a Phillips head screwdriver on top of the water input valve that you can turn (using the same directions above).
Can you remove and reuse a toilet flush handle with a new trip lever arm?

Yes, but make sure your flush handle is compatible with the new trip lever arm.
The lock nut is corroded onto the tank. I can't get it off to change the handle. What can I do?

You can use WD 40 and a channel lock pliers or a 1” wrench or a hacksaw. Hold the handle with a rag to keep it still and using your wrench or pliers, turn the nut counterclockwise to remove. (Unless you are standing behind the toilet!) Keep turning bit by bit, pausing for more oil spray every few turn attempts. It takes patience to remove.

Turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve, which is usually located near the left side of the toilet tank, where the water supply pipe comes up through the floor or out from the wall. If you don't have a shutoff valve near the toilet, don't worry about it: you can easily fix this problem without shutting the water off at all, though you will get your hands wet. Don't worry; the water in the toilet tank is fresh.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Flush the toilet to empty the tank of water. Unhook the chain from the flush arm. There is usually a small clip that hooks onto the arm.

With the flush arm in the down position and the flapper at rest on the flush valve, pull the chain straight up so there is no slack, and align the chain with one of the holes in the arm. Pinch the chain link nearest this hole.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Place the chain hook onto the pinched link on the flush chain. The hook will provide a small amount of slack for the chain, which will ensure that the flapper will seat firmly over the flush valve.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Check the slack in the chain when you operate the toilet handle. When the handle is depressed, the flapper should lift into a nearly vertical position so you can see the bottom of the flapper. When you release the handle, the flapper should settle down into the flush valve, with just a small amount of slack in the chain.

Note: If the extra chain is long enough to get stuck under the flapper, cut off some of the excess with wire cutters.

Turn the water back on (if you turned it off). Let the tank fill back up and test your work. If the handle is still sticking, you can take more slack out of the chain. Don't worry if it takes a little trial and error to find just the right amount of slack.

If the flapper still gives you problems, simply replace it with a new one that fits your flush valve. Flappers cost only a few dollars and are sold at all home centers. Be sure to replace the old chain, too, as these eventually corrode and can break. Typically, when you purchase a new flapper, a chain is included in the packaging.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

There’s nothing worse than finding out your toilet won’t flush; especially if it’s the only toilet in the house. This common plumbing problem can happen to most toilets at some point. But luckily, there are simple solutions you can do yourself to get the toilet working again.

In this guide, we’ll help you diagnose the most common causes and show you how to fix a toilet that won’t flush.

My toilet won’t flush

If the water in the toilet bowl is at its usual level, but water doesn’t flow down from the cistern into it, then the problem lies in the cistern flush mechanism rather than drainage. This means you may have one of the following common issues:

Low water level in the tank
Faulty flushing mechanism
Broken handle
Flush link not properly connected

Top tip: Start by confirming your home’s internal plumbing supply is working as it should. Is water running as usual from your taps? Do your neighbours have running water? If not, it may be an issue for your utility supplier.

Drainage issues

If the water levels in the bowl are higher than usual and the waste isn’t going down, then the problem is in your drainage and not the flushing cistern.

Drainage problems are usually caused by a blockage in the toilet. Blockages can occur when too much toilet paper is used. Or items that are unsuitable to be flushed, such as sanitary products or baby wipes, are put down the toilet.

If drainage is your issue, read our guide for simple instructions on how to unblock a toilet.

Check the water level in the tank

First off, lift the cistern lid to check whether there’s enough water in the tank. The water level should be approximately one inch below the overflow tube. If it’s lower, check the cistern inlet valve. This is the mechanism that controls the level of water in the tank. The cistern inlet valve could have one of the following problems:

The mechanism is touching the side of the tank, preventing it from rising
The mechanism is poorly adjusted
The mechanism is faulty.

Top Tip: If you don’t hear the sound of running water when you flush, it’s likely that the mechanism is the root of problem.

How to fix a toilet flushing mechanism

There are many reasons why your toilet flushing mechanism may not be working. One of the most common problems is cistern inlet valve. Discover how to replace a cistern inlet valve, also known as a toilet ball valve.

A traditional toilet

In a traditional toilet, the flushing mechanism is visible in the cistern. It’s attached to a metal link that’s connected by a trip lever to the flush handle.

A syphon toilet

In a syphon toilet, there is a diaphragm located inside the syphon. To check if this is the problem you’ll need to inspect it; on some models you can simply remove the locator pin and pull up the top section of the siphon. This will give you access to the diaphragm for inspection and replacement.

Replacing a syphon can be a reasonably big job. If you’d like to learn how to do it yourself, follow the instructions below. Alternatively, contact HomeServe and we will put you in touch with a professional.

Fixing a flushing mechanism

You will need:

A flat head screwdriver
A sponge and bucket
A replacement flushing mechanism or diaphragm

Top tip: If your flushing mechanism needs replacing, start by removing it and taking it with you to the DIY store, to allow you to match the size correctly.

Take the lid off the toilet cistern.
Turn off the isolation valve to shut off the water. The isolation valve is located on the water pipe that leads into the cistern. Use a flat head screwdriver to turn the screw a quarter turn clockwise.
Drain the water tank. To do this, siphon any water from the tank and then mop up any remaining water using a sponge and bucket.
Disconnect the link from the trip lever (the rod that connects to the flush handle). The mechanism will be attached via a large plastic nut under the base of the cistern, this will need to be removed to remove the flushing mechanism.
Take the flushing mechanism to a DIY store to get a new one.
Put your new flushing mechanism in place, and hook the end of the chain to a trip lever.
Check that the tension feels just right by working the handle or button a few times – not too slack and not too tight.
Turn the isolation valve back on.
Replace the cistern lid.

Check for a broken toilet flush handle

The toilet flush handle is the lever on the outside of the cistern that you press to flush the toilet. Inside the cistern, it’s connected to a trip lever and link that operates the flushing mechanism when you press the flush handle down.

A faulty or broken flush handle is probably the easiest problem to diagnose. The handle becomes either too loose or too tight, which stops it connecting with the link and flushing mechanism. Sometimes, it can be fixed by simply tightening the mounting nut at the back of the handle.

The handle may also have become stiff due to a build-up of limescale. If this is the case, it just needs a good clean. But if the handle is completely broken it will need to be replaced.

Watch our video to learn how to replace a broken flush handle or read on for instructions.

How to fix a toilet flush handle

You will need:

An adjustable wrench
A replacement flush handle

Top tip: Take your old flush handle with you to the DIY store when purchasing a replacement so you can make sure to get the right size.

Take the lid off the toilet cistern.
Unhook and remove the trip lever. This is the bit that connects the handle to the other parts inside the cistern.
Unscrew the nut that holds the handle in place. It can be tricky as it’s reverse threaded. This means you need to turn it clockwise to undo it.
Remove the handle.
Take the handle to a DIY store to get a new one.
Slot the new handle into position. Slide on the nut and screw it on firmly. Tighten it with an adjustable wrench but take care not to over tighten, so it doesn’t crack. Don’t forget it’s reverse threaded, so turn it anti-clockwise.
Slide the trip lever onto the end of the handle and re-hook it. It can be tricky getting this into the right position for the flush mechanism to work so flush the toilet to check it works and adjust its position if necessary.
Replace the cistern lid.

Check if the link is connected

The link runs from the trip lever (connected to the flush handle) to the bottom of the cistern where it’s attached to the flushing mechanism. When it’s working correctly, the link pulls the flushing mechanism open when the flush handle is pressed, allowing water to flow from the cistern into the toilet bowl.

We know it’s inconvenient when your toilet flush is broken, but as you can see, the most common problems can be easily fixed, reasonably inexpensively. All you need is a little know-how and a spare hour.

My toilet still won’t flush

If you find that your toilet still isn’t flushing, contact HomeServe for assistance.

Don’t let a burst pipe or blocked drain slow you down. Take out plumbing and drainage cover and get access to a nationwide network of trusted engineers.