If you are unable to carry out any of these steps on your own, remember we’re on standby. At Llona Plumbing our fully qualified team is always available to help. No matter the cause of your loose toilet handle, we’ll fix it in no time.
- Close the toilet seat cover. This prevents the lid from getting in the way and parts or tools from falling in the toilet bowl.
- Remove the toilet tank cover. Do this with both hands and place it on a flat surface. If your tank is made of porcelain, be careful not to drop it as it may crack.
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet. The shut-off valve is usually located behind the toilet, close to the base. Turn the knob or handle clockwise to stop the flow of water.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Do this so you have easy access to the handle and can see what you’re doing.
- Locate the toilet handle nut. The toilet handle nut is often the cause of a loose toilet handle. It is usually found inside the tank, on the underside of the handle.
- Use a wrench to tighten the toilet handle nut. Turn the nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench or pliers until it is snug. Be careful not to over-tighten as this may damage the handle or tank.
- If the handle is still loose, repeat steps 5-7 until it is tight. If it feels better, congratulations.
- Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Restore water to the tank by turning the shut-off valve handle counterclockwise.
- Flush the toilet to test the handle
If it works fine, your job is done. If the handle is still loose, there may be another problem. Don’t despair, follow the instructions in the next section to replace your toilet handle or contact Llona Plumbing
How to Replace a Toilet Handle
- Know the type of toilet handle you need. Check your toilet handle to know the brand name, model and make. If you can’t find the information, you should be able to get a universal flush handle at your local hardware store.
- Repeat steps 1-4 in the section above. Close the toilet seat cover, remove the tank cover, shut off the water supply and flush the toilet.
- Unclasp the chain clip. Inside the toilet tank, you will see the flush handle and a chain or wire attached to it. The other end of the chain is connected to a flapper valve. The clip holding the chain in place is called the “chain clip.” Unclip it.
- Remove the mounting nut. Do you remember the nut we told you to tighten in the previous section? Well, this is it. Use a wrench to remove it by turning it counterclockwise. The flush handle and attached parts should come off easily. If not, pull firmly but gently.
- Remove the old handle. If you’ve been able to remove the chain and nut, the old handle should come off easily. If it’s stuck, you may need to angle it or use pliers.
- Unscrew the mounting nut on your new handle. This is usually located on the underside of the handle. Unscrew it and put it in a safe place so you don’t lose it.
- Screw on the new mounting nut. Gently screw the new mounting nut on by hand. Do not over-tighten as this may damage the handle.
- Insert the new handle into the tank hole. Gently push it in until it’s tight. If it’s a universal handle, you may need to trim the shaft to fit.
- Reconnect the chain. Attach one end of the chain or wire to the new handle and the other end to the flapper valve. Make sure there is some slack in the chain so it doesn’t get pulled too tight when you flush.
- Turn on the water supply. Restore water to the tank by turning the shut-off valve handle counterclockwise.
- Flush the toilet to test the new handle. If it works fine, your job is done. Congratulations!
Contact Us if You Fail to Fix Your Loose Toilet Handle
If you’re having trouble fixing a loose toilet handle, don’t worry, we’re here to help. At Llona Plumbing, we understand that this can be a frustrating issue, but we’re confident that we can help you find a solution. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members are available to assist you with troubleshooting the problem and finding a solution that works for you.
Just give us a call at 813-477-1870 and one of our team members will be happy to help. We believe that everyone deserves to have a functioning bathroom, and we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service and support. With our expertise in fixing loose toilet handles, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands.
