How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle

Few house maintenance issues inspire panic like a toilet that won’t flush, especially when you have guests over or are a guest in someone’s home. When your home toilet won’t flush, it’s more than an inconvenience; it’s a huge problem that needs fixed ASAP. If you’ve plunged your heart out but can’t get any movement, don’t panic — there may be a simple explanation and fix.

There are many plumbing issues that will keep your toilet from flushing properly, and most of them require help from a professional at Highland Village Plumbing Service. However, there is one potential issue that you can easily fix by yourself: a loose toilet handle. If a quick investigation reveals that your toilet handle is the culprit, you’re in luck! You’ve managed to avoid a much bigger headache. Keep reading to learn how to fix a loose toilet handle, as well as how to replace a broken one.

Toilet won’t flush? Don’t panic — the Village plumbing experts at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC are here for all of your bathroom plumbing needs. Visit us online to schedule professional plumbing services today. 

How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle

When your toilet won’t flush, it’s a good idea to start with the plunger. If your best college try doesn’t produce any movement, the issue may not be a toilet clog. Before you admit defeat and call a plumber, check the toilet handle. If the handle is loose, you may have found the problem. So breathe a huge sigh of relief and follow the necessary repair steps.

1. Close the toilet lid to avoid dropping tools or parts in it
2. Remove the toilet tank lid and set it somewhere safe
3. Shut off your toilet’s water supply by turning the shut-off valve (it should be located toward the back of your toilet, near the base)
4. Press the toilet tank lever to empty the tank
5. Find the toilet handle nut (it should be on the inside of the porcelain wall near the handle)
6. Tighten the toilet handle nut (this is probably the reason your handle is loose)
7. Press on the toilet handle to test for feel and sound
8. Turn the water supply back on wait for the tank to fill
9. Test the handle to see if it flushes

If these steps don’t fix the issue and your toilet still wont’ flush, you may still be able to fix it on your own. If you think your toilet handle may be broken, keep reading to find out how to replace it.

How to Replace a Toilet Handle

If tightening the toilet handle didn’t help, the next thing you should try is replacing your toilet handle. Before you get started, look up what kind of toilet handle you need and make your way to the hardware store. Once you have your new toilet handle, follow the steps for a complete handle replacement.

1. Close the toilet lid and remove the tank lid, setting it in a safe place
2. Turn off the toilet’s water supply and empty the tank again
3. Look inside the tank to find the chain that (it should be hooked to the inside of part of the toilet handle)
4. Remove the toilet handle nut (the same one you tightened before)
5. Remove the defective toilet handle from the toilet, setting it aside for disposal
6. Locate the mounting nut on your new toilet handle and unscrew it, setting it aside
7. Install the new toilet handle and secure it with the mounting nut
8. Attach the chain to whichever hole in the lever allows for an appropriate slack that allows for easy flushing
9. Turn the water back on and try to flush with the new handle

If this works, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your toilet. If replacement didn’t work, it’s time to call a professional to assess the situation. Although it may be tempting to pursue additional DIY fixes, we wouldn’t recommend this. Your bathroom plumbing is an intricate network of pipes, and without understanding the ways that they work, it’s too risky to experiment. Don’t attempt to shove anything in the toilet to break up a clog, as this can exacerbate the issue and cause additional damage.

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

It’s always frustrating to make a repair and still not fix the issue. When the problem doesn’t seem to be with the hardware, a toilet clog is often to blame. However, there are many other issues that can keep a toilet from flushing properly, including the following:

• The flapper or fill-valve is broken
• The overflow tube is damaged
• The tank’s water level is too low
• The inlet holes are clogged
• Your toilet is clogged
• Your drain line is clogged

If you suspect any of these issues, the safest bet is to call a Highland Village plumbing service. A Village plumbing expert from Strittmatter can quickly assess the situation, begin making repairs or suggest the appropriate replacements.

Why Choose Strittmatter?

Plumbing issues can be frustrating, especially when the necessary repairs are expensive. At Strittmatter Plumbing, we know that plumbing and HVAC problems often arise at opportune times, and you may not have the funds to pay for the repairs upfront. No one should have to break the bank for essential repairs, which is why we offer our Highland Village customers a financing option from Service Finance Company.

At Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC, nothing is more important to us than offering superior customer service and the highest-quality home services available. We strive to provide fast, affordable services because we love our Highland Village community. When you need a Village plumbing service you trust, look no further than Strittmatter.

Highland Village Toilet Repair

A toilet that won’t flush is just going to get grosser with time. Whatever underlying issue is stopping your toilet from flushing needs addressed, and fast. Luckily, Strittmatter offers the best Highland Village plumbing service available. From clogged toilets and broken drain lines to defective valves and water level issues, we can fix it. So what are you waiting for? Visit us online to schedule service or give us a call at 940-246-2075.