A loose toilet handle is a common problem, and you shouldn’t be surprised if it happens to you. Toilet handles are frequently used, so they become loose over time. A well operating toilet should have a snug toilet handle. It does not affect the functioning of your toilet but is a bad impression for anyone who visits your toilet. However, a loose toilet handle is not a big deal and can be fixed easily. You just need to have proper tools and basic plumbing knowledge. If you find this too confusing or don’t have the time to do this, you can always hire a Penang Plumber to help you out.
Here are the steps to fix a loose toilet handle.
Table of Contents
Steps To Fix A Loose Toilet Handle
Make Sure The Problem Is With The Handle
Before starting to fix your toilet handle, you should check if the problem is with the handle or not. Otherwise, you will be wasting time fixing the handle. If the handle is only loose or tight, and it flushes the water properly, then the problem is with the handle.
Take All Safety Precautions
Now that you know the problem is with the handle, it is time to take safety precautions. Close the toilet seat first, so that no tools get in the toilet and block your toilet drain. Next, you need to take off the toilet tank cover. It is quite heavy and fragile, so make sure you lift it carefully and place it on a flat surface. Turn off the water valve to avoid wasting water. Press the flush lever and empty the toilet tank so that you can work properly.
Tighten The Handle
As all the water is drained and the tank is empty, it will give you the benefit to tighten the handle from inside. Locate the nuts on the inside and use a wrench to tighten them. Make sure that you are rotating the wrench in the clockwise direction; otherwise, you would be loosening the handle. Don’t tighten too much, as it can crack your toilet. Once you have tightened the handle, make sure it is not loose.
Take A Look At Tank’s Chain
Sometimes the problem is with the chain. Shortening the length of the tank’s chain will do the trick for you. Moreover, tighten any loose points in the tank’s chain. To do this, you will require a needle-nose plier. It will help you in eliminating chain links. If there is any broken chain, make sure to replace it to avoid any problem.
Check The Handle
Once you are done with all the things, check the toilet handle. Make sure that it works and flushes properly and is not too tight to use. Check the lever and compare it with when it worked fine. If there is some change, then it might be tight. If not, then put on the toilet tank cover back and turn on the water valve.
Check Tank’s Mounting Nut
If you have fixed and tightened the toilet handle and still the problem persists, then it might be the issue of the tank’s mounting nut. The mounting nut can be found inside the tank. It is on the backside. You will need to lift the tank lid and wipe it off to clean any residue or debris on it. If there are lime residues attached to it, use brush and vinegar to clean it off. It will make your problem go away.
Contact A Plumber
If you are unable to perform the mentioned steps to fix your toilet handle, or the problem persists, make sure to contact a plumber. A professional plumber knows how to solve this problem. He will check all the possibilities of a loose toilet handle and make sure to solve it within no time. Most people don’t have appropriate tools to fix a toilet handle, but a professional plumber is well-equipped and knows how to mitigate any problem.
Conclusion
A loose toilet handle is not a big deal; it is very common. A toilet handle may become loose over time with frequent use. You can easily solve this issue. First, check if the problem is with the handle and nothing else. Remove the toilet tank cover and empty the water tank. Tighten the handle from inside and check if it’s perfect. If not, then take a look at the tank’s chain and replace any damaged links. If the problem still exists, then you need to check the tank’s mounting nut. Wipe it off and clean all the residues on it. If you cannot fix your toilet’s handle, contact a professional plumber.