Q&A for How to Replace a Toilet Handle

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Are toilet handles universal?

Dave Jones
Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Dave Jones

Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Expert Answer

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.

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Question

Is this something you need a contractor for?

Dave Jones
Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Dave Jones

Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Expert Answer

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.

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Question

What happens if the chain keeps getting caught in the flapper?

Dave Jones
Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Dave Jones

Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Expert Answer

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.

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Question

Why does my toilet leak around the outside of the handle?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

The lock nut is plastic, but it won't budge. How do I safely remove it?

Community Answer

The nut has left-hand threads, so you have to turn it in the opposite direction of a regular nut to loosen it.

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Question

What adjustments can be made to a chain to get a good flush?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

What do I do if the chain on the handle is broken?

Community Answer

Get another chain from your local hardware store.

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Question

How do I adjust a toilet's float?

Community Answer

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).

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Question

Can you remove and reuse a toilet flush handle with a new trip lever arm?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure your flush handle is compatible with the new trip lever arm.

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Question

The lock nut is corroded onto the tank. I can't get it off to change the handle. What can I do?

Community Answer

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.

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