How Can You Solve The Problem Of A Loose Toilet Handle?

There is little more annoying than a loose toilet handle, right? It can cause all sorts of problems, for instance, when you flush the toilet at night but it keeps running, and you have to get up and jiggle the handle to make it stop. Or even just a loose handle that annoyingly slips from your grasp the first two or three times you try to flush. Luckily, you don't have to be a plumber to fix a loose toilet handle! Typically, tightening up the locking nut or hooking up an errant chain is all it takes.

Toilets are one appliance we rarely have to repair or replace. In general, they're sturdy, durable, and reliable. And, when toilet problems do occur, they're usually fixable, even if your skill level is mediocre. A loose toilet handle is relatively easy to fix, and you don't need any special tools to do so.

The first thing you're going to do is take the lid off the back of the tank. Check the nut that holds the handle to the tank to see if it's tightened. Use a pair of pliers to tighten the nut and washer. Be careful not to over-tighten it or you could crack the porcelain or strip the threads. If the handle is stuck in the down position, you may have to loosen it and reposition it and then re-tighten it again.

If the nut won't stay tightened, the threads are likely stripped. In this case, you have a couple of options. For a temporary fix, you can wrap some white plumber's tape or electrical tape around the threads of the nut and then tighten it up again. However, the handle will need to be replaced eventually, so keep in mind that anything less is temporary, and unpredictable as to how long it might last.

If this doesn't solve the issue, the next step is to do a careful visual inspection of the handle arm for any defects, cracks, or breaks. If you find any damage, you'll need to replace the entire handle and arm assembly. If you do have to replace the assembly, be sure to notice where yours is mounted on the tank to ensure you purchase the right kind of replacement assembly.

You'll also need to check to make sure the chain is still intact. It should connect the flush arm to the flapper at the bottom of the tank. If you find you need to work on the chain or down inside the tank, be sure to empty out all the water first — turn off the water supply and pull up on the flapper to drain it. If the chain has snapped or becomes disconnected at either point, you will have to reconnect it by hand.