If your toilet handle broke, you probably took right to the internet to find out what to do with it. Does this kind of fix really require professional help? Or, can you simply fix it yourself? The experts at Reliable Drain & Plumbing will let you in on the process of how to fix your broken toilet handle. Then, you can decide if it’s easy enough to handle on your own. If you decide you’d rather get some professional assistance, we’re always just around the corner.
How Did the Toilet Handle Break?
The first thing we need to know in order to find a solution is how your toilet handle broke. Did the plastic part of the handle itself crack or break entirely? Did the whole outer handle come loose from the toilet? Or is it simply not flushing anymore?
If your toilet handle broke in the sense that it cracked or split into pieces, you’ll need to replace it. However, this isn’t an expensive fix, as the toilet handle is just a trigger for the actual flushing mechanism.
If your toilet handle broke free from the toilet, there’s a chance it needs to be replaced, but it also might just need to be reconnected. Something about the connection became faulty. If the connection simply lost a screw, it will only need to be screwed back on. However, if the connection itself broke, you may need to buy some replacement parts.
Finally, if the handle itself is intact, but no longer doing its job, it may be as simple as reconnecting the chain within the tank, or as complicated as replacing parts in the tank.
Fixing a Broken or Loose Chain
Fixing a broken or loose chain is one of the easiest kinds of toilet malfunctions to fix. The tank of your toilet should have a lid on it that can be easily removed. Inside, you’ll see a bunch of fresh water along with a mechanism that allows your toilet to flush. Your toilet’s handle, when pressed, should cause an arm inside the tank to rise. At the end of that arm should be a chain. When the arm rises, the chain is pulled, opening a valve. That valve allows water to flood the toilet bowl.
If the chain is no longer attached to the internal arm of the handle, it simply needs to be reattached. Therefore, just reach in and grab the chain where it’s fallen to the bottom of the tank. Then, attach the last link of the chain to the handle arm. Try to flush. If the chain is too long to allow a flush, move it up a link. Try again. Keep doing this until the chain is attached at the right length. Voila!
Replacing a Cracked or Broken Handle
Replacing a cracked or broken handle is a simple trip to the hardware store. Most new handles will have installation instructions on their packaging. These may require a screwdriver but are, otherwise, pretty simple to install.
Other Problems with Flushing
If neither of these things is the culprit, or you’re not up to the DIY plumbing, give us a call. We’re here to provide plumbing services of all kinds to the people of Toronto, including you. We look forward to hearing from you!
