how do you remove an old toilet handle

Things You Should Know

• Take the lid off of your toilet and unclip the chain on the end of the metal or plastic lever connected to your handle.
• Turn the mounting nut on the handle clockwise by hand or with locking pliers to loosen it. Then, pull the handle and lever out of the tank.
• Get a new handle that matches your toilet and bathroom fixtures. ...

Full Answer

How do you replace the handle on a toilet?

• Shut off the water supply to the toilet tank. ...
• Lift and remove the cover from the water tank. ...
• Locate the lift chain hooked to the handle rod. ...
• Unhook the chain from the handle rod.
• Remove the nut that is attached to the handle, holding it in place. ...
• Remove the handle and replace it with the new one. ...

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How do I flush the toilet without the handle?

The best way to flush a toilet manually is:

• Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
• Determine if the chain is hooked to the flapper.
• If the chain is still attached to the flapper, pull on the chain to lift the flapper and flush the toilet.
• If the chain is detached from the flapper, reach down into the water and lift the flapper to flush the toilet.

How to repair a stuck handle on a toilet?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Replacing the Handle Download Article

1. Remove the lid and chain. Start by lifting up the tank lid and detaching the chain from the handle arm.
2. Unscrew the nut holding the handle in place. You’ll need a crescent wrench and a little bit of arm strength.
3. Pull the handle out of the tank. ...
4. Slip the new handle rod into the tank. ...
5. Screw the nut back on the handle. ...
6. Reattach the flush chain. ...

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How do you permanently remove a toilet?

Instructions

• Empty the Toilet. Remove all of the water from the toilet bowl and tank. ...
• Prepare the Toilet for Pulling. Disconnect the water supply tube from the toilet tank, using tongue-and-groove pliers to unscrew the tube's mounting nut from the tailpiece on the water inlet ...
• Cut the Caulk Along the Floor. ...
• Pull the Toilet. ...

How do you remove calcified toilet handle?

Scrub Away Scale Scoop out excess fluid from the toilet bowl so you can easily reach the calcium deposits. Pour distilled vinegar or lemon juice over the areas. Let the acidic liquids sit in the bowl overnight. The next day, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining deposits.

How do you replace a toilet handle without a chain?

1:296:04How to Replace a Toilet Handle without a chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then this is just uh they cast these toilet tanks with the hole. Already. Now just pops out likeMoreAnd then this is just uh they cast these toilet tanks with the hole. Already. Now just pops out like that. And there's the hole.

Do all toilet handles fit all toilets?

Just because front toilet flush handles are the most common type, it does not mean that any front toilet handle will work on all toilets. When replacing a front flush handle, measure to ensure you have the correct size.

Do all toilet handles have chains?

Some toilet designs don't have a lift chain flapper mechanism. They usually have a lever arm that raises a circular disk whose role is to seal the hole at the bottom of the tank during a refill. The disk opens up upon activating a flush mechanism to allow water to flow through rapidly.

Can you just replace a toilet handle?

Replacing a toilet handle is a simple project that even a novice DIYer can take care of. In just a few minutes you can update the look of your toilet and bathroom with a new handle or replace a broken toilet handle that is wiggle-free.

How do I know what toilet handle I need?

To see if a particular handle will work for your toilet, call the customer service number for the brand, give them your toilet name and model number, and ask them to check compatibility. Another way to get the type of handle you need is to purchase one from the manufacturer of your specific toilet.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet handle?

The replacement part you need is called a “toilet trip lever” and it includes the handle and swing arm. They retail for under $20, but models for high-end toilets may cost $50 to $100. Though some trip levers are labeled as universal replacements, there really is no such thing.

What is the toilet handle called?

What is the toilet flusher called? The official name for the part is a toilet trip lever. It includes the handle or button component that is used to initiate the flush and the swing arm that is used within the interior of the toilet.

Do you have to hold the toilet handle down to flush no chain?

If the toilet doesn't flush completely unless you hold the handle down for the entire flush cycle, it's usually because the flapper is not fully lifting away from the flush valve.

How do I know what toilet handle I need?

To see if a particular handle will work for your toilet, call the customer service number for the brand, give them your toilet name and model number, and ask them to check compatibility. Another way to get the type of handle you need is to purchase one from the manufacturer of your specific toilet.

Why does my toilet handle not come back up?

There's a small tab inside the handle mechanism that acts as a stop to hold the handle in the upright position. If the tab is worn or broken, the toilet handle won't stay up. To fix a toilet handle that won't come back up when flushed, you'll need to replace the handle.

What are the different types of toilet flappers?

There are three main types of toilet flappers: seat disk, tank ball, and rubber. Identifying what type of toilet flapper you have is as simple as removing the top of your toilet tank and taking a look.

Are toilet handles universal?

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...

Is this something you need a contractor for?

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...

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

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 ho...

How long does it take to remove a toilet handle?

Toilet handles are easy to remove and install on your own in around 15 minutes. All you need to do is unscrew the old handle and then put the new handle in its place.

What to do if toilet handle doesn't work?

If the new handle still doesn't work after you install it, contact a plumber to find the problem with your toilet.

What to do if a toilet nut is stripped?

If the nut inside your toilet is stripped, use a hacksaw to cut through it.

How to undo a toilet flapper?

Undo the chain clip attached to the lever. The chain clip attaches the handle to the flapper and lets you flush your toilet. Look for the section of chain clasped to the end of the metal or plastic lever that connects to the handle. Undo the clasp to detach the handle and lever from the rest of your toilet.

How to loosen a tank handle?

Locate the plastic or metal mounting nut that's holding your handle in place on the inside the top of the tank. Try twisting the nut clockwise by hand to see if you can loosen it. If not, grip the nut with a pair of locking pliers to get better leverage on it.

What to do if your toilet doesn't flush?

If your toilet doesn't flush at all, make sure the chain clip is attached to the lever properly.

Where to hang toilet chain?

Hang the clasped end of the chain over the side of the toilet or on the pipe of the fill pump so it's easier to reattach later on.

How do You Replace a Toilet Handle?

You can also decide to replace an flimsy/old toilet handle with a a decent solid metal levers like these ones.

How to loosen lock nut on toilet?

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the lock nut and when it’s out remove it through the toilet handle arm. If your toilet handle arm is plastic the nut will be plastic as well and you wouldn’t need to use a wrench.

How to tighten a toilet lock nut?

You don’t want to go crazy on the nut as this might crack the toilet tank. Always hand tighten the nut and once it’s snug give it a ¼ turn with the wrench. Plastic nuts should only be hand tight.

Why is my toilet handle hard to push down?

If the lift chain is hooking on to something inside the toilet tank, you will find it very hard to push the toilet handle down. An old and worn toilet flapper could also be the culprit.

What is the hole in the toilet that holds water?

The flush valve is the hole through which water leaves the tank and enters the bowl. When you push the toilet handle down, the lift chain which was until that moment slack gets some tension and lifts off the flapper from the flush valve. Water flows out to the bowl for flushing to occur.

Why does my toilet flush so weak?

If you must hold down your toilet handle in order for your toilet to flush, most likely the lift chain is too loose and is not lifting the flapper high enough. This can also result into a weak flush. Remove the tank lid and check the condition of the chain. It should have a ½ inch slack

How does a toilet handle work?

Water flows out to the bowl for flushing to occur. After you have released the flushing handle the lift chain slacks off and the flapper falls back to position therefore allowing the tank to refill. A toilet handle is usually tightened to the toilet from the inside of the tank using a lock nut that is reverse-threaded.

What to do after removing toilet?

After removing the toilet, place it in a large, durable trash bag to keep any remaining water from dripping on the floor.

How to get water out of toilet bowl?

Start by flushing the toilet to get the water out of the tank. Hold down the handle until the water stops draining. Remove any remaining water out of the tank and bowl, using a large sponge and bucket. Put on rubber gloves and use the sponge to soak up the water, then wring it out in the bucket. Aaron Stickley.

How to disconnect a tank from a bowl?

If desired, disconnect the tank from the bowl by removing the nuts under the tank that fasten the tank to the bowl. You may need to use a screwdriver to hold the slotted heads of the bolts inside the tank in order to turn the nuts. Pull the tank up and off of the bowl to remove it. Aaron Stickley.

Can you see the outline of an old toilet?

If the new base is smaller, you may be able to see the outline of the old toilet. Clean all residue and discoloration so the outline of the old toilet is not visible; this is easiest to do when the toilet is removed, rather than after you've installed the new toilet. Aaron Stickley. Show Full Article.

Can you replace a toilet valve while removing it?

Tip. If your valve is as old as your toilet, it might be a good idea to replace it as well. Replacing the valve is easy to do while removing the toilet. If you plan to change the valve, you will have to shut off the water to the entire house. Aaron Stickley.

How to get a sprite off a sprite?

try soaking it down in a lubricant such as wd-40 or knocker-loose. then let it sit overnight, or soak it a couple times. Get a wrench or some channelock pliers and it should come off.

Does a channel lock work with a WD-40?

Yep, that combination did it. I was using an adjustable wrench before, and it kept slipping. But after I soaked it with wd-40, the channel locks worked fine. Thanks!

What is a toilet handle called?

By the way, a toilet handle is also called a flush handle or trip handle . But don’t be fooled. They all describe the same thing: the plastic or metal handle that is used to flush your toilet.

How much does a toilet handle cost?

Toilet handle prices start at about $5 and go up from there if you have a luxury toilet.

How does a toilet flush?

This upward action also pulls the chain up, which then opens the flapper valve. Once the flapper valve is opened, the water in the tank, using the force of gravity, flushes down into the toilet bowl. That’s really all there is to it.

Why does my toilet bowl leak water?

NOTE: If the chain is set too tight, the flush valve won’t fully close, causing water to continuously leak into the toilet bowl. If the chain is too loose, not enough water will drain into your toilet bowl, causing a weak flush. In either case, simply try re-clipping the chain to a different hole in the tilt lever. Test it each time until you have the perfect fit.

How to remove rust from a nut?

If the nut still won’t loosen, spray it with WD-40 oil lubricant. This should remove any rust build-up that’s holding the nut in place.

How to contact Tom Plumber?

Don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) . We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.

Which way to turn a nut?

So make sure you turn the nut to the right (clockwise) to loosen it.