Replace a Toilet Handle

The handle on a toilet is an important component to any bathroom design. Not only is it integral to the function of the toilet, but the style and finish of the handle should also coordinate with the rest of the bathroom faucets and fixtures. If your toilet handle is corroded or out of date, replace it with a new one to keep your bathroom functioning in style.

Steps

Removing the Old Handle

Before the new handle can be installed, the old handle needs to be removed from the tank properly.

  1. Shut off the water valve to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain any water from the tank.
  2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
  3. Unscrew the wing nut that holds the tank lever to the back of the handle. Set it aside to be reinstalled with the new handle.
  4. Unscrew the nut from the back of the handle. Toilet nuts thread in reverse; turn the nut clockwise to remove it.
    • If the nut is plastic, use your fingers to loosen it.
    • If the nut is metal, use a wrench to help loosen it.
  5. Pull the handle through to the front of the tank and remove the nut and washer from the back of the toilet tank. Discard these parts.

Installing the New Handle

Toilet handles install similarly to the way the old ones are removed.

  1. Unscrew the washer and nut from the back of the new handle. The washer is a rubber gasket that helps prevent leaks. It sits up against the nut and slides right off once the nut is removed.
  2. Push the new handle's stem through the hole on the side of the toilet tank.
  3. Slide the washer over the handle's stem and screw the nut back into place. Remember that it threads in reverse; screw it on counterclockwise to tighten it.
  4. Lift up the toilet lever and push its end down through the hole at the end of the handle's stem.
  5. Screw on the wing nut to the end of the toilet lever to hold it in place.
  6. Turn on the water valve to refill the toilet tank.
  7. Flush the toilet to make sure the new handle works.
  8. Replace the tank lid.

Tips

  • Toilet handles come in left and right hand versions, as well as front and side tank versions. If in doubt, take your old handle with you to the store to purchase a new one to ensure the new handle fits the tank properly.

Warnings

  • Do not over tighten the nut against the toilet tank. This may result in the porcelain of the tank cracking under pressure. Only tighten the nut enough to hold the handle securely in place without the handle jiggling when the toilet is flushed.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench

Related Articles

  • Adjust Toilet Tank Handles

Sources and Citations

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