How To Replace A Toilet Handle: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Change a Broken Toilet Handle PDF download Download Article Easily fix your toilet handle and lever with our in-depth guide Co-authored by Dave Jones and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: March 2, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Removal
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  • Installation
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  • Troubleshooting
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Tips
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  • Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Dave Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. 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. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 355,560 times.

Does your toilet handle feel loose or difficult to move when you try to flush? If so, it’s time to get a replacement. Even if you’ve never done any repairs on your toilet before, replacing a toilet handle is one of the easiest repairs and you can finish in about 15 minutes. Keep reading to learn how to change the toilet handle and troubleshoot any issues so your toilet flushes properly again.

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. Slide the handle and lever into your toilet tank.
  • ​​Tighten the mounting nut on the inside of the tank by turning it counterclockwise. Then clip the chain to a hole on the end of the lever to finish.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Removal

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  1. Step 1 Remove the toilet tank's lid and undo the chain clip attached to the lever. 1 Remove the toilet tank's lid and undo the chain clip attached to the lever. Carefully lift the lid off the top of your toilet's tank so you can access the inside and set it on a towel (so it doesn't scratch your floors). Locate the chain clip in the middle of your toilet tank; find the section of chain clasped to the end of a metal or plastic lever running back to the handle. Undo the clasp.[1]
    • Hang the clasped end of the chain over the side of the toilet or the vertical overflow pipe so you don’t have to reach into the water to reattach it.
    • If your toilet lever doesn’t have a chain, then look for a small plastic box on the vertical flapper valve that the lever goes through. Simply rotate the flapper assembly away from the lever so you can slide it out.
  2. Step 2 Unscrew the handle’s mounting nut inside the toilet tank. 2 Unscrew the handle’s mounting nut inside the toilet tank. Locate the plastic or metal mounting nut inside of your toilet tank where the handle connects to it. Mounting nuts are reverse-threaded, which means they loosen when you turn them clockwise. When you’re looking at the nut from inside the tank, then try turning it clockwise by hand. If the nut won’t move, grip it with a pair of locking pliers to get better leverage. Once you get the nut loose, slide it down toward the end of the handle to remove it.[2] [3]
    • Avoid turning the mounting nut counterclockwise since you could strip the threading and make it more difficult to remove.
    • If you’re trying to remove a damaged nut, try filing 2 sides of it smooth so you can get a better grip with your pliers.
    • Many mounting nuts have a black rubber O-ring attached to them, which prevents leaks from coming through the handle. If the O-ring is a separate piece from the mounting nut, make sure you remove it as well.
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  3. Step 3 Pull the old handle out from the toilet tank. 3 Pull the old handle out from the toilet tank. Without the nut or chain holding it in place, simply pull the handle straight out from the toilet. Maneuver the handle around so the lever slides through the hole in the top of your tank. Once you get the handle out, you can throw it away in the trash.[4]
    • You may be able to unscrew the lever from the handle to make it easier to remove. Check if there are any screws on the lever assembly and use a screwdriver to undo them.
    • Your new toilet handle will have a lever included, so you don't need to save the old one.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Installation

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  1. Step 1 Purchase a new... 1 Purchase a new toilet handle. Toilet handles come with a lever and mounting nut in the package. You can either buy a handle for your specific toilet brand, or you can get a universal handle that fits most toilets. Try to find a handle that matches the fixtures in your bathroom so your bathroom has a nice, uniform look.[5]
  2. Step 2 Slide the handle lever into the toilet tank. 2 Slide the handle lever into the toilet tank. Put the end of the lever through the hole at the top of your tank where the handle goes. Feed the lever into your toilet tank so it reaches toward the chain clip in the middle of your tank. Push the base of the handle tightly against the side of your toilet tank when you finish sliding in the lever.[6]
    • Keep one hand inside the tank to guide the lever to the right spot and leave your other hand outside so you can feed the lever in.
    • If the lever angles over the edge of the tank, carefully bend it with your fingers toward the middle of your toilet tank.
  3. Step 3 Slide the mounting nut onto the lever and screw it in. 3 Slide the mounting nut onto the lever and screw it in. If the new handle has a separate O-ring, feed it onto the lever first. Put the mounting nut on the end of the lever and feed it up so it presses against the inside of the toilet tank. When you reach the threading on the back of the handle, tighten the nut by hand by turning it counterclockwise. Then, give the nut a final quarter-turn with your locking pliers to ensure it stays tight.[7]
    • Be careful not to overtighten the mounting nut since you could strip the threading and make it more difficult to replace later on.[8]
  4. Step 4 Attach the chain to the lever so there's 1 in (2.5 cm) of slack. 4 Attach the chain to the lever so there's 1 in (2.5 cm) of slack. The end of the lever usually has 2-3 holes to reattach your chain clip. Open the clasp on the chain and loop the clip through one of the holes. Make sure the chain has a little bit of slack so the flapper can open and close properly.[9]
    • Make sure the chain isn't caught or wrapped around anything before you clip it, or else your handle may get stuck.
    • If your toilet doesn’t have a chain, slide the lever through the middle of the plastic box on the flapper assembly. Turn the assembly so the box is perpendicular to the lever.
  5. Step 5 Flush your toilet to test your new handle. 5 Flush your toilet to test your new handle. Keep the lid off of your tank so you can watch the handle lever. Try flushing your toilet with your new handle to make sure it works properly. Pay attention to if the handle gets stuck or if the flapper at the base of the tank doesn’t close all the way. If your toilet runs fine, then you can set the lid back on your tank and finish your repairs.[10]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Step 1 Shorten the flapper... 1 Shorten the flapper chain if your toilet doesn’t flush completely. If only part of your tank empties when you flush, the flapper isn’t opening all of the way. Try using a lower link on the chain or attaching the chain to a hole closer to the handle. Flush your toilet again and watch the flapper to make sure it opens up completely.[11]
    • A long chain clasp could also get stuck underneath the flapper when it opens, which will break the seal and make your toilet run.
  2. Step 2 Lengthen the chain if your toilet keeps running. 2 Lengthen the chain if your toilet keeps running. If the chain is too short, it will hold the flapper valve slightly open so water keeps running to the bowl. Use a link higher up on the chain, or clasp it to a hole closer to the end of the lever to add a little more slack to it. Then, flush your toilet to make sure the flapper closes all of the way.[12]
    • If the flapper looks old or cracked, then you may need to replace it.
  3. Step 3 Trim a lever... 3 Trim a lever that’s too long with a hacksaw. Most handle levers are short enough to fit inside a toilet tank, but there may be times when it bumps the toilet lid and doesn’t flush completely. Take the handle and lever out of your toilet. Then, slowly cut about 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) off the end of the lever. Reinstall the lever and handle back into your toilet and try flushing it again to see if you need to cut off more.[13]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What happens if the chain keeps getting caught in the flapper? Dave Jones 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question Is this something you need a contractor for? Dave Jones 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question Are toilet handles universal? Dave Jones 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If your toilet runs but everything on the handle and lever looks okay, you may need to replace the flange or adjust the water level so it’s below the overflow pipe.[14] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you can’t get a new handle to work properly, contact a professional plumber to help you solve the problem. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need

  • Locking pliers
  • Toilet handle

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Adjust Toilet Tank HandlesHow to Fix a Toilet Handle That Doesn’t Flush Correctly Fix a Stuck Toilet HandleHow toFix a Stuck Toilet Handle Fix a Flapper on a ToiletHow to Fix or Replace a Toilet Flapper Replace a Toilet FlapperHow to Replace a Toilet Flapper Replace a Flush ValveHow toReplace a Flush Valve Replace a Toilet TankHow to Remove and Replace a Toilet Tank Fix a Running ToiletHow to Fix a Running Toilet: Your Ultimate Guide Replace a Toilet Fill ValveHow to Remove & Install a Toilet Fill Valve: A Step-by-Step Guide Install a ToiletDIY Toilet Installation: A Complete How-To Guide Fix a Leaky Faucet HandleHow to Stop a Sink Faucet Handle from Leaking Water Fix a Toilet SealHow to Reseal a Toilet: Replacing Wax Seals Adjust the Water Level in Toilet BowlHow to Raise or Lower Toilet Bowl Water Levels: Easy DIY Solutions Replace a Toilet FlangeHow to Remove & Replace a Leaking Toilet Flange Fix a Leaky Fill Valve in a ToiletWhat to Do if Your Toilet Fill Valve is Leaking Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/MXV5MxLaKsI?t=26
  3. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/y_gysAOzMaI?t=102
  5. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Tw9hv2fQFmw?t=146
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/tOHUE2HPsZE?t=60
  8. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/Tw9hv2fQFmw?t=209
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/plumbing/guides/how-to-repair-a-stuck-handle-on-a-toilet/
  2. ↑ https://homerepairtutor.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/y_gysAOzMaI?t=187
  4. ↑ https://www.fluidmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/690-692-693-694-695-697-698_Premium_Lever_-_English1.pdf
  5. ↑ https://homerepairtutor.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/

About This Article

Dave Jones Co-authored by: Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup This article was co-authored by Dave Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. 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. This article has been viewed 355,560 times. 14 votes - 86% Co-authors: 8 Updated: March 2, 2025 Views: 355,560 Categories: Toilet Maintenance Article SummaryX

To replace a toilet handle, all you need is a new handle that fits your toilet and some pliers. First, drain the water out of the toilet tank so you have room to work. Once the water has drained, unscrew the old handle. Then, install the new handle by inserting the lever into the hole in the tank. Screw the new handle on tight and attach the chain so the toilet can flush. Put the lid back on the tank and try out the new handle to make sure it works. For more information about replacing a toilet handle, like how to choose a new handle, read on. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Oct 9, 2017

    "The clear pictures and stages when removing the old toilet handle, and then putting the new one on were helpful."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Dave Jones Co-authored by: Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Co-authors: 8 Updated: March 2, 2025 Views: 355,560 86% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 9, 2017

"The clear pictures and stages when removing the old toilet handle, and then putting the new one on were helpful." Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 11, 2017

"Pictures are worth a thousand words, thanks! I need all the help I can get!" Anonymous

Anonymous

May 24, 2018

"Learned how to remove the old broken handle and replace it with a new one." Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 1, 2016

"I liked the clear step by step directions in the text." Amy Parker

Amy Parker

Aug 28, 2016

"Nice to have text and pictures! And layman's terms!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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