How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle – Step-by-Step

Is the handle on your toilet loose? Is your toilet hard to flush or not flushing at all? These are common issues many homeowners face, especially if their toilets are older. The good news is that this problem is an easy one to fix. You should be able to do it yourself, even if you aren’t the most avid do-it-yourselfer. Of course, if you aren’t comfortable making the repair yourself, you can always call a reputable plumber in your area. 

Before we get started, let’s talk about why this problem occurs. Once you understand the reason behind your loose toilet handle (or broken toilet handle, if that is the case), you will be able to fix the issue quickly. 

What Causes a Loose Toilet Handle

The handle on your toilet may become loose if it is broken or worn out. Parts of the flushing mechanism are made of plastic, which means they can deteriorate and crack over time. If this happens, the handle may wobble around on the outside of the tank or become difficult to flush. 

Alternatively, the nuts that hold the handle in place on the inside of the tank may become loose. Again, if this happens, the handle may feel ‘sloppy’ when you push it or may make it difficult to flush the toilet. It may even become impossible to flush the toilet at all. 

What Causes a Toilet to be Hard to Flush

The handle on the outside of your toilet is connected to a couple of moving parts inside the tank. These parts consist of an ‘arm,’ a chain, and a flapper. When you push the handle to flush the toilet, it raises the arm, which is attached to the chain, which is attached to the flapper. The arm raises as you push the handle down, causing the chain to lift the flapper. When the flapper is open, water is allowed to flow into the bowl. 

Sometimes, the toilet handle won’t feel loose, but you will notice that it is difficult to get the toilet to flush. The toilet might not even flush at all, making you think there is something wrong with it. When this happens, the problem could be one of three things:

1. The chain is getting caught inside the tank.
2. The chain is too long, and the flapper isn’t opening far enough, or
3. The flapper is worn out and gets stuck. 

You will need to take the cover off the tank and inspect these parts to determine what the issue is. If something is broken or worn out, you will need to replace it. 

How to Tighten a Toilet Handle

If your toilet handle is loose, it may be that the nut on the inside of the tank is loose. This is an easy fix. Just follow the steps below. 

1. Turn the water supply to the tank clockwise as far as it will go to turn the water off. The water supply valve is usually located underneath the tank. It is attached to the wall at one end and to the toilet tank at the other.
2. Make sure the toilet bowl is closed to prevent small parts or tools from falling inside. Remove the cover from the tank and place it on the floor. 
3. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. This will enable you to get to the nut without getting wet. 
4. Locate the nut that holds the handle in place. It will be on the inside of the tank directly in front of where the handle enters the tank. 
5. Use a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to turn the nut clockwise to tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten it as doing so may crack the porcelain. 
6. Turn the water back on and give your toilet a test flush. If this was the issue, the handle should no longer feel loose, and it should push easily. If not, you will need to replace it. 

How to Replace a Toilet Handle

If your toilet handle is broken or otherwise hard to push, you may need to replace it. You can pick up universal replacement toilet handles here at Amazon for around $12.

Follow the steps below for installation. 

1. Turn the water supply valve clockwise all the way to shut off the water to the tank. 
2. Make sure the toilet bowl lid is closed and remove the tank cover to gain access to the flushing mechanism. 
3. Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
4. Use a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut holding the handle in place. 
5. Detach the chain from the arm attached to the handle. 
6. Slide the handle/arm out of the tank.
7. Install the new handle, making sure it sits in the same position as the old one. 
8. Tighten the nut securely, taking care to not overtighten it. 
9. Attach the chain to the new handle, making sure it is the correct length for proper operation when the toilet is flushed. 
10. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet to test. 

As a visual guide, why not check out this useful instructional video below.

How to Fix or Replace a Toilet Handle (Flush Lever) in 1 minute

Verdict: How To Fix a Loose Toilet Handle

A loose toilet handle or one that is broken is no cause for panic. Even if you can’t flush your toilet because the handle isn’t working properly, you needn’t be alarmed because fixing the issue is quick and easy – even if you don’t fancy yourself an avid DIYer. 

By following the advice above, you will be able to tighten or replace any toilet handle that gives you problems in the future.