Isn’t it annoying when the toilet handle doesn’t work properly? It may jiggle loosely, tighten inflexibly, or simply move up and down with no effect on the toilet. Before calling the plumber or attempting to replace the handle, here are a few tricks that might help you get it working again.
1. Press lightly on it. Sometimes the latch inside the toilet reservoir behind the seat may get disconnected from the water pump. Pushing the handle down can sometimes reconnect a loose wire. Press it up and down a few times to feel for restored tension in the handle. This may be all that is needed to get the piece working correctly again. Keep an eye on how well the handle works the next few days to make sure one of the parts is not wearing out and will soon break permanently.
2. If it still doesn’t work and the handle remains loose, shifting readily up and down at your touch, left the lid from the reservoir and check the pump unit inside. If the chain has slipped off the metal arm that connects to the pump, pick up the disconnected hook and reattach it to the pump arm. The water is clean, so don’t worry about contamination, although it is always a good idea to wash your hands after working with toilets or other appliances. If you are able to reconnect the chain from the handle to the pump, try flushing the toilet. If it works, you’ve just solved the problem. However, if the arm is corroded or the chain is broken, visit a home supply dealer for replacement parts. If the problem appears to involve the pump or another piece with which you are less familiar, ask the home supply store sales assistant or call an expert plumber.
3. When your toilet handle gets stuck in a fixed position, one of the parts may be jammed. Gently attempt to press the handle up and down. If there is any play in the movement, you may be able to gradually restore more range of motion and get the handle working properly again. If it remains jammed, remove the lid from the reservoir and study the parts inside. Check to see if the pump arm is broken or whether it might be loose. If the latter seems to be the problem, attempt to tighten it yourself if you can see where and how to do this. If the former, you will have to get replacement parts or call in a professional. Try moving each piece with your hand to see which one doesn’t want to give. This will help you identify the problem area, and determine whether it is fixable.
4. If the toilet handle remains idle in a down position, it is probably disconnected due to corrosion or having slipped off the pump arm. See if you can reconnect all the pieces, checking each one as you go from one to the other until all are working properly. You may find a broken piece that needs to be repaired, or more likely, replaced, so take the broken part with you, if it is detachable, to the home supply store so you can make a correct match of replacement parts.
5. Check the water level inside the reservoir. If the pump is not working correctly, there may not be enough water for the handle to work as it should. This involves another type of repair problem, one that will likely require the services of a professional. Try adding a bucket of water with the reservoir lid off and watch to see if all parts function correctly. If not, at least you will know what to tell the plumber when you telephone for help.
A broken toilet creates significant inconvenience in anyone’s daily lifestyle. Get to the root of the problem promptly to ensure smooth working of an essential piece of equipment.
