Do you need to know how to install a toilet handle lever or flush handle? Good news, it’s pretty easy.
Here’s an easy DIY project that will save you $150 or $200 on a plumbing service call. Most toilet repair projects aren’t as intimidating or complicated as they look. You can install a toilet handle lever in about 10 minutes, guys.
I made this walk through video to show you exactly how to change a flush lever on a toilet. Read the tips below the video for some answers to common questions to help you get the job done. After you install your new toilet flush handle, watch this toilet seat video on YouTube to see how easy it is to replace that tired old toilet seat with a new slow close toilet seat.
Don’t forget to Pin Me!Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for DIY project sneak peeks and quick how-to videos. Now, let’s get to those DIY steps to Install a Toilet Handle Lever.
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This is How to Install A Toilet Handle Lever – Flush Handle
Watch this video to see exactly how to change your flush handle. It is actually a pretty easy home maintenance job, if you have the right tools. In the video, I go over what you need, what to watch for, and the basics of how a toilet handle lever works. You really can get this job done in about 10 minutes! 🙂
What you’ll Need
- A Universal Replacement Flush Lever – Like These
- Please Note: A high-tech toilet or high-end toilet might require a specific replacement handle. But, universal replacement handles should work on most toilets.
- An Adjustable Wrench
- An Old Towel
Tips for Installing a Toilet Handle
The exact steps for replacing your toilet handle are in the video above. But, here are four extra tips, or answers to common questions, to help you get the job done.
Tip One – Don’t turn off the toilet water supply!
This might be controversial. Some people recommend turning off the water supply behind the toilet, then draining the water from the tank before starting. BUT, if that valve is old, turning it may make the valve break or leak…leading to a bigger DIY project that you might not be ready or skilled enough to handle.
So, check out the valve, while you’re there and put replacing it on the to-do list for a day when you can research the steps and spend more time on that type of project.
You can easily install a toilet handle lever without draining the water from the tank. You’ll just get your hands a bit wet. So, grab an old towel or rag to dry off on.
Tip Two – Carefully set the Tank Lid on a Towel
Porcelain can be chipped and damaged pretty easily. You don’t want to crack or break the tank lid while working on another repair. AND, you don’t want to damage your bathroom tile, either. So, I always carefully set the toilet tank lid on an old towel to keep it safe.
Tip Three – The Nut Holding the Toilet Handle In Place is Reverse Threaded
The nut that holds the toilet handle lever in place is reverse threaded. So, you’ll need to turn it clockwise with your adjustable wrench to remove it. Then turn the new toilet flush handle nut counter-clockwise to install it.
You can see the flapper inside the toilet tank here. A chain connects the flapper to the toilet handle.Tip Four – Make sure the Chain in the Toilet Tank is Attached Properly
Watch the video above to see me holding the old toilet lever flush arm next to the new one. In the video I show how you want the chain to be hooked to the same hole on the new toilet flush handle arm as the hole on the old toilet flush handle arm.
Also, make sure the chain is loose enough to let the flapper close, but tight enough to let the toilet handle lift the flapper. If the chain connecting the flush arm to the flapper is too tight, it could let water slowly leak out of the flapper. You don’t want to listen to that toilet constantly run, waste water, or pay a high water bill because of that.
If you install a toilet handle lever with the chain that connects the flapper to the flush lever arm too lose, you might not get a full lift on the flapper when flushing the toilet. Then you won’t get a full flush of the toilet. No one wants that, right? 😉
Don’t forget to Pin Me!That’s it for how to install a toilet handle lever. I hope you’ve found this helpful. Good luck with your install!
Looking for more home maintenance projects?? Check out this easy DIY for making that ugly grout look new again.
And, here is the easy to follow DIY Steps to Caulk Along Your Kitchen Counter.
Check out this post with 20+ Easy DIY Home Maintenance Updates, upgrades, and tips too.
Feeling inspired? Now that you’ve seen how to install a toilet handle lever, you can do it too. Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.