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How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle in Kelowna

Loose and wiggly toilet handles are not only slack while using, but they are also annoying and can affect the functions of your toilet adversely. Even if nothing is wrong with the toilet itself, a loose toilet handle can cause several issues, such as an inoperable toilet. In some cases, they even lead to a plumbing emergency.

If you encounter a loose toilet handle in Kelowna, you can take matters into your own hands and tackle the issue with some elbow grease. Your experienced Kelowna plumbers at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. have put together a detailed guide for you to fix your toilet handle like a pro.

Get ready for our list of tips to follow and fix your toilet handle correctly and effectively. Give it a thorough read, and feel free to contact your local pros at (250) 801-0911 if you have any questions!

Common Causes of a Malfunctioning Toilet Handle

Before we delve into how to fix a loose toilet handle, let’s try to understand the common causes first. Once you know the culprit, the repair process becomes a walk in the park.

Loose plastic nut: Lift the toilet lid to check the nut to which your handle connects. If the nut is loose, use a pair of pliers to tighten it.
Damaged or cracked nut: While metal nuts are more durable, you’ll still find many plastic nuts in households. If it’s cracked or damaged, it will fail to hold the handle securely in place.

Wrong installation: It happens that people accidentally installed a new handle backwards, making the handle appear like it’s constantly in a flush position. We recommend taking it apart again and giving it another go.
Broken handle arm: Another common plastic piece is the rod or handle arm that is inside the tank and connects to the chain. When broken, it can’t initiate the chain to lift the flapper.
Chain is not the right length: You need a taut chain that effectively lifts the flapper. Oftentimes, the toilet chain length needs to be adjusted. While doing so, please make sure other components, such as the lift arm assembly, are intact.
Worn-out flapper: This piece of rubber seals the opening between your toilet tank and toilet bowl. If it’s not sealing properly, you’ll experience ghost flushes and a loose toilet handle.

What Are the Different Types of Toilet Handles?

You will be surprised to know that many households still have toilet handles (also known as trip lever, flush handle, or trip handle). The only thing that differentiates this type from the more modern push button type is that the trip lever connects to the flush valve via a chain. On the other hand, the push button type connects to two different valves, each of which controls the amount of water used to flush.

While there are many different types of toilet handles, they are not created equal or designed for every type of lever-operated toilet.

Common standard types include:

Front mount – located on the front of the tank
Angle mount – typically roundly shaped and best suited for rounded tanks, adjustable
Side mount – a rarer type that connects on the side of the tank and has a 90-degree bend

No matter the type you have in Kelowna, loose toilet handles occur frequently. But it’s time that you play the surgeon and remove that tank lid to investigate the issue.

Is Your Toilet Handle Loose? Here’s How You Tighten It!

Not only do we help homeowners in Kelowna fix their loose toilet handles, but we also educate and help them understand the issue so that in future, it becomes a minor toilet problem they can fix on their own. That said, you can fix it quite easily by homely means. Go for tightening it by following the steps below:

Put down the toilet seat cover to close it.
Carefully uncover the toilet tank with both hands and set the lid aside on a flat surface to avoid accidental damage.
Locate the shut-off valve to shut off your water supply.
Manually operate the valve to flush the toilet so the tank is empty. (You should find the valve at the base of the toilet, near the back.)
Look inside the tank, directly opposite the handle, to find the mounting nut.
Turn the handle nut counterclockwise with a wrench till it is snug. Be careful not to tighten it too much, as this could crack up the porcelain and make a bigger mess!
Once the nut is tight enough, depress the lever to test it. If it is fixed, you will know it by the feel and sound of the lever.
Turn on the water supply and cover the tank with the lid. And voilà! You just fixed the loose handle with the tips from professional plumbers in Kelowna.

Sometimes, the issue still persists even after tightening the handle. This means that there is still something wrong with the toilet lever. In that case, you can replace the handle entirely.

Got a Broken Toilet Handle? Here’s How to Replace It!

If your toilet handle is still not functioning properly despite tightening, you might have to replace it. Double-check its quality and parts and check for corrosion. We have encountered many low-grade metal levers in the past, which, after years of regular use, could suffer from wear and tear. The rule of thumb is to replace them every three to five years, along with other components, such as the toilet flapper and rubber washers. This way, you’ll be on top of your toilet maintenance services, ensuring water efficiency and optimal performance.

However, the process of replacing a broken or loose toilet handle can be tricky, depending on the type you have. You can always use the previous handle lever as a guide unless you wish to install a more efficient one or learn more about other compatible flush levers.

Feel free to call the plumbers in Kelowna for assistance if you’re looking to get a replacement handle or do it yourself. Here is how:

Do a little research and figure out which hardware you need and which corresponds to the brand you have. This includes facts about your existing toilet model and its specific parts.
Gather the necessary tools and hardware from your nearest store (i.e., adjustable wrench, new handle, new mounting nut).
Uncover the lid of the tank and empty it just as directed in the previous guide.
Inside the tank, find the chain clip attached to the lever’s inside that goes to the flapper.
Undo the clasp and detach the handle.
Remove the mounting nut inside the tank holding the handle. Rotate clockwise to loosen it with a wrench.
Pull out the old handle once the nut and the chain are removed.
Take the new handle and unscrew the mounting nut.
Put the new lever in the tank and attach it using the screw and chain.
Turn on the water and test your new handle by flushing.

We believe that whenever you encounter a loose toilet handle in Kelowna, you can fix it yourself. In case of any plumbing emergency or regular maintenance, please get in touch with our professional Kelowna plumbing services for the best results. Your time is valuable, and we want to make sure that no loose toilet handle will disrupt your daily routine.

Why 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. Is the Right Choice

We are proud to be Kelowna’s leading plumbing company. We have professional Kelowna plumbers you can rely on at any time, as your safety and well-being are our top priority. But don’t take our word for it; instead, check out our customer reviews to see what your neighbours have to say about us!

Furthermore, we excel in our job because we adhere to our company values:

Always on time: We offer convenient appointments to fit your schedule, and you can expect us to always arrive on time in a clearly marked company van.
Long-term solutions: Our team cares that your plumbing is in a decent condition for many years to come. We don’t believe in band-aid fixes that leave your future uncertain. Trust us for comprehensive repairs and long-lasting replacement services to restore your balance.
Insured and licensed professionals: Our certified plumbers are well-versed in what they do and always deliver premium customer service combined with outstanding workmanship.
24/7 emergency service: No matter what type of plumbing emergency you have, we’ll dispatch a team of professionals to deliver efficient services. Whether you have a burst pipe at midnight or a sewer backup on a Saturday. Our professional services are available 24 hours a day.

Dealing with a Loose Toilet Handle in Kelowna? Trust Our Local Experts for a Flawless Flushing Experience!

Whether you have a loose or wobbly toilet handle, our Kelowna plumbers have the skill and experience to handle every type of oilet repair. Even small plumbing issues can evolve into something major if not taken care of. No matter how big or small your problem is, our friendly team is available when you need it. Reach out to us today at (250) 801-0911 to learn more or schedule an appointment with a Kelowna plumber.