Replacing a side mount toilet handle is a relatively simple process that most householders can do with a few basic tools. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, remove the screws holding the handle in place, lifting it off to reveal the inner mechanisms.
Often, the inner components will also need to be unscrewed to ensure the handle comes off completely, before the new handle can be installed.
Once the old handle is removed, you will likely need to replace the plastic flush actuator or cover which houses the handle’s internal mechanisms, as this will become corroded by the old handle’s use.
Buy a new actuator or cover and connect the new handle’s interior parts before properly mounting the handle and tightening the screws. Finally, turn the water supply back on and the handle should work properly.
Can you replace just the handle on a toilet?
Yes, it is possible to replace just the handle on a toilet. Generally, this is a fairly straightforward job, and all you will need is a few common tools. If your toilet has a visible handle, it is usually connected to the toilet at the end of a lever arm.
To replace the toilet handle, you’ll need to turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve, flush the toilet and then unscrew the locking nut on the underside of the toilet tank. Unhook the lever arm from the flush valve, then disconnect the handle from the lever arm and pull off the flapper chain from the handle.
Then it’s just a matter of putting a new handle and flapper chain on the lever arm, re-hooking it to the flush valve, and re-screwing the locking nut. Once the new handle is in place, you should turn the shut-off valve back on and test the new handle to make sure it is working properly.
How do you replace a toilet flush handle with no chain?
Replacing a toilet flush handle without a chain is a relatively simple process and one that can be done without many tools. To begin, gather the necessary replacement parts and tools. This will include the flush handle lever, the mounting nuts, the washers, a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers.
Begin by turning off the water supply to the toilet. Next, locate and remove the caps, screws, and nuts holding the lever inside the tank to the toilet. Use a screwdriver to remove the mounting screws, an adjustable wrench to loosen the mounting nuts, and a pair of pliers to remove the washers.
Once the lever and all parts have been removed from the tank, lay them on a surface with the lever facing up. Carefully remove the chain from the lever by unhooking or releasing it from the clip, depending on the type of chain and lever.
Take the new lever and insert the threaded portion of it through the opening of the tank. On the outside of the tank, attach the mounting nut, flat washers and the mounting screws. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the mounting nuts and the screwdriver to secure the mounting screws.
Attach the flush chain to the flush lever’s connector. Make sure the chain is long enough so that it can reach the flapper and move freely. Adjust the chain until it is neither too loose nor too tight.
Finally, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. If all is well, reinstall the caps and flush the toilet to test the flush handle. Replace the toilet tank lid and enjoy your newly installed flush handle without the chain.
What are the different types of toilet handles?
The four most common types are lever, trip lever, button, and twist.
Lever handles are the most traditional and the easiest to identify. They consist of a long handle mounted to the side of the toilet tank. When you pull down on the handle, it triggers the flush. Lever handles are the most popular type of toilet handle, especially in residential settings.
Trip levers have a short handle that is attached to a metal rod that is connected to the flush mechanism. This type of handle is popular in commercial settings. When you pull or push down on the handle, it triggers the flush.
Button handles feature a round button mounted on top of the toilet tank. When you press the button, it triggers the flush. These types of handles are usually found in modern settings due to their sleek design.
Twist handles are similar to button handles, except the button is replaced by a knob that you twist to trigger the flush. These are also popular in modern settings.
No matter which type of toilet handle you choose, they all serve the same purpose—to get the job done!
Is a toilet handle universal?
No, a toilet handle is not universal. Toilet handles come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes, with the majority being round or elongated lever handles. The type of toilet handle you need depends on the type of toilet you have, as some toilets require specific handles to work.
For instance, some one-piece toilets come with handles that are integrated into the tank, so you need to find a compatible replacement handle. Furthermore, some toilets only work with side-mounted rather than top-mounted handles.
Before purchasing a handle, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility with your toilet.
Do all toilet handles have chains?
No, not all toilet handles have chains. Toilet handles may be a lever, push-button, side knob, column, or wall-mounted configuration. Some may have a chain, but it is not necessarily a requirement for most toilet configurations.
In the case of a two-piece toilet, the toilet handle is typically on the side of the tank, and in the case of a one-piece toilet, it is usually mounted to the wall. The toilet handle is connected to a trip lever, or arm, which is connected to a chain and then connected to the flapper at the bottom of the tank.
The flapper is connected to the flush valve, which actually moves the water from the tank to the bowl.
When the handle is pulled, the trip lever moves and the chain pulls the flapper to let the water flow into the bowl. Some designs may not require a chain, as some trip levers may connect directly to the flapper without one.
In that case, the handle is connected to the lever which is connected to the flapper. This is becoming more common in newer, more efficient designs.
In summary, no, not all toilet handles have chains. However, if one is present, it is usually connected to a trip lever which is then connected to the flapper and ultimately the flush valve.
How do you manually flush a toilet with a broken handle?
If your toilet has a broken handle, flushing it manually may be necessary. In order to flush, you will need to locate the lift chain. This is usually found at the back of the toilet tank, near where the handle is installed.
Lift the tank lid carefully and look inside to find the lift chain. It should be a metal or plastic chain attached to a float ball. Pull the chain gently until you notice the water in the tank begin to drain into the bowl.
The toilet should flush and the water level should drop in the tank. If this does not happen, the flush valve may need to be opened manually. This can be done by unscrewing the top of the toilet tank and allowing the water to escape.
After the flush has occurred and the water level has returned to normal, the flush valve should be securely replaced with the lid of the toilet tank. With this procedure, you will be able to flush the toilet till the handle is replaced.
How to install Keeney tank lever?
Installing a Keeney tank lever is a relatively simple project but it does require the proper tools and components, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Here’s a basic guide of how to install a Keeney tank lever:
1. Shut off the water supply to the toilet tank.
2. Flush the toilet and hold the handle down until the all the water is gone and the tank is empty.
3. Remove the existing lever and chain by unscrewing it from the side of the water tank.
4. Take the new Keeney tank lever and attach the long lever arm to the inside of the tank, by fastening the screws that come with the lever.
5. Attach the chain to the short arm on the lever and make sure it is the right length to reach the flapper valve.
6. Place the new lever handle outside the tank and screw it onto the arm, using the provided screws.
7. Make sure the chain isn’t pulling on the flapper valve when the lever handle is in the up position.
8. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet. Make sure the toilet stops flushing on its own and that it flushes when the lever handle is pushed. If the toilet continues to run, adjust the chain until it fits securely around the flapper valve.
9. After everything is installed, you can secure the tank lever using the provided caps. This will give it a more secure fit and protect the tank lever from unwanted damage.
That’s it! Installing a Keeney tank lever is easier than it looks and can be done in a relatively short amount of time.
How do you install a hyper tough flush lever?
Installing a Hyper Tough Flush Lever is a relatively easy task and can be completed in a few simple steps.
First, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to ensure the tank is empty. Once this is done, remove the old flush lever and install the new one. To do this, unscrew the screws securing the old lever and remove it from the tank.
You may need to use an adjustable wrench if the screws are stuck or rusty. Once the old lever is removed, line up the new lever on the tank and screw it securely into place.
Next, carefully reconnect the linkage between the handle and the flush valve. Carefully place the lever arm over the flush valve, making sure it’s securely set in place. Use the provided spring and hook to attach the arm to the flush valve.
To do this, first hook the spring onto the lever arm, then hook the hook onto the metal arm on the flush valve. Secure the linkage in place, making sure it’s secured properly. After this, you can reconnect the water supply and test the toilet to make sure the new lever is working.
Once you’ve completed this process, your Hyper Tough Flush Lever installation is complete, and your toilet should be in good working order.
What is a trip lever?
A trip lever is a type of mechanism commonly used in plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks. It is a lever that when pulled operates a system inside the fixture, usually associated with a flushing or draining mechanism.
It is used to start and stop a series of processes within the fixture, such as turning on the water, draining the water, or activating an overflow system in sinks. The trip lever is often attached to a chain that is attached to the inner mechanism itself.
Depending on the type of fixture, the trip lever may be located on the side or front of the piece, and is usually mounted onto the wall or a frame that supports the fixture. The installation of the trip lever needs to be done carefully as it needs to be securely fastened and adapted to the specific type of fixture.
Are all toilet seat fixings the same?
No, not all toilet seat fixings are the same. Each of which has its own distinct characteristics and installation requirements. Some popular toilet seat fixing types include top-fix, bottom-fix, adjustable, and one-piece.
Top-fix fittings use bolts and screws that attach to the toilet pan from the top. Bottom-fix fittings attach to the pan from the bottom, and some may feature adjustable arms for better support. Adjustable fittings use a special clamping system and allow the seat to be adjusted for perfect alignment with the pan and lid.
Finally, one-piece fixtures are complete assemblies, from the toilet seat and lid to the mounting system, that fit the entire unit in one piece. Depending on the style and shape of your toilet and the features you prefer, you can find a toilet seat fixing solution to fit your needs.
Why are toilet flush handles on the left side?
The reason why toilet flush handles are on the left side is because it was historically standard in the US and UK to place them on the left side. This was mainly due to the fact that the majority of people are right-handed, so it made sense to make the handle more easily accessible to those who are right-handed.
Placing the flush handle on the left side also ensures that there is less of a chance of accidentally hitting the handle with either the left or right hand. Additionally, many toilets in the US and UK have their tanks mounted on the left side of the toilet, thus adding one more reason to have the flush handle on the left.
Additionally, having the flush handle on the left makes it easier for cleaning crews to access and use.
What side should toilet handle be on?
When it comes to deciding what side the toilet handle should be on, it really comes down to personal preference. While it may seem like there is a universal standard to it, what works best for one individual may not be the best for another.
Some people prefer the handle to be on the left side, while others like it on the right. It all depends on the individual’s needs, such as the position of the hand when sitting on the toilet. Additionally, the type of toilet may also affect the positioning of the handle, as the shape and size of the tank could make it difficult to reach the handle from across the room.
Ultimately, when trying to decide which side to have the handle on, it is best to experiment and find out which side works best for you and your space.
Are there right and left toilet handles?
Yes, there are right and left toilet handles. Toilet handles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically made of brass, chrome, or plastic. Some toilet handles are able to be installed on either side of the tank, allowing for a customized look.
In order for the toilet handle to be left- or right-handed, the handle must be positioned in the proper place on the flushometer. When the handle is installed on the left side, the handle is referred to as a left-handed toilet handle.
Likewise, a right-handed handle is one that is installed on the right side. Certain brands may also offer dual-flush options, which have both right and left handles to control different flush settings.
Toilet handles are an important element of any bathroom and can be used to create different aesthetics. By choosing the right handle, you can craft a more comfortable and attractive bathroom environment.
Why are there two flush buttons?
The reason why there are two flush buttons on a toilet is usually for double flushing. The left button is the regular flush and will empty the toilet bowl of both liquid and solid waste. This button uses the most water and is typically used for general flushing.
The right button is the half flush and only empties the liquids from the toilet bowl. This button conserves water and is used mainly for flushing urine.
Having two flush buttons on a toilet can be a great way to conserve water. The half flush can be used when it is only liquid waste that needs to be flushed away. This will reduce the amount of water used, saving both water and money on the water bill.
In some toilets, the two flush buttons offer a choice of the full flush for solid waste and the half flush for liquid waste or a variable flush which combines the two offers lower flushing volumes.
In addition, having two flush buttons can be a great convenience; when you do not have to worry about whether you pushed the right button to ensure the fullest capacity flush for all waste.