The flusher handle on my toilet stays down and won’t come back up. How can I fix it?

– Dee

Hi Dee,

There’s a small tab inside the handle mechanism that acts as a stop to hold the handle in the upright position. If the tab is worn or broken, the toilet handle won’t stay up.

To fix a toilet handle that won’t come back up when flushed, you’ll need to replace the handle. If you can’t find a handle that fits, you might have to replace the entire handle mechanism.

Different makes and models of toilets vary on how to do this, but generally, you will need to:

  1. Remove the lid from the tank.
  2. Unhook the chain from the handle arm.
  3. Unscrew the nut inside the tank that holds the handle mechanism.
  4. Pull the handle mechanism out of the tank.
  5. Unscrew the handle from the handle mechanism and replace it, or replace the entire handle mechanism.
  6. Slide the handle mechanism back into the tank.
  7. Screw the nut back on the handle mechanism from inside the tank.
  8. Reattach the chain to the handle mechanism.
  9. Flush the toilet to see if it works okay.
  10. Put the lid back on the tank.

Good luck with your project,


Further Information

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More

Browse Local Plumbers in These Major Markets