Broken toilet handle

Yorkie1

My toilet handle has sheared off from where the mechanism goes through into the cistern. Luckily the cistern lid comes off and I can continue to flush it by lifting up the end of the piece of plastic which goes from the metal rod (sorry, not familiar with the terminology).

I don't think I have the tools or the skills to mend it or replace it. So will need to get a handyman or plumber to do it for me.

What I'm wondering is whether the person is likely to have the necessary replacement handle mechanism, or whether they'd expect me to have sourced it first.

Photo attached - I'm holding the detached handle on the right. (Ignore the dust!!)

If I would need to get the necessary items, what would I be looking at getting? The toilet is probably 20 years old; is the whole mechanism likely to need replacing, do you think? Would it be standard sizes? I'd probably like to keep a similar style handle to fit the style of the bathroom.

fwor

There are a few variations but essentially the handle and lifter is a standard part. If you put the search term "toilet flush handle replacement" into Ebay, for example, you'll find lots listed for around a tenner, including some in that style.

You'll need to get that rusty screw out that holds the nylon arm, and a pair of large slip-jointed pliers to remove the nut on the inside, and the whole thing will come out. I personally would probably do something ridiculous like drilling and pinning to repair it, but at £10 it's really not worth the effort.

stuart45

Screwfix do the kits as well as places like City plumbing. It's quite an easy job to DIY.

FrugaiMacDugal

Here's my redneck fix.

It looks like the piece in your hand is hollow up the middle and there will be a threaded part in the chrome dome.

Try to get the threaded part out, it should also be hollow, so use a flat headed screwdriver pushed into the hollow and turn anti clockwise.

So now you've got the culprits get a small piece of wood, like a dowel, to fit inside the handle and the threaded part , you could even use cocktail sticks jammed in and trimmed, then glue handle and threaded part together using something like Araldite.

At the worst you may have to buy a new kit, but hopefully the handle screws off and fits your existing set up.

If going to a local supply outlet take the culprits with you to check size.

Eldi_Dos

Redneck solution #2

If both parts are hollow enough to get a flat head screwdriver in you could go ahead with the glued dowel method without trying to remove any parts still in place, but it is a bodge.

Much better and more hygienic to get new part fitted.

grumpy_codger

Toilet Flush Handles | Toilet Spares | Screwfix

+VAT!

- I hate unscrupulous Screwfix for doing this 🤬.

WIAWSNB

Hi Yorkie.

At ~£10 for a brand new one as FMacD has linked to, it isn't worth trying to fix. And, a repair would be a lot more involved than a replacement.

Replacing this is an ideal DIY task, with some awkward bits but very overcomeable - so it'll be satisfying and rewarding. But you'll need some basic tools.

You certainly don't need a 'plumber' - a handyperson will do this (but check with them they are happy to do it), or even a handy neighbour for a nice bottle of wine.

If you do resort to calling a plumber, try and get a recommendation for a friendly local fellow, explain the 'Victorian style' cistern handle has snapped, that it's a standard 'syphon' type cistern, and that you already have a replacement handle. That way they'll hopefully add it as a "I'll pop in on my way home" type jobbie, it'll take him 15minutes, and he'll charge only a token sum.

(Try a Google for "Victorian cistern handle", and choose the style you like best, and then check their reviews. The SF version is quite stubby and conical, and you might not like it.)

If you wish to attempt a DIY replacement, you will need, at a minimum, a large flat-bladed screwdriver, probably a pozidrive-tipped one for the replacement, pliers, and 'waterpump' pliers. Do you have such things? If so, we can guide you through this.

chrisw

Buy the new one from Screwfix above and it should be obvious how to fit it. It's probably a good place to start your diy journey.

Vortigern

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165101#Comment_82165101

If you have a Screwfix account, you can choose to display VAT inclusive prices.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165121#Comment_82165121

Yes, an ideal first DIYer job. But, whilst fitting the replacement should be a breeze, getting the old one out might not be.

grumpy_codger

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165177#Comment_82165177

Where exactly in the account? I haven't checked the app, but I can't find this on their website. Not to mention that the website keeps logging me out regularly and then, when I want to log back in, sends me an email with a code in ridiculous format that cannot be copied&pasted.

And, regardless, this doesn't excuse what they shamelessly do.

When making a payment, even a VAT-registered tradesperson doesn't care about VAT and wants to see the total amount they pay in the first place, not what it costs them net of VAT.

And only after you make a purchase they suddenly change their mind and you see "Note: all order history values are displayed inclusive of VAT" - all values displayed in big numbers in bold.