Replace a toilet flush lever

Swap a broken or stiff toilet flush lever for a new one, working safely and without leaks.

TFL-01Check what type of lever you haveLift the cistern lid and look at how the lever passes through the side. Note whether it is a side lever (push down) rather than a button, and measure the length and diameter of the threaded part. Check whether the retaining nut is marked with an L for left-hand thread. Buy a universal replacement lever that matches these measurements.

1 each · Universal flush lever kit

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TFL-02Turn off the water and empty the cisternFind the isolation valve on the pipe running into the cistern and turn it clockwise until it stops. If there is no isolation valve, turn off the main stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it actually shuts the flow. Flush the toilet to empty most of the water, then sponge out what is left in the bottom of the cistern.

1 each · Sponge

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TFL-03Remove the lid and disconnect the lever armLift the cistern lid off and set it down somewhere safe. Inside, the lever arm has a chain or plastic link joining it to the siphon plunger. Unhook this link from the end of the lever arm so the lever is free to come out.

TFL-04Undo the retaining nut and take out the old leverThe lever passes through a hole in the outside of the cistern and is held by a large plastic nut. Most are a normal thread, but some are left-hand thread and marked with an L, meaning you turn the nut clockwise to loosen it. Hold the lever steady inside the cistern with one hand while you turn the nut with the other, then slide the whole lever out.

TFL-05Fit the new leverPush the new lever through the hole from outside the cistern, making sure the sealing washer sits flat against the cistern wall. Hand-tighten the retaining nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten a plastic nut, as this can crack the cistern.

TFL-06Reconnect the chain or linkHook the chain or plastic link from the siphon plunger onto the new lever arm. Leave a small amount of slack so the lever moves freely, but not so much that you need a hard yank to flush. You can usually adjust the chain length using its links or a sliding clip.

TFL-07Turn the water back on and testOpen the isolation valve or stopcock again and let the cistern fill. Check around the retaining nut for drips as it fills. Test the flush two or three times, adjusting the chain slack if the flush feels weak or the lever sticks.

TFL-08Tidy upDry off the outside of the cistern and replace the lid. Dispose of the old lever, and give the floor and toilet area a final wipe down.

1 each · Cloth or paper towel

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