Hang the clasped end of the chain over the side of the toilet or the vertical overflow pipe so you don’t have to reach into the water to reattach it. If your toilet lever doesn’t have a chain, then look for a small plastic box on the vertical flapper valve that the lever goes through. Simply rotate the flapper assembly away from the lever so you can slide it out.
Avoid turning the mounting nut counterclockwise since you could strip the threading and make it more difficult to remove. If you’re trying to remove a damaged nut, try filing 2 sides of it smooth so you can get a better grip with your pliers. Many mounting nuts have a black rubber O-ring attached to them, which prevents leaks from coming through the handle. If the O-ring is a separate piece from the mounting nut, make sure you remove it as well.
You may be able to unscrew the lever from the handle to make it easier to remove. Check if there are any screws on the lever assembly and use a screwdriver to undo them. Your new toilet handle will have a lever included, so you don’t need to save the old one.
Keep one hand inside the tank to guide the lever to the right spot and leave your other hand outside so you can feed the lever in. If the lever angles over the edge of the tank, carefully bend it with your fingers toward the middle of your toilet tank.
Be careful not to overtighten the mounting nut since you could strip the threading and make it more difficult to replace later on. [8] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
Make sure the chain isn’t caught or wrapped around anything before you clip it, or else your handle may get stuck. If your toilet doesn’t have a chain, slide the lever through the middle of the plastic box on the flapper assembly. Turn the assembly so the box is perpendicular to the lever.
A long chain clasp could also get stuck underneath the flapper when it opens, which will break the seal and make your toilet run.
If the flapper looks old or cracked, then you may need to replace it.
