How to Tighten Up a Toilet Lever That is Loose

Posted on June 9, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet levers, or handles, are used several times a day; so, it is no surprise that they begin to loosen overtime. Although not a serious repair, it is important to remedy a loose toilet lever because it can affect toilet performance and efficiency. Not only is a toilet with poor flushing performance unpleasant and unsanitary, but its inefficiency can also increase monthly water bills. Fortunately, this is generally an easy fix, and one that you can accomplish all on your own with a few simple adjustments.

Continue reading to review a step-by-step guide on tightening a loose toilet tank lever.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle:

What You Will Need

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, you won’t require very many tools or supplies. That is because it is not a very invasive repair. Most likely, you will already have the tools necessary to get the job done. This saves you time by avoiding a trip to the local home improvement store. All you need is your own two hands and an adjustable wrench.

How to Do It:

✅ Start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. The supply pipe and handle should be behind the tank. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by rotating the shut-off valve handle clockwise.

✅ Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. Grab both sides and lift upwards. It should not be sealed or connected to the toilet. Place it down slowly on a flat, stable surface so you do not crack or break it.

✅ You will now need to empty the tank of water. Do this by simply flushing the toilet with the handle. It is easier to adjust a loose toilet lever without water in the tank.

✅ Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. This is the nut that has come loose. Standard screws and other threaded hardware are forward threaded, but toilet lever nuts and screws are reverse-threaded with a plastic washer. This helps to prevent loosening overtime.

✅ Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Do this by grasping the nut with your wrench and turning it clockwise. Continue turning the nut until you begin to feel resistance. Once you feel this resistance, make only a couple more turns until it is difficult to turn any more. Be careful to not overdo it and accidentally crack the tank.

✅ Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. If it does not compress well, it is too tight, and you will need to loosen it by one or two rotations. Loosen counterclockwise with your wrench.

✅ Finish by turning your water supply to the toilet back on!

Still having problems with your toilet or bathroom plumbing? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

You Might Also Read:

How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle
3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!
The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Make Homemade Fizzy Toilet Bombs

Posted on February 6, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

How’s your toilet cleaning technique working for you? Is it effective? Is it easy? Do you dread it, putting it off for as long as possible? Well, perhaps it’s just missing something. By adding a simple toilet cleaner to your current routine, you can enhance the quality of your results, without really lifting a finger!

How? With these easy, fun, and super fizzy toilet bombs you can make from home using a few simple household ingredients! Continue reading to learn the recipe!

Indianapolis Toilet Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Toilet Bombs

You have likely heard of bath bombs, which have become increasingly popular for the fun and invigorating experience they deliver. Not only can you purchase bath bombs at the local department store, you can also make them from home. So why not make a similar product for the toilet?

This is how toilet bombs were thought into existence! These toilet bombs hold immense cleaning and sanitizing power, instantly refreshing your stale or stinky toilet. Best of all, they produce an immediate, sparkling fun fizz, which actually entices little ones to help with your cleaning chores!

What You Need to Make Toilet Bombs:

☐ Small Bowl
☐ Ice Cube Tray
☐ Baking Soda – 1 Cup
☐ Citric Acid – 1/4 Cup
☐ Dish Soap – 1 Tablespoon

How to Make Toilet Bombs:

➀ In your bowl, combine all ingredients.
➁ Stir gently with a spoon until you achieve a paste-like texture.
➂ Neatly pack each ice cube hole with your paste.
➃ Allow it to dry for 2 hours.
➄ Store your toilet bombs in a mason jar or air-tight, sealed plastic storage bag.

How to Use Toilet Bombs:

Simply drop 1 toilet bomb into the bowl of your toilet and watch the fizz action begin! Repeat every few days for best results! Still have a dirty-looking toilet? See our blogs, “2 Effective Solutions for Toilet Stains” and “How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home” for some great toilet maintenance advice!

Got Toilet Plumbing Problems?

When your toilet needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including toilet repair and replacement. We even sell top-of-the-line TOTO toilets below market price! Request a free estimate, today.

The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

Posted on December 26, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

No one expects a toilet to clog. They always backup when you least expect them to. For larger families, especially with young kids, you never know what’s being put into your commodes, making it like plumbing-roulette every time someone in your family flushes the toilet. However, you can place your clogged toilet anxieties aside with this easy and fool-proof method.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

How to Quickly Unclog a Toilet

Keep in mind that for larger toilet backups, you will need to implement some further strategies, including turning off the mail water shutoff and using a toilet auger to release major obstructions. For all other minor to moderate toilet clog ordeals, you can rely in the fool-proof, failsafe unclogging strategy outlined below.

What You Will Need

For this easy, two-step toilet unclogging method, all you need is a plunger and some patience. In addition to these items, you may want to add on some disinfectant cleaner, bleach, odor removal products, and other supplies that might alleviate the aftermath of a clogged or overflowing toilet.

⚠ WARNING: DO NOT FLUSH A SECOND TIME!

As a toilet begins to overflow after a flush, do nothing except perhaps grab some towels! The worst thing you can do is try to flush the toilet again before you implement your strategy. Flushing a second time will only send more water to the bowl and further increase the volume of the overflow. Basically, you will have contaminated toilet water all over the floor.

What To Do Instead

Instead of flushing again, wait for the toilet to stop flushing. Then continue to wait another 10 minutes, or until the water level in the bowl has dropped. If the water level does not drop, you might have a more serious toilet clog than you can deal with on your own. In this case, go ahead and try the two-step method, but if it does not work, or makes too much of a mess, contact an emergency plumber for professional repair.

✨ THE TWO-STEP TOILET UNCLOGGING METHOD:

ONE: Use your plunger to release the clog. Place it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and them push and pump the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done

TWO: Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle

Posted on May 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your toilet never seems to give you trouble. And then out of nowhere, the handle refuses to pop back into the position after a flush, causing your tank to run endlessly until you manually move the handle back into place. If you are suffering from this mind-numbing bathroom problem, continue reading to learn what you can do to fix it and prevent it from happening again.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Fixing a Stuck Toilet Handle

There are a few different reasons why your toilet handle is sticking, and thus, causing your toilet to run and run until moved back into place. You see, the handle is attached to a lever assembly, which is attached to a wire or chain inside the tank. This lever and chain is attached to a flapper, or flush ball, which basically acts as a drain stopper. This setup springs a handle back into position after a flush.

But sometimes, this chain or wire connected to the lever assembly can get tangled or caught on another component, causing the toilet handle to stick. Now that you understand what may be causing your stubborn toilet handle problems, you are better equipped to fix it all on your own. Fortunately, it only takes a few simple adjustments to undo the jam.

Here’s What You Will Need:

☑ Rubber Gloves

Unless you don’t mind sticking your hands into the back of your toilet tank, it is recommended to don some cleaning gloves. But don’t worry too much; toilet tank water is actually very clean.

☑ Fingers

You will likely be touching, grasping, and moving around some components inside the tank, so be prepared to use your fingers to do the job.

How to Start:

⇰ First, look behind your toilet and shut off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise.

⇰ Next, don your gloves and remove the tank lid from the back of your toilet.

⇰ Now flush your toilet.

⇰ Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation of all the moving components in the tank. This can tell you where the hang up is coming from. Watch the movement of the handle, lever, chain or wire, and the flapper.

⇰ If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction.

⇰ If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight.

⇰ Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

If You are Still Having Plumbing Issues…

When your toilet needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Get Rid of Mineral Stains in Toilet Bowls

Posted on January 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

No one enjoys cleaning the bathroom. But it is a chore that must be done. So it only makes sense to do it right of you are going to do it at all. One of the most irksome bathroom chores homemakers complain about involves cleaning stained toilet bowls. Of course you don’t want to put in the extra time and energy to scrub a toilet bowl clean if there is no guarantee it will help. Instead, it is easier to learn how to rid your toilet bowl of pesky, lingering mineral stains, so that you never waste another valuable minute of your time
attempting to do so in the future!

Continue reading to learn the secret to getting rid of toilet bowl mineral stains, and who to call for trusted toilet repair and replacement.

Toilet Bowl Stains

After sometime, a toilet bowl may start to show signs of staining, such as limescale, greenish stripes, brown rings, and even rust formation. So where do these stains come from? Are you doing something wrong in your cleaning regime? The answer is, “no.” It is something in your home’s water that is causing the stains to appear and then linger. Local water supplies contain hard mineral ions, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals, upon temperature changes and overtime, accumulate in and on plumbing fixtures in solid form called sediment.

Hard Water Removal

Hard water has several negative effects on home life, plumbing, finances, and hygiene. Water softening is the most effective method for eliminate hard mineral ions in your home’s water supply. Start by purchasing an at-home hard water test kit to measure the level of hardness in your home’s water supply. If it is high, contact a licensed plumber that specializes in soft water services. They can provide professional hard water removal services at an affordable price. By installing a quality water softener, and possibly a reverse osmosis system, you can easily eliminate your hard water problems for good, and enjoy life with soft water! In the meantime, learn how to clean toilet bowl mineral stains.

How to Clean Toilet Stains

Green and brown stains are usually limescale. Rust stains are caused by air exposure to the iron in the limescale. To get rid of both, gather up these supplies:

➙ Lime-Away® or CRL®
➙ Nylon-Bristled Scrubbing Brush
➙ Rubber Gloves
➙ Face Mask
➙ Bucket

Organic Cleanser:

➙ Baking Soda, White Distilled Vinegar, and Coca-Cola®

NOTE: DO NOT use bleach, and NEVER mix bleach with ammonia!

Standard Cleaning Method:

⑴ Start by donning your protective cleaning gear. Products like Lime-Away® or CRL® are acid-based, and contain strong chemicals that can agitate your senses and skin. Once you are geared-up, move onto step 2.

⑵ Turn off the main water shut off valve that is located behind the toilet. Just turn it clockwise until it stops. You don’t want to accidentally flush while scrubbing!

⑶ Use your bucket to collect and remove as much water from the toilet as possible.

⑶ Apply your cleaner of choice to the inside walls of the toilet bowl. Then using your natural-given elbow grease, scrub away! Use enough pressure to break down sediment buildup and wipe the porcelain clean.

⑸ You may need to repeat Step 4 more than once to finish the job.

⑹ Last, turn your water shut off valve back on and flush the bowl clean. You may need to flush more than once, but be sure to give your toilet a few minutes in between each one.

Organic Cleaning Method:

➊ Turn off the main water shut off valve for the toilet.

➋ Pour 2 cups of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by a teaspoon of baking soda.

➌ Next, brush the water around the basin with your toilet wand. If the stains do not seem to be releasing, try adding a few tablespoons of lemon juice. The acidity should help dissolve the sediment.

➍ Allow the soapy water to sit for 15 minutes. Then turn the water back on.

➎ Flush the toilet a few times to rinse it clean. You may need to repeat Steps 2 through 4 again.

➏ Once this is done, pour a can of Coca-Cola® into the bowl. The acid will also help further release the stains.

➐ Allow the cola to sit overnight. Then repeat Step 5 to finish.

Toilet Repair and Installation

If your toilet has seen better days, it may be time for a model upgrade. Or perhaps it just needs a little maintenance. Either way, contact a licensed plumber for help with toilet repair, service, and installation you can trust. They have the skills, knowledge, and resources to service or replace your toilet, as well as all other plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home, safely and efficiently.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis toilet repair and service you can trust. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to provide affordable and convenient solutions to your toilet plumbing problems. We offer a wide range of bathroom plumbing services, including repairs, replacements, maintenance, installation, and even sales. Choose a TOTO® Toilet as an upgrade and we’ll provide it for you! Call 317-787-1870 to request a free estimate for toilet repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home

Posted on October 4, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

For all you homeowners looking for new ways to “go green”, learning to make your own eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner is a great addition to your efforts. With a few natural ingredients, you can concoct your very own chemical-free toilet bowl cleaner that’s safe for you and the environment! Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your health as well as your home’s plumbing and vital appliances (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.). Homemade toilet bowl cleaner is a fantastic alternative to harmful, over-the-counter products; not only because it is much safer, but also because it’s equally-effective at cleaning.

Continue reading to learn a useful recipe for homemade, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner, and feel good about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the environment!

What You Need

🚽 Large Glass Bowl
🚽 Glass Storage Jar
🚽 Wooden Spoon
🚽 Toilet Brush
🚽 Baking Soda
🚽 20% White Vinegar

AND…

Disinfecting Essential Oil of Your Choice:

❧ Tea Tree
❧ Peppermint
❧ Lavender
❧ Orange
❧ Pine
❧ Lemongrass

Mixing Instructions

1 Using your wooden spoon, combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of essential oil into a large glass bowl. You must use a glass bowl and wooden spoon because essential oils can corrode metal and plastic.

2 Continue to mix the baking soda and oil together until the majority of clumps are gone. Then transfer the powder into a glass storage jar with a tightly-sealed lid. This will give you nearly 30 uses!

Cleaning Instructions

① Scoop 1 tablespoon of powder from your jar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Use an additional scoop for the walls.

② Use your toilet brush to spread (not scrub!) the powder/oil mix around on the walls and basin.

③ Pour a ½ cup of 20% white vinegar into the bowl. It should start to fizz on contact. If you cannot find 30% vinegar, you can use 5% distilled white vinegar instead, but increase the amount to 2 cups.

④ If no fizzing occurred, you’ll need to use some more scoops of cleaner. Once the fizzing goes down, use your toilet brush to scrub the toilet clean.

⑤ Allow the mixture to settle for 10 to 15 minutes before flushing it down.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, are eager to help you get your plumbing back on track and at a price that’s fair. We offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken plumbing appliances. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service and repair, today.