Most toilet repairs are simple to handle once you know what you are doing. The tips below may be useful incase you are having problems with your toilets. Such problems may include but not limited to inability of the toilet to flush its contents, sticky handle or the flapper not sealing.

The first step in resolving the problem is to have a basic understanding of how toilets work.

The toilet works by pushing the handle to lift the flapper in the bottom of the tank. When the flapper is up, water empties into the toilet and forces the contents out and away. Similarly, when the flapper closes, the water supply re-fills the tank. This will enable the float ball or float cup to rise until it reaches the top and shuts off on its own accord.

Assuming the problem you are experiencing is a sticky handle, you should first remove the flush lever and mounting nut. Try to clean each piece and the opening with an old toothbrush dipped in white vinegar before putting them back in place.

If the toilet is running, you should first jiggle the flush lever. If that stops it, it means that the handle is too loose and this problem can be rectified by tightened by adjusting the nut that holds it in place counter_clockwise.

If you do this without resolving the problem, you should check the lift chain. It may have too little or too much slack. Adjust the slack by moving it along the bar it is attached to and see if that helps.

The running can also mean that the flapper is not sealing. Turn off the water supply at the bottom of the toilet and flush to empty the toilet tank. Dry the flapper and valve seat. Coat both parts with petroleum jelly to rejuvenate the rubber. Then all you have to do is turn the water supply back on.