Step 1: Dismantle
- Take the top of the cistern off and place it carefully to one side. Keep the loo seat down so nothing falls in whilst you work.
- Unhook and remove the trip lever (the bit that connects the handle with the other bits inside). This is usually made of plastic.
- Unscrew the nut that holds the handle in place. Remember that this nut is reverse-threaded, so to undo it you'll need to turn it clockwise.
- Remove the handle.
Trip levers and handle holes come in a variety of sizes, so it's easier if you take the entire handle to a DIY store to ensure the replacement is the right size.
Step 2: Reassemble
- Slot the new handle into position.
- Slide on the nut and screw on firmly, tightening with an adjustable wrench.
- Take care not to over tighten; you don't want it to crack.
- Don't forget that it's reverse-threaded, so turn anticlockwise.
- Slide the trip lever onto the end of the handle and rehook it.
- Now have a go at flushing the toilet. If this hasn't solved your toilet flushing troubles, call on the skills of a professional plumber.