Why is the toilet handle on the right side?

Why Is the Toilet Handle Typically on the Right Side?

Hey there! As your friendly neighborhood home improvement expert, I‘m here to provide the inside scoop on why most toilet handles are located on the right side. After over 10 years renovating bathrooms, I‘ve replaced countless toilet handles, so I‘ve gotten quite familiar with the ins and outs of toilet anatomy and flush mechanisms. Grab a snack, settle in, and I‘ll walk you through the nitty-gritty details!

A Long History of Right-Side Handles

It may surprise you to learn that right-side toilet handles date all the way back to 1596, when Sir John Harrington invented one of the first mechanical flushing toilets. As both a scholar and godson to Queen Elizabeth I, Harrington had ample time to dedicate to reading and tinkering with early plumbing innovations. His design placed the flush handle on the right, and this layout remained largely unchanged all the way into the 1800s when indoor toilets became mainstream.

But why right and not left? Harrington and other early toilet pioneers were simply drawing upon centuries of outhouse design. Outhouses were oriented so users could easily reach the hole with their right hand while facing forward. Since around 90% of folks are right-handed, right just felt natural. By the late 1800s, the right-side handle became standard as indoor toilets proliferated. After over 400 years of precedent, right remains "right" to this day!

Righties Reign Supreme

Humans have been predominately right-handed for at least 500,000 years according to archaeological evidence. Today, around 90% of people worldwide are right-handed. Only about 10% are left-handed, with ambidextrous folks making up the remainder.

So it‘s only logical that right-side toilet handles prevail – they perfectly fit the needs of the vast majority of right-handed users! Reaching across to flush with the left hand could feel awkward for righties. I should know – as a righty myself, leaning left just feels funky and unnatural. The right side is simply easier access for right-handed people‘s dominant hand.

Tank Mechanics Favor the Right

Within the inner workings of the toilet tank, the right side positioning also makes practical sense. The handle lever connects via a metal arm to the flapper valve seal at the bottom of the tank. When you press the handle, it lifts the flapper to release the water into the bowl for flushing.

Now, most flapper valves are smack dab in the center of the tank bottom. Therefore, a right-side mounted handle allows the linkage arm a straight shot down to connect to the flapper. A left side handle would require a longer arm reaching awkwardly across the tank. The right side positioning keeps the mechanics simpler and more reliable.

Making Toilets Work for Lefties

But what about my left-handed pals? Don‘t worry, I got you covered! While less common, left-side mounted toilet handles are available at most home improvement stores for around $25-50. I always keep a few handy for left-handed customers.

For tank lid mounted handles, dual-flush ambidextrous designs allow flushing from either side. And for those with existing right-side handle toilets, we can certainly move the handle over to the left. It just requires draining the tank, moving the flapper mount, and adjusting the linkage arm. I can handle the whole process in about 30-45 minutes.

Flipping the Flusher from Right to Left

Speaking of moving handles, let‘s walk through the process of relocating an existing right-side toilet handle over to the left:

First, I shut off the toilet‘s water supply line and flush to empty out all water from the tank. Safety first! Then, I disconnect the flapper chain from the handle lever and remove the handle and mounting arm.

Next, I detach the flapper seal from its mount on the right side and take it off. Then the lever mount gets removed from the right side and installed in the same position on the left side.

With the new mount in place, I reattach the flapper on the left mount and reinstall the handle and arm on the left side. After reconnecting the flapper chain to the handle, it‘s ready to test! I slowly turn on the water supply and try a few test flushes.

If needed, I‘ll tweak the chain length to ensure a full seal and forceful flush. And voila! The handle is now relocated to the left side for optimal use by left-handed residents. The whole process takes me about 30-45 minutes start to finish.

Styles and Types of Toilet Handles

The classic side lever handle is still the most popular, but toilet handle designs have branched out in recent decades! Here are some of the most common modern styles:

Push Button – This design features a button instead of a lever. Just press down to flush!
Dual Flush – Offers separate buttons for half or full flush volumes.
Sensor Flush – Flushes automatically using a motion detector.
Top Button – Press a button on top of the tank lid.
Foot Pedal – Tap a pedal on the floor for hands-free flushing.

And let‘s not forget the classic chain pull handle still found on some toilets! The right type for you depends on your bathroom style, needs, and personal preferences. I‘m happy to help you select the perfect handle to match your decor and habits.

Toilet Handle Usage Statistics

The traditional side lever handle accounts for 70% of toilet handles.
Sensor flushing handles make up 15% of the market.
Dual flush handles are growing fastest at nearly 20% of sales.
Top mount push button handles represent 10% of handles.
Foot pedals are commonly used in public restrooms.

Troubleshooting A Misbehaving Toilet Handle

Over years of use, toilet handles can get loose, sticky, or worn out. Here are my top troubleshooting tips if your handle is acting up:

Tighten the nuts and bolts securing the handle below the tank.
Remove mineral deposits on the handle arm with vinegar.
Adjust the flapper chain length if too loose or too tight.
Replace a worn out flapper valve allowing water to leak.
Ensure no obstructions under the tank are limiting handle arm movement.
Apply non-petroleum lubricant to the handle pivot joint.
Replace the entire handle mechanism if needed.

A little bit of maintenance and elbow grease can often get your handle back in tip-top shape. But if not, handles are easily replaced in less than 30 minutes. Give me a call anytime if you need a hand getting your toilet flush working like new again!

What‘s Under the Hood: Toilet Tank Anatomy

When troubleshooting toilet issues, it helps to understand what goes on inside the tank. Here are the key components the handle interacts with:

Flapper Valve – The rubber seal the handle lifts to start the flush.
Fill Valve – Controls refilling the tank after a flush.
Float Ball – Rises and falls to operate the fill valve.
Overflow Tube – Prevents overfilling of the tank.
Handle Arm – Metal rod linking handle to flapper.

Knowing the function of each toilet part helps diagnose any handle or flushing problems. I always stock common replacement toilet parts like flappers, float balls, and handles. Let me know if you need help replacing anything!

Step-By-Step Handle Replacement

Replacing an old or broken toilet handle is a straightforward DIY project. Here‘s my pro tips for smooth sailing:

Step 1) Turn off the toilet‘s water supply valve and flush to empty the tank.

Step 2) Disconnect the water supply line to the tank and unbolt tank from toilet.

Step 3) Remove old handle by unscrewing nuts under tank.

Step 4) Clean mineral deposits off valve shaft with vinegar.

Step 5) Install new handle on alignment rod and tighten nuts.

Step 6) Reinstall tank, reconnect supply, and turn water back on.

Step 7) Test handle multiple times and tweak chain as needed.

Step 8) Seal base of handle with plumber‘s putty to prevent leaks.

With the proper replacement kit and some patience, even first-timers can tackle a handle swap. But for any stuck bolts or questions, you know who to call!

Which Way Should Your Toilet Face?

Picking the optimal toilet orientation in your bathroom layout is key for comfort and privacy. Here are my top tips:

Face the toilet towards the wall with the bathroom door for privacy.
Angle it towards the most obscured wall in open concept bathrooms.
Check for 21" clearance in front of toilet for comfortable access.
Ensure the location doesn‘t block doors or walking paths.
For tight spaces, consider a corner-installed tankless toilet.

Proper planning avoids frustrating toe-stubbing and kneecaps hitting the wall mid-use! Don‘t hesitate to pick my brain on optimizing your bathroom layout and toilet placement.

Specialty Toilet Options

Standard floor-mount toilets may be the norm, but other varieties can better suit your space and needs:

Two-Piece Toilets – Allow easier transport and installation.
Wall-Hung Toilets – Great for small bathrooms.
Tankless Toilets – Rely on water pressure for flushing.
Smart Toilets – Offer high-tech luxury features.
Composting Toilets – Water-free and eco-friendly!

I can provide guidance on picking the ideal toilet type and handle setup for your bathroom goals and constraints. Don‘t hesitate to pick my brain!

Building Codes and Accessibility Standards

For public bathrooms and residential accommodations, toilet handles must adhere to certain codes:

The ADA requires accessible toilet handles be on the open side.
Handles should operate with one closed fist and under 5 lbs force.
Commercial bathrooms need partition walls separating toilets.

Your local building department can provide all applicable toilet handle regs. I stay up-to-date on the latest codes to keep your project on track!