leaking toilet tank bolts

How to Replace Your Leaking Toilet Tank Bolts

August 8 2017

Leaking Toilet Tank Bolts

The time may one day come when you need to replace leaking toilet tank bolts; so, you should bookmark this article and keep it handy.

The majority of toilets are made of two parts: the tank and the bowl. Together they store toilet water until flushing.

Two bolts attach the tank to the bowl. The bolts pop through the bottom of the tank, passing through flange holes found at the top of the bowl. Nuts and washers protect them.

The bolts consist of fiber or rubber washers that that act as a preventive measure against water leakage. After a long period of usage, the washers may become brittle and hard. This causes dripping and leaking, and that’s when you’ll need to replace the toilet tank bolts. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check for leaks periodically.

How to Replace Leaking Toilet Tank Bolts in 7 Steps:

  1. Water draining from the tank
  • Stop the water flow going to the tank at the shutoff valve.
  • Empty the toilet completely by flushing it.
  • Use towels to absorb the overflow.
  1. Tank lid removal

Remove the toilet lid leaving the tank totally open.

  1. Remove the Tank Bolts
  • Use a wrench to remove the nuts from the bolts after loosening the nuts.
  • You may use a screwdriver to turn the bolts.
  • Pull the nuts out once they’re loose.
  1. Lift off the Tank

Take off the tank and put it on the ground for safety.

  1. Rubber washers’ removal and replacement.
  • Remove the entire old washer.
  • Put the new washers in position.
  • Place a single rubber around the bolt so it’s between the bolt and the tank.
  • Next, insert it within the tank hole. Then, add another rubber washer to the bolt on the outer part of the tank.
  • Add another nut before you’re finished with the 3rd rubber washer.
  • Add a new metal washer to secure the tank to the toilet bowl housing.
  • Install another metal washer to attach the tank to the toilet bowl.
  • Following the same procedure, replace all the nuts on the 2nd bolt.

 

  1. Reattach the Tank and Refill
  • Return the tank and fix it in its position.
  • Tighten the bolts; make sure it’s connected very well.
  • Connect back the water supply to flow back to the tank.
  • Refix the lids back to the tank.
  • Always tighten the nut from below it since it can tear the new rubber washer.
  1. Check the Bolts and Washers

Keep checking the toilet for any leaks for two to three days.

If there are no leaks, your toilet is fixed successfully.

Conclusion

Replacing leaking toilet tank bolts isn’t such a hard task. Anyone can easily fix the mess if it ever occurs in their homes with the above steps. This will help you save your cash and use it for other purposes. You don’t need to be a professional plumber to fix leaking toilet tank bolts, or a lot of other plumbing issues for that matter!

©2024 Hanover Supply