Replacing toilet tank bolts may be necessary if you’re experiencing a leak from the base of your toilet or if the bolts are rusted, damaged, or corroded. Toilet tank bolts are essential for securing the toilet tank to the toilet bowl and ensuring a watertight seal.
Replacing them can be a simple DIY task that can help you fix leaks and prevent further damage to your bathroom floor. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to replace toilet tank bolts, including how to prepare for the replacement, remove the old bolts, install new bolts, and ensure a proper seal.
With the right tools and careful execution, you can successfully replace toilet tank bolts and keep your toilet in good working condition. Let’s dive in!
What Causes Your Toilet Tank to Leak?
The reasons behind this leaking toilet can be various. Basically, your toilet tank is attached to the toilet bowl through some bolts. These bolts have mainly three parts, namely the bolt and a rubber washer inside the tank and a metal disk and a nut underneath the tank.
Additionally, another nut and rubber washer keep the tank attached to the bowl. The water washer is used to prevent a water leak. The first and foremost behind water leaking is if it gets damaged.
It will then start rusting the bolt and eventually cause a water leak. Another possible reason can be that your plumber may not tighten enough these parts of the bolt.
There are some other reasons, too, like if the bolt head is somehow broken, it will lead to a leaking toilet tank. Last but not least reason is the water of your toilet is mainly hard water. Hard water tends to corrode the bowl bolt.
How to Fix Toilet Tank Leakage?
There are reports that people saying my new toilet water tank leaks. The bolts were not even rusted. Well, it could have been due to a damaged rubber washer or loosened bolts. If your toilet tank is leaking just because of loose bolts, simply tightening them will get you out of this problem.
You can just take a wrench and start to tighten the nut underneath the tank. But if they don’t work, you need to tighten them from inside the toilet tank. Use a screwdriver to hold the bolt head and then again tighten the bolt clockwise. It should fix the problem. Besides, if it is due to a damaged rubber washer, just replace them with a new one.
But if you find out a rusted tank bolt, then you need to fully replace them. So, stick with us to know how to replace rusted toilet tank bolts.
How to Replace Toilet Tank Bolts? Let’s Learn from the Experts
Out of many reasons, a rusted bolt may be one major cause behind a leaky toilet tank. You can easily replace the toilet bolts within 20 minutes and 5 dollars. But you need to follow every procedure we showed here to get successfully rid of this toilet leaking situation.
Essential instruments
First, you need these essential parts. These are:
- A new pair of toilet tank bolt kit
- A towel or dry cloth to soak water
- An adjustable wrench
- A screwdriver
Step 1
First, you need to get rid of all the water inside the toilet water tank. Turn off the water supply and make sure no water is flowing through that water. Now use the flush valve to flush out all the water from the water tank.
Soak any remaining water by using a dry towel or cloth. Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank.
Step 2
Now, use the flathead screwdriver into the bolt head with one hand, and with the other hand, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut of the bolt. If the bolt is rusted too much, try to use bleach or baking soda paste and wait 10 minutes. After wearing off, the corrosion starts the step afresh. Repeat this process for the remaining bolts.
Step 3
Take the toilet tank out of its place. Remove the tank gasket. If you can see another nut covering by the gasket, use the wrench to get rid of them too. Now get rid of the rusted toilet tank bolts. Bring up the new set of bolt kits.
Step 4
Follow this step cautiously. Take the bolt and rubber washer first. Put the washer inside the bolt and later put the bolt into the water tank. Underneath the toilet tank, first, use a metal disk or washer, and then use a nut.
Now tighten the nut enough so that no water can pass through it. Cover this bolt with the gasket. For next, place it above the toilet bowl and attach it with another rubber washer and nut.
Step 5
Check for any leak by pouring some water inside it. If it’s not leaking, close the water tank with the cover. Now connect the water supply tube with the water tank and turn on the water valve.
Conclusion
Replacing toilet tank bolts is a manageable DIY project that can help you address leaks and maintain the proper functioning of your toilet. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the right tools and techniques, you can confidently replace toilet tank bolts and prevent further damage to your bathroom floor.
Remember to always prioritize safety, turn off the water supply before making any repairs, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific toilet. If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or encounter any difficulties during the process, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.
With proper maintenance and timely repairs, you can keep your toilet in excellent condition for years to come. Happy repairing!
FAQ
How tight should the toilet tank bolts be?
Toilet tank bolts both prevent your toilet tank from leaking and keep it straightly attached to the bowl. So it should be tightened enough so that no water can pass through them. But don’t tighten so much that lead breaks any part of the bowl or tank.
What size nut is a toilet bolt?
There are many sizes of toilet bolts available in the market. But the 5/16” size x 2 ¾” length can fit in almost all kinds of toilets. It’s an ideal size if you are going to purchase a new set. But if you’re confused, try to bring the old ones with you to the shop.
Can I reuse toilet bolts?
If your toilet bolts are rusty enough, you should get rid of them. Because they don’t cost you too much and besides, they won’t last long. Instead, go for a new one. But yes, you can also use the old ones by cleaning them with bleach or baking soda.
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