Toilet tank bolts leaking – how to fix it? Water pools at the toilet’s base are not just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be risky. Additionally, water that is wasted often results in higher water bills.
The positive side is that there’s an easy solution.
If water leaks through the bolts on the tank, or basically the toilet leaks from the tank, you must replace or tighten the bolts in accordance with their state of repair. But, since the leak could be caused by cracks or rusty bolts, it is necessary to replace them prior to damaging the tank.
Leaking From Tank Bolts – Common Causes
There are four causes for the water leakage out of the bolts for the tank. It could be due to:
- The bolts are misaligned because of poor fitting. All it takes is a gap that could cause leakage. This is why it’s best to hire a professional to install the tank’s top.
- Bolts that are cracked or damaged completely. In these cases, it’s the only option other than to replace the bolts with brand new bolts.
- Bolts are rusty because they are made of steel and also because water is always present in bathrooms.
- The bolts were screwed too tightly. This resulted from a poor installation by a novice.
If you now know the reason your toilet has started to leak from the bolts on your tank. Let’s take a look at what you can do to fix it.
How to Fix a Toilet Leaking From the Tank Bolts Step-By-Step
In the majority of new and old designs, the bolts that are on a toilet are inserted into the tank before connecting with the tub. There’s a rubber or, most likely – a metal washer between the interior of the tank and the bolt head.
They also can sit in between bowls and tanks. They are designed to secure the two together and prevent the former from moving.
Because they’re made from metallic materials, water that is hard may cause corrosion over time.
Step 1. Perform an Inspection to Find the Leak Source
To repair the toilet tank bolt leak, it’s necessary to inspect the bolts on the toilet to find out where the leak originated.
Do the bolts seem to be loose?
Have they become damaged by corrosion? If so it’s time to change them out with more modern ones.
The same goes for the nuts and washers that hold the bolts in place. They can become worn out over time, leading to the bolts on tanks becoming loose and becoming risky on the tanks. If your bathroom is located at a more humid end This is something to watch out for because they could get corroded at a rapid rate.
It is important to note that there are a couple of other areas in which your toilet could leak as well. To conduct a thorough inspection begin with the bottom of the toilet close to the floor.
Do you see any puddles of water?
Next, move towards the side of the toilet to where the bowl joins the tank. If you examine the space between them and you’ll be able to determine the location the leak started.
Step 2. Turn Off the Water and Empty the Toilet Tank
After you’ve narrowed in on the root of the issue, you need to cut out the supply pipe to your toilet prior to making any further changes. It’s possible to do this using the valve for the water supply line to the toilet located close to the back of the toilet, usually on the left side.
Make use of an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt on the valve. Then you can turn the valve counterclockwise approximately a half-inch until you can complete the shut-off.
If your toilet is still running it is necessary to adjust the valve further. After shutting off the supply of water then flush the toilet to remove all the water out of the bowl. After that, drain any remaining water that remains inside the tank.
Step 3. Removing And Replacing Toilet Tank Bolts and the Tank
After you have removed all liquid from your tank, take an ax and take off the bolts that connect tanks to toilets.
Be aware that the nuts should not be held too tightly. However, sometimes, they may be too damaged to rotate just by your fingers.
If that’s the case, grab your pliers, and then firmly grasp the tank bolt or nut head and slowly turn towards the right. It may be necessary to tap it several times using the tip of the pliers in order to disintegrate the rusted metal.
If you are still having problems, grab a little from CLR then spray it over the fastener. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes and then try again.
After you have the bolts off of your tank Make sure that the toilet tank lid is off before carefully lifting the tank from its spot. Then, you can place it on the top of the lid to begin working on it.
Step 4. Replace the Fasteners and Bowl Gasket as Needed
Make sure you set the old fasteners to the side, so they don’t get mixed with the brand-new hardware.
Based on the brand and model of your toilet, you might be required to take off the gasket in the bowl, the round piece of rubber which sits between your tank and the bowl of the toilet.
The gaskets made of rubber are known to leak water when they wear out or become hard, though this is more prevalent in toilets between 7 and 10 years old.
Take a look at the instruction manual provided with your brand new kit of tank or hardware (such as that Fluidmaster Kit) and then arrange the pieces in the order in order to prevent them from getting lost. Sometimes, kits come with an additional set of nuts as well as metal washers (or even a rubber washer) to provide a security measure.
Once you’re comfortable with the location of everything, put the bolts within the tank. In the event that you’re changing, the gasket put it on the tank’s bottom before going for the following step.
Step 5. Place the Toilet Tank Back In Position
Then, remove the tank from the lid of the toilet and then put it back into its place. Once you’ve aligned the bolts and their respective holes, remove the washers and nuts, then put them in place.
Don’t over-tighten the screws! This could result in cracks appearing in the bowl of the toilet and in the tank. If it happens, you’ll need to place a “Do not use” warning in the tank until you can get an alternative tank or bowl.
Before proceeding, make sure to conduct a quick inspection to make sure you’ve put in all the bolts and washers, and nuts on the tank.
Step 6. Turn the Water Valve Back On
It’s now time to switch the water off and verify that the leak has gone away.
Utilize your adjustable wrench and turn the valve counter-clockwise, then hand tightens it. The next step is to be close to your water tank to check for leaks.
Be sure to inspect both sides, the rear, and the area surrounding the bowl’s bottom. The toilet should be flushed a few times so that you’re sure and then stand and watch it fill.
It is also important to watch the region around the main water line to make sure that there aren’t any leaks developed there and that the fix was successful.
Look also – Toilet Leaks Only When Flushed – Main Causes, Tips For Fixing
The Bottom Line
Now, my dear buddy, you’re aware of how to fix leaking toilet tank bolts! Did the entire process work? Do you feel confident to tackle it all on your own?
The process can last between 30 and one hour. However, if you’re stuck at any point or encounter unanticipated issues it’s advised to consult a licensed plumber for assistance -and today (and because of smartphones) there are many plumbers who are able to offer an appointment on the phone for a cost.
I hope this can help!
Toilet Tank Bolts Leaking FAQs
Why is my toilet leaking from the tank bolts?
A toilet that leaks due to the tank bolts usually leaks due to damaged, misaligned, or cracked washers and bolts. You must strengthen the bolts, or even replace them. In general, toilets with two pieces have bolts to connect them to bowls.
Can you over-tighten toilet tank bolts?
Bolts for toilets that are not tightened can crack the tank or the toilet bowl that you attach the tank. The reason for this is that toilets are made from ceramic, which can be tough, but susceptible to cracking. Porcelain isn’t able to bend or flex and therefore a bolt that is too tight could break the ceramic.
Will a toilet leak if bolts are loose?
The most frequent cause of toilets that leak is that the bolts are too loose. While this is sometimes repaired by careful tightening loose bolts usually occur by the metal or rubber washers that bolts use are corroded or old.
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