Don’t Panic! Here’s How You Counter Attack Bolts on Toilet Tank Leaking

If you know what to do, bolts on toilet tank leaking are a relatively simple issue. However, you should use the advice below if you’re an inexperienced homeowner. You’ll save money by resolving the issue rather than paying a high service fee.

bolts on toilet tank leaking

Quick Fix for Leaking Toilet Tank

Two or occasionally, three bolts are used to attach the toilet tank to the bowl. Rubber washers are often placed with bolts inside the tank to prevent leaks.

The cause of leaking bolts on the toilet tank is the loose bolts and rusted or worn-out rubber washers.

However, you do not always need to repair the tank bolts when there is a leak. The only thing you may need to do if your toilet tank is unsteady because of loose bolts is to tighten them.

  • Under the bowl, locate the toilet tank bolts nuts.
  • To tighten them, use an adjustable wrench.
  • You must gain access to the inside of the tank if they are spinning rather than tightening.
  • Turn off the toilet’s water supply. The shutoff valve is located on the wall behind the toilet. Orient it clockwise.
  • Cleans the toilet by flushing it.
  • Open the cover of the toilet tank.
  • Hold the bolt’s head in the tank with a screwdriver while tightening the nuts under the bowl.
  • Verify that the tank’s leak has stopped.

You are safe and sound at home if the toilet tank bolts have stopped leaking. On the other hand, you must replace them if they are still leaking or if you want a long-term solution.

Read also: Why is My Toilet Seat Turning Blue?

Quick Fix to Toilet Tank Leaking from Bottom

  1. At the shutdown valve beneath the tank, turn the water off.
  2. Empty the tank. After flushing the toilet, wipe the tank’s residual water using a sponge.
  3. Hold a tank bolt nut in your hand. Use an adjustable wrench to hold the nut on the tank bolt’s underside.
  4. Utilizing the screwdriver, remove the tank’s fasteners.
  5. The tank should be taken out of the bowl and set down.
  6. Discard the previous spud washer.
  7. Replace the spud washer.
  8. Clean the area surrounding the tank’s holes after removing the bolts and gaskets. Scrape any remaining pieces of the old bolt gasket that could be adhered to the tank’s exterior or inside with the wire brush. The surface must be clean for the new gasket to seat and seal correctly.
  9. Attach each bolt with the fresh gasket.
  10. It is necessary to insert each bolt through the holes inside the tank’s bottom before replacing the nuts.
  11. In the bowl, swap out the tank. Tighten the bolts and nuts (with the screwdriver and adjustable wrench) in an alternate side-to-side motion until the gaskets seem to be seated.

You Might Need an Extra Tool to Remove Bolts on Toilet Tank Leaking

You may cut off the nut from broken or corroded bolts on the toilet tank leaking. Using a little hacksaw makes this task simple.

Your tank bolts may rust as a result of hard water. The use of solid brass fasteners can stop this for homeowners in places with hard water. You may put a rust-preventative on your bolts if your water is harsh. They could live longer if they do this.

You’ll need to remove and replace the bolts if they don’t get loose but instead merely spin in place. Use your wrench on the nut and a screwdriver on the bolt head to remove them. To the left, turn the wrench. They ought to relax as a result.

Changing the Gasket Between the Bowl and the Tank

Under the tank, the tank-to-bowl gasket is also susceptible to damage. The tank’s connection to the bowl is where the gasket is situated. Examine the old gasket after removing it. You should replace the bolts on the toilet tank leaking if it appears worn or damaged.

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John Burns is an experienced author and expert home improvement advice. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects related to home improvement, including installation, maintenance, and repair.