A toilet leaking from the tank bolts is a typical problem homeowners face. If you have noticed water pooling around the base of your toilet or on the bathroom floor, you may be dealing with a leaking toilet.
The good news is that fixing a toilet leak is usually a simple process that doesn’t require professional assistance.
Why Is your Toilet Leaking from Tank Bolts?
A toilet tank is connected to the bowl with bolts on the underside of the tank. When you flush, these bolts hold the tank in place and ensure that water flows from the tank to the bowl.
When these bolts become loose or damaged, water can seep out of the tank and onto the floor. There are several reasons why your toilet may be leaking from tank bolts:
1. Loose Bolts
Loose bolts commonly cause toilet leaks and can occur due to regular use over time. The bolts connecting the tank to the bowl hold the tank in place and ensure water flows from the tank to the bowl when you flush.
When these bolts become loose, water can seep out of the tank and onto the floor, causing damage to your bathroom.
2. Damaged Bolts
Damaged bolts are another common cause of toilet leaks. Over time, the bolts that connect the water tank to the bowl can become damaged due to corrosion or other factors. When bolts are damaged, they can no longer provide a tight seal, causing water to leak out of the tank and onto the bathroom floor.
Bolts may become damaged due to corrosion. Corrosion can occur when water and air come into contact with the bolts, causing them to rust and weaken. Additionally, if the bolts are made of low-quality material, they may not be able to withstand constant exposure to water and air, causing them to corrode more quickly.
3. Worn Washers
Worn washers can also contribute to toilet leaks in the bathroom. Washers are small rubber pieces that sit between the bolts and the tank and help to create a tight seal. Over time, these washers can become worn out, cracked, or damaged due to constant exposure to water and air.
One of the reasons why rubber washers become worn out is due to the pressure exerted on them during use. As the bolts tighten, the washers are compressed, which can cause them to lose their shape over time.
4. Cracked Tank
A cracked tank is a less common but possible cause of toilet leaks. A toilet tank is typically made of porcelain or ceramic, a strong and durable material. However, over time, the tank can become cracked for various reasons.
One of the main reasons why a tank can become cracked is due to impact damage. If something heavy falls onto the tank, or if the tank is hit with a hard object, it can cause the porcelain or ceramic to crack.
Similarly, if the tank is not installed correctly, it may be more susceptible to cracking due to external forces.
5. Faulty Toilet Gasket
A faulty gasket is another possible cause of leaks. The rubber gasket sits between the tank and the toilet bowl and helps to create a tight seal. Over time, the gasket can become worn out or damaged, leading to leaks.
One of the reasons why a gasket can become faulty is due to wear and tear. The constant pressure exerted on the gasket during use can cause it to lose shape and become less effective at creating a tight seal.
Another reason why a toilet tank gasket can become faulty is due to poor installation. If the gasket is not installed correctly, it may not be able to create a tight seal between the tank and the bowl.
How to Fix a Toilet Leaking from Tank Bolts
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a novice homeowner, with some knowledge and some essential tools, you can easily fix a leaky toilet tank and avoid the cost of calling in a professional plumber.
1. Tighten the Toilet Tank Bolts
An adjustable wrench will be required to tighten the bolts. You would need to tighten the bolts using the wrench until they are snug. Overtightening the bolts may cause the tank to break. If the bolts are already tight, don’t try to tighten them any further because this will damage them and exacerbate the situation.
Tightening the bolts is a simple and quick fix that most homeowners can do. However, it’s important to note that this solution is not always practical. If the bolts are already tight and the tank is still leaking, the problem may be due to other factors such as worn washers, damaged bolts, a cracked tank, or a faulty gasket.
2. Replace the Bolts
If the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl are damaged, corroded, or worn out, you will need to replace them to stop the toilet from leaking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace the bolts:
- Turn off the water supply: Before replacing the bolts, turn off the water supply to the toilet. You can do this by turning the valve behind the toilet or shutting off the main water supply to your home.
- Drain the tank: Flush the toilet to remove as much water from the tank as possible. If necessary, soak up any residual water with a sponge or cloth.
- Remove the old bolts: Use a wrench to remove the old bolts from the tank. If the bolts are corroded, you may need a lubricant to loosen them.
- Install new bolts: Insert the new bolts into the holes in the tank and thread them through the holes in the bowl. Make sure to use toilet tank bolts that are the correct size and length for your toilet.
- Add washers: Place a washer on each bolt to prevent leaks. The washer should sit between the bolt head and the tank.
- Tighten the nuts: Tighten the nuts on the bolts, making sure to alternate between the two bolts to ensure an even and tight fit. Take care not to overtighten the nuts, as this might cause the tank to shatter.
- Reconnect the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, flush the toilet a few times to ensure everything works properly.
3. Replace the Washers
If your toilet leaks from the tank bolts, and you have determined that the issue is due to worn-out washers, you must replace them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace the washers:
- Turn off the water supply: Before replacing the washers, turn off the water supply to the toilet. You can do this by turning the valve behind the toilet or shutting off the main water supply to your home.
- Drain the tank: Flush the tank to drain as much water as possible. Use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water if necessary.
- Remove the toilet bolts: Use a wrench to remove the bolts from the tank. Be careful not to damage the porcelain or ceramic of the tank or bowl when removing the bolts.
- Remove the old washers: Once the bolts are removed, you can remove the old washers from the bolts and discard them.
- Install the new washers: Before placing the rubber washer, use a metal washer for a better fit, and then place the new washers onto the bolts, ensuring that they sit securely in place.
- Reattach the bolts: Carefully reattach the toilet tank bolts to the tank and the bowl, ensuring they are aligned correctly. Tighten the bolts with a wrench, but don’t overtighten them since this might cause damage.
- Reconnect the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, flush the toilet a few times to ensure everything works properly.
4. Replace the Gasket
If you determine the problem is due to a damaged gasket, you must replace it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace the gasket:
- Turn off the water supply: Turn off the water supply to the toilet before you begin replacing the gasket. You can do this by turning the valve behind the toilet or shutting off the main water supply to your home.
- Drain the tank: Flush it to drain the tank. Use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water if necessary.
- Remove the tank: To replace the gasket, you will need to remove the tank from the bowl. Use a wrench to disconnect the nuts that hold the tank to the bowl.
- Remove the old gasket: Once the tank is removed, you can remove the old gasket from the tank and the bowl. Discard the old gasket.
- Install the new gasket: Place it onto the bowl, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Then, carefully reattach the tank to the bowl, ensuring the bolts are inserted through the holes in the tank and the gasket.
- Tighten the bolts: Tighten the toilet tank bolts with a wrench once the tank has been reattached, but be cautious not to overtighten them as this might cause damage.
- Reconnect the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, flush the toilet a few times to ensure everything works properly.
Consult a professional plumber if you encounter issues or uncertainty when replacing the gasket.
5. Replace the Tank
If you notice a leaky toilet tank and have determined that the problem is due to a cracked tank, you will need to replace the tank. A cracked tank can’t be repaired. This is a step-by-step procedure on how to replace the tank:
- Turn off the water supply: Turn off the water supply to the toilet before you begin replacing the tank. You can do this by turning the valve behind the toilet or shutting off the main water supply to your home.
- Drain the tank: Flush it to drain the tank. Use a cleaning sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water if necessary.
- Remove the tank: Disconnect the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl with a wrench. Carefully lift the tank off of the bowl and set it aside.
- Purchase a new tank: Purchase a new toilet model tank that is compatible with your toilet bowl. Be sure to get a tank the same size and shape as your old one, so it will fit onto the bowl properly.
- Install the new tank: Place the new tank onto the bowl correctly and secure it with the nuts you removed in step 3. Tighten the nuts with a wrench, being cautious not to overtighten them as this might result in damage.
- Reconnect the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, flush it a few times to ensure everything works properly.
Related Article: https://www.funktionalhome.com/toilet-tank-not-filling-with-water/
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
