Toilet Leak

[shaken-n-stirred]

Odd. I have had a toilet installed for about 15 years and today I notice a leak. The leak appears to be coming from one of the bolts (or rubber gasket) connecting the bowl to the tank.

Does this happen from time to time? I think it quiet strange after 15 years. I know of toilets which have been installed for 40 years, in fact my upstairs toilet has been untouched for that long.

At any rate what is suggested? Replace the gasket? Tighten the bolts? If I tighten the bolts how much risk do I have of breaking the tank or bowl, or is that rubber gasket pretty forgiving.

Basic Question. Appreciate all experienced advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[frodo]

15 years you done good !!!!!!!!!

about time to over haul the thing. you will need a set of tank bowl bolts and a spud washer

turn off water, flush toilet, disconnect water, drain tank.

take the bolts loose holding the tank on the bowl.

pull tank off, set it on the seat, the big rubbber on the bottom, take it with you to the supply house

get another one just like it, and 2 new tank bolts with washers.

get a small can of pipe dope...recto seal no 5

put new spud washer on the nut, pipe dope the washer.

clean the toilet bowl, place tank on bowl, tighten bolts. at the same time, this one that one....evenly

till the bowl gets tight to the tank...stop as soon as the tank is tight.

hook up water. pee in it

 

[Mr_David]

You can try to tighten but that neoprene washer inside the tank is probably pretty rotten. A lot of toilets can take a generic tank to bowl gasket and bolts.
Some require gaskets designed specifically for that brand of toilet. if you change the bolts bets to replace the tank to bowl gasket as well.

A common mistake I see rookies do is placing a washer on the bolt first before the neoprene washer and inserting it back into the tank. Never understood the logic in that.

Place only the neoprene washer on the bolt before inserting back in to the tank. The washer will seal against the head of the bolt an the inside of the tank.

if there is room between the tank and the bowl secure the new bolt to the tank with a washer and nut. before setting the tank back on toilet. some toilet have the room , Some don't.

 

[Mr_David]

No real need to dope the washer. I have never had a problem with using just the plain washer as they come out of the bag.

 

[havasu]

I'd first check to see if the tank has a hairline crack.

 

[Mr_David]

This was told before but it's funny so I'll tell it again.

The last time I was showing a customer the crack in her tank, she couldn't see it, but informed me, " I see one right there" as she pointed to my back side.

 

[DFBonnett]

OP,
Check to see if the bolts are even tight at all. Of the two bolts on the toilet in my daughter's powder room, one was barely finger tight and the other not even close to that. No leaks until my toddler granddaughter discovered flushing. Just a snugging down was the cure.

 

[frodo]

This was told before but it's funny so I'll tell it again.

The last time I was showing a customer the crack in her tank, she couldn't see it, but informed me, " I see one right there" as she pointed to my back side.

flirting on the job!!!

you dawg you!!!!

 

[frodo]

Shak'n stirred, As you can see, lots of advice for a simple loose tank.
Mr David, pretty much nailed it, TRY, to tighten the tank bolts. BUT, After 15 years we can pretty much tell you that will do no good
they will be rotted, and/or the bolt will be so corroded it might not turn.

in my opinion, if your going to replace the bolts on a toilet. "might as well" replace the tank "spud" washer as well

 

[havasu]

Since we are discussing replacement toilets, may I add one but of information?

I recently replaced my toilets with the newer, low water usage Kohler toilets, and they are the higher handicap style. With the soft close seats and being taller for my bad knees, it was the best purchase I've made in years. Just something to think about...