Fixing a toilet is perhaps one of the things that no one wants to deal with. It is one of the reasons why many people prefer to rent, and one of the strongest arguments against renting properties (being a landlord) that are read on the Internet. I agree with both.
Unfortunately, I had to deal with the problem a few days ago. And in fact, it's not the first time it's happened, it's part of owning.
When it comes to water leakage, I do my best to fix them as soon as I can. A water pot, no matter how small, can become your worst nightmare, as it not only has the potential to cause damage to your property, but it can also lead to health problems, hygiene and even your personal safety.
Immediately I noticed the water-pot, I began to work on it. Fortunately, the water leaks in the toilet, especially if it's the tank screws, are pretty easy to fix. Let me show you how to do it.
FIXING A WATER LEAK IN THE TOILET
There are several parts where a toilet can lose water:
- The base (I hope it's not your case)
- The main water connection
- The gasket/connection between the tank and the Cup
- The screws holding the tank
All cases are pretty easy to fix. However, the first requires completely removing the toilet to replace the wax ring, so it takes longer than everyone else.
If the leak is in the main water connection, you must inspect the hose as well as the (normally plastic) connection to the toilet, and replace if necessary.
The other two types of leakage are the ones I show you in this article.
HOW TO FIX A WATER LEAK FROM THE TOILET TANK
Before you begin to fix the water leak from the toilet tank, make sure you have all the parts and tools you need, then proceed to step 1.
- Screwdrivers and hand tools (always useful)
- Gloves and sponge
- Toilet Repair Kit
STEP 1: INSPECT THE AREA AND DETERMINE WHERE THE LEAK IS
In my case, before I could determine that the toilet had a leak through the tank screws, I had to inspect it. As I said before, there are several parts where a toilet can lose water. Be sure to check thoroughly before starting the repair.
Leaks in the base or main water connection should be easier to identify. However, if you look closely between the tank and the cup, you must be able to see or feel the water between them. Take your time as this step is necessary to determine what tools or parts you need to fix it.
Once you have checked that the leak is between the tank and the cup, or much better, specifically by the screws that hold the tank, you can buy a toilet repair kit.
STEP 2: CLOSE THE MAIN WATER VALVE, DISCHARGE THE TOILET, EMPTY THE TANK
To complete this repair it is necessary to remove the tank from the toilet. Before you can do it, it's a very good idea to make sure it's completely empty.
To do this, you must close the main water valve, unload the toilet, and then use a sponge to get the rest of the water out of the tank.
STEP 3: DISCONNECT MAIN WATER INLET
Once the tank is completely empty, you can disconnect the water supply. Some of them may be removed by hand, others may require the use of a small wrench or pliers. When doing this, a small amount of water may come out of the tube and fill valve.
Disconnecting the main water inlet
STEP 4: REMOVE THE TANK AND SCREWS TO BE REPLACED
Using the same wrench or pliers, remove the nuts holding the tank in place. They should not be too tight, as it is not recommended to tighten them too much to avoid breaking the tank or the porcelain base.
If the screws start to rotate, you will need a screwdriver to hold them inside the tank. If the head of the screws is too corroded, you may need another pliers to hold them while turning the nut.
Removing the screws holding the tank
Once removed, place the tank over the toilet or somewhere else where it is easy to work on.
STEP 5: REPLACE THE GASKET BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE CUP – ANOTHER WAY TO FIX A WATER LEAK BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE CUP
This step can be considered optional, but I recommend you do it, even if the leak is not through this packing.
Since you've removed the tank, it makes sense to take advantage and do it. I would not want to repair the leak of the screws and a few days later having to remove the tank to repair another leak through this packing. I'm sure you don't either.
Removing the old packing to replace it with a new
Installing the new gasket in the tank
New gasket in toilet tank
STEP 6: INSTALL NEW SCREWS, GASKETS, WASHERS AND NUTS
Toilet Repair Kit instructions indicate that you must use the screw, washer and gasket inside the tank. Then, on the side of the Cup, another gasket, washer and nut.
For me it makes no sense to use a gasket on the side of the Cup, it is true that it could protect the porcelain, however, the idea is to avoid water leakage, so I decided to do it another way.
Since it had two additional washers and nuts of existing screws (you must also have them), not only I placed the washer and gasket inside the tank, but also placed another gasket and washer from the side outside the tank, and use the extra nut To fix them. In my opinion, two gaskets should work better than one.
New gasket and screws in toilet tank
New gaskets, screws and washers
Using the extra nuts to fix the gasket and washer
Then I used the other washers and nuts to hold the tank to the cup, as I describe in the next step.
STEP 7: REINSTALL TANK USING REMAINING WASHERS AND NUTS
As I described in the previous step, with the screws set, I reinstalled the tank and used the remaining washers and nuts to secure it. As I said before, do not overtighten the nuts, as this could break the tank, cup, or both.
Reinstalling the toilet tank
Using the pliers to tighten a little nut
STEP 8: RECONNECT MAIN WATER INLET
With the tank in place, you can proceed to reconnect the main water inlet. Do not overtighten as this may damage the thread of the fill tube (usually plastic) or cause leakage.
Reconnecting the main water inlet
STEP 9: OPEN THE WATER VALVE AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO LEAKS
Before you can think about your next project, open the water valve and make sure there are no leaks.
I recommend that you check the main water connection you just opened, the gasket between the tank and the cup and the screws that have just been replaced. Make adjustments if necessary.
Reader, have you ever had to deal with a water leak in the toilet? Where was the leak? Did you enjoy the experience?
Do you have a water leak from the toilet tank? Here's what you need to fix it:
- Screwdrivers and hand tools (always useful)
- Gloves and sponge
- Toilet Repair Kit