How to Replace a Tank-to-Toilet Gasket

If you are finding water dripping from the top tank-portion of your toilet, or water seeping out between the toilet and the tank, then it may be time to replace the tank-to-toilet gasket and the rubber washers on the connecting bolts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New toilet tank gasket and washer kit (comes with new connecting bolts)
• Crescent wrench
• Large Flat-Head Screwdriver
• Large Sponge
• Towels
• Padding
• WD-40 or Rust solvent
• Alcohol for Cleanup
• Rags

How to Replace a Tank-to-Toilet Gasket

1. 
   Disconnecting Water Supply

   Locate the water shutoff valve at the side of the toilet near the wall. Turn the handle clockwise to cut off the water flow. Then flush the toilet to empty the tank. Use the crescent wrench to disconnect the water-supply line. Have towels on floor to soak up water dribbles.

2. 
   Removing connecting bolts and old rubber washers

   Remove the tank lid and use a sponge to soak up remaining water. Use the large screwdriver to loosen the bolts. The crescent wrench is used to hold the bolt-nuts underneath the tank securely while turning with screwdriver at top. If possible, it is best to dry tank and bolts thoroughly and apply WD-40 or a rust solvent to the bolts, and let the rust and corrosion dissolve overnight

3. 
   Placement of Gasket and Connecting Bolts

   Lift off the tank top carefully and place it on the padding on the floor. Turn over so that the fitting is facing up. Remove old gasket and old rubber residue with alcohol and rags. Place the new gasket over the fitting with the flanged-side pointing away from the tank. Place the new bolts in the tank top, with a rubber washer on the inside, and an another on the outside of the tank. The third rubber washer, with the metal washer and bolt-nut will be placed on the bottom of the mounting-piece of the toilet base.

4. Carefully lift toilet tank and re-seat it on the lower section with the toilet bowl. Gently rock and twist slightly from side to side to ensure a tight fit. Then place the third set of rubber washers on the bolts below the underside of the toilet section. Slide the metal washers on the bolts under the rubber washers. Secure the bolt assembly with the nuts and tighten the bolts to secure the tank. It is best to tighten each side a little bit at a time, switching sides periodically to ensure an even mount. Tighten the bolts snugly until the tank is firmly seated to the toilet section.

5. Reconnect the water supply with the crescent wrench and turn the water flow on. Check for any signs of leaks. Check periodically for the next few days to make sure the gasket is seated properly. If you find no leaks, congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Tips & Warnings

• To find the source of a small, slow leak, wipe surfaces down with a towel and place pieces of toilet tissue on the floor around the base of the toilet and along top edge of the toilet section under the tank. Follow dampened tissue to the leak's source.

[shirleybill]

on 1/25/2009 Great tips