How to Install a Rubber Gasket for a Toilet
The rubber gasket on a toilet provides a seal between the water in the tank and the toilet bowl. Over time, these gaskets become worn and can crack, leaving you with a leaky toilet and water on your bathroom floor. You can fix this problem fairly easily when you discover a leak or before it starts by installing a new rubber gasket for your toilet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Shut off the water supply for the tank. In most cases, this is located on the wall behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.
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2
Flush the toilet to get rid of all the water in the tank.
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3
Unscrew the water supply line from the tank. Use pliers if it is too tight to remove by hand.
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4
Remove the tank lid. Wipe out any remaining water in the tank with the sponge and towel.
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5
Unscrew the toilet tank from the bowl. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts from the bottom of the tank, turning them counterclockwise. Remove the nuts, then pull the bolts and rubber washers out of the tank.
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6
Turn the tank over. The rubber cone gasket is located at the bottom of the tank. Remove it.
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7
Replace the old gasket with the new one. Make sure that the gasket fits into the tank outlet hole snugly.
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8
Gently lower the tank back on top of the toilet. The cone gasket should fit into the inlet hole at the back of the bowl.
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9
Drop the tank bolts and rubber washers back through the holes in the bottom of the tank.
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10
Tighten the tank bolts from below with the wrench. Tighten them by hand at first, then make one additional turn with the wrench.
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11
Wrap plumbers tape around the threads on the water inlet pipe. Attach the water supply hose.
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12
Turn the water supply back on at the wall. Allow the tank to fill.
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13
Flush the tank and check for leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep plenty of extra towels and sponges on hand.
Do not overtighten the tank screws, as this could crack the porcelain.
