How to Stop Toilet Tanks from Leaking

Access the retaining bolts by removing the cover to the toilet.

The toilet is a two-piece structure--the tank and the bowl. The tank houses the flush mechanisms, such as the float and stopper, in addition to housing the retaining bolts that hold the tank to the toilet. The tank connects to the bowl through a drain gasket. Leaks from the tank involve either the drain gasket or the retaining bolts, which create a seal with rubber washers. Repairing the leak requires turning off the water and draining the tank by flushing the toilet.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable pliers
• Locking pliers
• Replacement gaskets

Instructions

1. Turn off the water to the tank and drain the toilet by flushing it. Disconnect the water supply line from beneath the toilet using adjustable pliers.

2. Grasp the nuts connected to the retaining bolts beneath the tank with a set of locking pliers. Unscrew the retaining bolts with a screwdriver from inside the tank. Remove the screws and lift the tank up. Set the tank upside down on some towels.

3. Remove the tank to bowl rubber gasket from the base of the tank. Inspect the rubber gasket as well as the rubber washers for the retaining bolts. Each bolt has a rubber washer in the tank and one beneath the tank. Replace any gaskets that show signs of cracking or damage.

4. Install a replacement gasket onto the base of the tank. Lower the tank into position. Thread the retaining bolt through a rubber washer and the holes in the tank and bowl. Add a rubber washer to the base of the bolt and hand-tighten the nut. Grasp the nut with locking pliers and screw the retaining bolt down until tight.

5. Reattach the water supply line to the tank. Fill the tank and test. Tighten the bolts if the leak is still present.

Tips & Warnings

• Drips on the floor near the tank could be coming from the supply line. The supply line is held in the tank similar to the retaining bolts, with a rubber gasket in the tank and beneath the tank. Remove the supply line with adjustable pliers twisting the nut from beneath and locking pliers holding it in place from in the tank. Replace both washers if necessary.

References

• "Lowe's: Complete Home Improvement and Repair"; Don Vandervort; 2005