How can I get my toilet to stop leaking?

Question

I wish I had more room to write, but here goes. Water was running into toilet constantly, so I bought a complete toilet repair kit. Installed the kit and turned on the water. Problem with water running into toilet seemed to be resolved but now had a new problem: Heavy drip around one of the screws from the bottom of the tank.

When I tried to reassemble the tank to the back of the bowl, the two pieces didnt want to fit together properly. Took off the new rubber seal and replaced with the old, still did not want to fit together. Was getting tired at this point and decided to reassemble anyway. Tank was put on but wobbled a little. Ironically, no leak from the old rubber seal area, but one of the screws has a constant leak now, even though s***w, bolt and washer was completely replaced (twice to be exact--not a problem on the other side). Why can't I get the tank to sit properly, and why is the one s***w leaking? Is it time to toss the 'do it yourself' towel and call a pro?

Answer 1

The tank actually balances on the rubber gasket between it and the seat.

You'll notice the two bolts that hold the tank to the seat, are on either side of the rubber gasket.  These bolts need to have about the same amount of torque on them.. that is, they need to be tightened the same amount, to keep the tank balanced.

If youve got the assembly of the nut/bolt and washer correct, my guess is that your tank isnt level, and youve got one bolt tightened more than the other.

If this were mine, I'd shut off the water, and drain the tank.

Loosen both bolts completely.

Use a level to check the tank itself.  Move it around so that it is level both front to back, and side to side (without dislodging the rubber gasket between the tank and seat)

FINGER tighten both bolts.

Then use a wrench to tighten them a bit more... tighten one about 3 turns, then tighten the other the same amount.

Add a little water to the tank to check for leaks, at either the bolts, or the seal.  IF there are, then tighten the bolts more.... again... tightening BOTH, by the same amount.  This will keep an even pressure on the tank at the rubber gasket.  You dont want to over tighten the bolts, or the tank could crack.

Have Fun

Answer 2

i had this problem once, it turned out that the big foam rubber gasket was the wrong one for the brand of toilet that we had. i ended up having to go to a plumbing supply house to get the correct type for it. the guy said that a lot of the ones sold in hardware and home improvement centers will only fit about 90% of them. i seem to remember that ours was an older american standard. anyways, bring your old rubber gasket with you when you go, it shouldn't cost too much more than what you paid for the one that isn't working for you. the other answerers gave you a lot of good advice, but at 90%, most people haven't had this problem. good luck, hope this helps gt it fixed for ya.

Answer 3

First, you do not need to replace the wax ring, that is only necessary if you are removing the toilet itself. I suspect your problem is very simple, disassemble the tank and start over, but this time tighten the 2 screws in the bottom of the tank equally, I ALWAYS use a 2' level to ensure the bowl is level and tightened equally, be sure the washers are compressed, but as mentioned, be careful, ceramic will break or crack easily. Be sure washers are centered for each s***w.

Answer 4

I take for granted there was no corrosion or build-up around the bolt opening in the tank.  If you put a rubber washer on the bolt and put it thru the tank and then put another rubber washer, regular washer and nut on and tighten.  Then install the tank with a washer and nut it can't leak because it is sealed inside and outside the tank.  The large foam type washer has to be compressed by tightening the bolts equally to make the tank sit level.

Answer 5

At this point you might want to start all over - new anchor bolts, new wax ring, new tank gasket. Remember not to overtighten anything that contacts the ceramic. Test and tighten only as needed.

Answer 6

Have you replaced the wax seal?  You might want to consult with a professional on this one...

Answer 7

used to happen to me once in a while.  

use all your new gaskets and hardware.  

when installing the bolts, use putty before and after the gasket then assemble.  excess putty will ooze out and that's a good thing.

sometimes there's flaws in the gasket or porcelain that cause leakage.

assemble both bolts evenly.  the new doughnut looking washer will compress quite a bit to keep the tank "Stable".