If I take the tank off (rusted bolts) and replace them, MUST I replace the gasket that connects the tank to the bowl? I have been told that I can not take the tank off the bowl and replace it without replacing the gasket. Can I just replace the bolts without removing the bowl? And how do I know if I have a leak problem? Please help ASAP!
2007-03-18 07:03:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is always best to replace the gasket, since you have the tank off anyways. Just make sure not to overtighten the bolts that connect the tank to the bowl. good luck!
2007-03-22 03:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by Joey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not disturb the tank gasket you won't have to replace it do this by removeing and replacing one bolt at a time when both bolts are installed , make sure they are equally tightened also dont forget the bolt gaskets placed between bolt head and inside tank bottom if you have to remove tank completely from bowl its best to replace the gasket as you may not get it reset in its original orientation and due to deformation it may leak this gasket is relatively inexpensive not hard to install and replacing it may ease some fears of aleak anyway
2007-03-18 07:27:34 · answer #2 · answered by Richard E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the answer is sometimes you need to replace the gasket and sometimes you don't. Remove the old bolts and replace. Dry the area. fill the tank and then wait. First make sure the new bolts are not leaking. Then when your confident they are not, flush. If the gasket is leaking you will see it immediately. Unscrew the bolts back to the store and get a replacement.
Good luck.
2007-03-18 07:36:50 · answer #3 · answered by Arthur 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jessica: if you're just pulling the bolts and not the tank, do so, but don't jar the gasket. sometimes the gasket if leaking aft, needs some Teflon paste on it to stop leaking.
the most important part of the process is to tighten the bolts back down evenly, one then the other until they are both snug.
If you cock it you could chip or crack the porcelain on the stool.
just bring it down snug and a 1/2 turn on each bolt until they are down and both the same snugness, and the tank is level.
otherwise its not a big deal. make sure you clean all the areas the new bolts go into so theres no grit, that when you tighten it down it cracks the bowl.
place on the rubber washers a little Teflon goop so the water has less chance of passing by.
that should get you there, have a good one
2007-03-18 07:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you don't crack the seal between the tank and
the bowl you're ok. Always replace the gasket between
the bowl and the floor -- if you have a leak you'll know it
there'll be enough water coming out that you won't question it
in short if you keep the bowl and tank intact throughout replacement
yes, you can just put down your floor gasket and replace the bolts
2007-03-18 07:16:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not HAVE to change the gasket - but it certainly is in your best interest to do so. You will disturb the gasket when you remove the tank, and it might not seal properly after you put things back together. The gasket is cheap. If you do not remove the bowl or disturb the gasket by rocking the bowl back and forth, you do not need to change the gasket. But I would spend the two dollars and change the gasket just to be sure.
2007-03-18 11:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That rubber ring between the tank and the bowl seldom fails. But why are you taking the tank apart from the bowl anyway. Unless the bolts have rusted and broke, then you would need to replace the seal anyway as it would have compressed unevenly and would already be leaking. Leave te tank in place and just replace the float, flapper and water valve. If you are having much trouble at all and these three parts don't fix it. (about $20) your ahead of the game to buy a new toilet for about $75.
2007-03-18 07:15:54 · answer #7 · answered by travelociti 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honestly its preventitve maintenance youve already pretty much removed thetank by removing the bolts do the washers to and while your in there spend the extra buck and do the large tank to bowl gasket
2007-03-21 17:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they seldom go bad, the only gasket you need to replace is the wax ring on the bottom. If you have a leak it may be the flapper is not seating properly not the gasket. Be careful not to make a mountain out of a molehill. Good luck.
2007-03-18 07:09:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋