Between the tank and the base, I've had a leak, and the best "fix" seems to be to replace the gasket. However, I've been able to loosen the bolts, but there is so much corrosion that I can't get the nuts off the bolts between the tank and the toilet base. One is out, the other two seem locked in place. We have very hard water, with fluoride and arsenic as well as calcium and miscellaneous salts in the water. I'm thinking vinegar to counter the calcium carbonates...Am I on the right track?
I'm getting ready to wrap the nut end of the bolts in vinegar soaked rags. Any other solutions?
2007-11-27 07:29:49 · 10 answers · asked by karen star 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
One bolt came out before I asked, one after I soaked in vinegar. One, the one that was leaking to begin with, is still not off after WD-40. I'm wondering if it wasn't cross threaded to begin with. I don't have the strength in my hands to power it off, so drilling it or a hack-saw looks like my next step.
Thanks all...
2007-11-27 10:41:13 · update #1
I couldn't find a hacksaw blade! The drill worked. Thank you, all.
2007-11-28 01:45:00 · update #2
Skip the chemical solution (pun intended!) and go right for your drill. Get a drill bit that is about the same size as the bolt's shaft, and drill through the head. The goal is to "break-off" the head of the bolt so that it falls apart. I've done this successfully a few times. Don't go so big on the drill bit that you end up drilling into the porcelin. Best of luck,
2007-11-27 08:09:05 · answer #1 · answered by lahn 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The seal comes in a kit that includes new bolts.
Be careful as I have cracked the stool removing them. I have had a lot of success using a hacksaw and cutting them off from the bottom. then removing the tank and clean it up replace the gasket, about an hours worth of work
2007-11-27 07:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
quit the science project. all you need is a hacksaw or reciprocating saw cut them mothers off and while you have the tank off Replace the flush valve assembly (beware all "universal" kits aren't Universal) Get the right one for the toilet. and replace the ballcoc. I recommend the fluidmaster 400a. East to install and the pros use it. If the toilet is over 10 years old replace it and not worry about it for 20-30 yrs
2007-11-27 09:33:33 · answer #3 · answered by DR. Plumb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WD40, Liquid wrench, a little heat, marine caulk applied inside the tank over the seam, buy a new toilet and start from there!CLR, Lime Away, there are any number of products that will work better than vinegar.
2007-11-27 08:00:24 · answer #4 · answered by zipper 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a hack saw blade put tape on one end like a handle . saw the bolt between the tank & bowl. they need to be replaced anyway, when you put the new bolts in don't overtighten. good luck. r/h
2007-11-27 11:44:54 · answer #5 · answered by rustyham99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may sound funny. See if you can find a nut cracker. It will split the nut and is easier than trying to saw. Yes they do make nut splitters/crackers for metal nuts.
2007-11-27 11:53:20 · answer #6 · answered by James 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WD-40 oil will work better if it rust or corrosion. Vinegar or CLR will work better if it is just crusted with lime deposits.
Bert
2007-11-27 07:43:48 · answer #7 · answered by Bert C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hack saw or sawz- all.
Then to the hardware store for new tank to bowl bolts.
2007-11-27 08:54:53 · answer #8 · answered by kclifer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My experience is that 10W40 is best for corroded bolts.
If the bolts break off, the good news is they are replaceable.
2007-11-27 07:45:12 · answer #9 · answered by p v 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vinegar is good. Lemon juice or C.L.R. Your right its a crappy job. Pardon the pun.
2007-11-27 07:37:21 · answer #10 · answered by rocky5x5 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋