Even the highest-quality and most expensive toilets may encounter issues over time. Apart from clogging, one of the most common problems is cracks or leaks in the tank, especially in two-piece toilets where the tank and bowl are separate structures. If your toilet tank has this issue, don’t worry! This article will provide you with a guide for replacing the toilet tank from Giving Tree Home, helping you smoothly complete each step from disassembly to reinstallation.
Removing the Old Tank
- Shut Off the Water Supply
The toilet’s water supply is connected through a pipe to the bottom of the tank, ensuring proper water flow. Before replacing the toilet tank, it’s important to disconnect it from the water supply to avoid unnecessary complications.
To shut off the water supply, simply turn the metal valve on the wall counterclockwise. This will cut off the connection between the toilet and the water system, stopping any continuous flow into the tank.
- Drain the Tank
The tank serves as a water storage container for the toilet, and there may still be water inside even after the supply is cut off. To drain the tank, press the flush lever or button as you normally would. Don’t worry about being unable to flush; the tank and water supply system are already separated.
If water remains in the tank after pressing the flush button, the supply valve may not be fully closed—just tighten it again. For any residual water at the bottom of the tank, use a sponge or cleaning cloth to soak it up to prevent leaks onto the floor during disassembly.
- Remove the Supply Hose
This refers to the hose connecting the water supply system to the bottom of the tank, through which water flows into the tank. Before removing the old tank, you need to disconnect this hose by loosening the end that connects to the tank. Some hoses may be metal and tightly fastened, making manual removal difficult, so it's advisable to use a wrench to assist in loosening the connection.
- Loosen the Bolts
After removing the supply hose, loosen the bolts on the tank, including those at the bottom and inside. These bolts are key to securing the tank to the bowl.
First, use locking pliers to grip one of the nuts on the bottom bolt of the tank to stabilize it and prevent it from slipping during rotation. Then, insert a screwdriver inside the tank, align it with the bolt head, and turn it counterclockwise. As you turn, the nut at the bottom will gradually loosen, allowing you to remove the bolt from the tank.
Typically, the toilet tank is secured with multiple bolts; continue to remove them one by one until all are completely detached.
Installing the New Tank
- Select a Suitable New Tank
The hole placement and diameter of the new tank must match the old one exactly to ensure a smooth installation and to avoid issues due to mismatches. Additionally, the color of the tank should coordinate with that of the toilet bowl to maintain a cohesive look in the bathroom. However, if you prefer a unique or bold style, feel free to choose vibrant color combinations that add a personalized touch.
- Install the Gasket
There is typically a rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet bowl to prevent leaks. Installing the gasket is quite simple: securely fit the gasket over the tank’s outlet hole. Make sure the gasket sits flush against the bottom without any gaps to achieve an ideal seal.
After installation, gently press down and check the gasket’s sealing ability. If the gasket is missing from the packaging or if you find the seal inadequate, promptly contact the supplier or customer service to ensure you have complete and quality parts.
In addition to the gasket at the bottom of the tank, the same method should be used to install gaskets inside the tank.
- Assemble the Tank
Carefully lift the tank with both hands and align it over the gasket at the back of the toilet bowl. Ensure the bolt holes align so you can easily slide the bolts through.
- Secure the Tank
To secure the tank in place, first insert the bolts through the holes at the bottom of the tank. Make sure the rubber gasket is correctly positioned inside the tank, allowing the bolts to pass through and compress the gasket tightly against the bottom of the tank to prevent leaks once the tank is filled with water. Some tank designs include an extra rubber gasket, which you can add after the bolts go through the holes for enhanced sealing. Finally, tighten the bolts, but be careful not to overtighten, as this may damage the tank or distort the gasket.
- Tighten the Nuts
Guide the rubber washers from the bottom of the tank over each bolt and then twist each nut clockwise until they no longer turn easily.
When tightening the nuts, avoid using excessive force. If you find them difficult to tighten, it may be due to the tank being misaligned; carefully adjust it before trying again.
Filling the Tank
- Install the Refill Tube
The refill tube is a key component that connects the flushing mechanism inside the tank to the water source, usually a small plastic tube. When installing the refill tube, it’s advisable to refer to the product manual, as installation details may vary among different models and brands. Generally, you simply need to secure the refill tube to the side of the flush valve, which is typically located in the center or right side of the tank.
- Reconnect the Supply Hose
Since you previously removed the supply hose, simply reverse the steps to reconnect it. It’s worth noting that if you have a spare supply hose, you can use the same one connected to another tank for added flexibility during the installation process.
- Turn On the Water Supply
Once the entire tank is installed, turn on the water supply system. Water will quickly fill the tank. During this process, check the areas around the bolts, supply hose, and gasket for any leaks. If everything is normal, replace the tank lid to complete the installation.
If you notice water leaking from the tank, try tightening the bolts and supply hose slightly to see if that resolves the issue. If leaks persist, it’s advisable to contact a plumber for a professional inspection to ensure the toilet functions correctly.
Ending
Replacing the tank is not a complex task; the key is to ensure all valves and nuts are tightened during installation to avoid leaks. If your toilet is beyond repair, consider opting for a one-piece toilet. This design not only simplifies the installation process but also effectively prevents tank-related issues, allowing you to enjoy a smoother user experience.
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