drake II leak at tank bolt

MandK

MandK

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Hey guys.

I have a very slight drip at one of my tank bolts on a Drake II. It was a new install last week.
I sanded the inside of the tank at the bolt hole as instructed here. But, I may have not sanded enough and may have tightened the washer too much.

I'm going to remove the tank and re-sand and re-seat the washer. Should I use the same washer or did I compress it too much and therefore damage it?

Thanks!!
 
You may want to tighten the large nut on the flush valve while you are at it.
Sometimes that leaks, and the water shows up at the bolt location.
 
Thanks Terry. I'll admit that I skipped that step because I simply do not have a wrench big enough. I guess it's time to get one.

But, do you think I can re-use the tank bolt rubber washer?
 
The rubber washer will be fine.

toto-tank-parts.jpg
 
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snugged up the large nut, re-sanded the bolt holes and I'm back in business. Nice and dry.

thanks to a great forum.
 
hj said:
I have NEVER had to "sand" the bolt holes on any toilet.
Click to expand...

The only time I hit the holes with sandtape is when I'm doing a repair and the old bolt was steel. My bolt heads are bigger too so that crust needs to come off. New toilets,never.
 
Terry said:
hj and Hackney,
My customers install the toilets I sell them perfectly every time. It's not that hard.
Click to expand...

I agree with the "it's not that hard" part. As far as the homeowner installing them perfect every time.......that might be wishful thinking.
 
Dr. Terry....I'm in trouble again. My Drake II "leak at the tank" saga continues. This will be 4th time taking the tank off to stop a leak. This is a brand new installation.

After sanding the bolt holes and tightening the large nut....the leak got WORSE!!! It was dry for a day or two, then this morning I hear a steady drip hitting the floor. I called Toto tech support. They recommended another half turn on the tank bolts and removing the large nut completely and check for any debris at the seal. But, run a food coloring test first to pinpoint the problem.

Have you ever had a stubborn leak problem like mine to solve? Do you have any other expert advice to add?

Thank you!

Marc
 
With your experience and toilet knowledge it would be better for you to start over with a new tank. You may have a defect and not be able to tell.......randomly tightening things is not the best idea.
 
I get what you guys are saying, but we're talking about mounting a tank to a bowl and not trying to calibrate high tolerance parts. yes, I'm a DIY guy, but in my opinon should not be this difficult. I'm trying one last time and then asking Toto for a tank replacement under warranty. How they will determine that I have no idea.

Again, thank you.
 
MandK said:
I get what you guys are saying, but we're talking about mounting a tank to a bowl and not trying to calibrate high tolerance parts. yes, I'm a DIY guy, but in my opinon should not be this difficult. I'm trying one last time and then asking Toto for a tank replacement under warranty. How they will determine that I have no idea.

Again, thank you.
Click to expand...

Yes we are talking about mounting a toilet tank.......its so easy an idiot can do it.
 
Can you briefly explain and enlighten me as to why a tank installation requires more knowledge and experience than your above-average DIY guy?

It obviously does or I wouldn't continue to have a leak. I really just would like a lesson why I should have called a plumber instead. no sarcasm.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The tank is an easy installation.
Two bolts that tighten up. If you have tried everything, there could be something wrong. Sometimes I will tap a tank with my knuckles to see if it rings or if it has a dull sounding thuck! If there is a hair line crack, that could be a problem. Cracks can occur from being dropped, or from over tightening. That's one thing we look for. Without being there and seeing the tank, it's hard to say more though. In a perfect world, you pull the tank from the box and stick it on. Assuming everything is good. But DIY? Absolutely!
 
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MandK said:
Apparently not. I will call a plumber next time. But, a brief education as to why a tank install is a difficult process would enlighten me.
Click to expand...

I was joking :) Installing the tank is DIY like Terry said. Everyone gets a "callback" from time to time. As a pro I would consider taking a tank with me if I had a "callback" like your having with your Toto tank. That way if I went back to the house and couldn't determine for sure why it was leaking in a reasonable time period I would just replace the tank and check why it leaked later.

Things are not always as easy as it looks....or as easy as a pro makes it look. I like it when a customer stands around and likes to watch....Especially with faucet repair. They will ask...."Do you mind me watching you...I want to learn?" I say ..."No I do not mind you watching but good luck keeping up......and good luck remebering what I did by the time it needs to be done again" LOL

I can work on some faucet literally blindfolded.
 
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