I had to remove a toilet to install ceramic tile and when I went to replace, I had to cut out the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl because they started to leak. After replacement a leak started in the back, coming from between the tank and bowl. I replaced the gasket, and is still leaking. I have tried to replace this gasket twice, and tried to reposition it many, many times, making sure the area is completely clean - still leaking. I even tried to reinstall the old gasket. I have the right gasket (already been asked several times), and this seems to be a no-brainer installation job - install gasket, place on bowl, tighten bolts... So what am I doing wrong?
Toilet gasket leaking?
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Verdeboy
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If it's leaking with water just sitting in the tank, then it's the tank-to-bowl bolts that need attention. If it doesn't leak until you flush, then it's the gasket that has the problem.
If it's the bolts, check to see if the rubber washers are sealing the holes properly. Maybe you left out the rubber washers? If they are there then try tightening the bolts some more (evenly), but don't crack the porcelain tank in the process!
The gasket's kind of a no-brainer. If it's the right one, then it's the right one.
Other possibilities: It could be that, when you cut out the tank bolts, you may have cracked the tank. Use a flashlight and your fingers to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. You may have also loosened the large nut on the underside of the tank. That nut secures the flush valve. If that nut is loose, you can be leaking around the flush valve. You'll have to remove the tank to check for that.
If it's the bolts, check to see if the rubber washers are sealing the holes properly. Maybe you left out the rubber washers? If they are there then try tightening the bolts some more (evenly), but don't crack the porcelain tank in the process!
The gasket's kind of a no-brainer. If it's the right one, then it's the right one.
Other possibilities: It could be that, when you cut out the tank bolts, you may have cracked the tank. Use a flashlight and your fingers to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. You may have also loosened the large nut on the underside of the tank. That nut secures the flush valve. If that nut is loose, you can be leaking around the flush valve. You'll have to remove the tank to check for that.
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Pewterpower
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You may have some build up around the holes (calcium, etc...) that the old gaskets were sealing up, but the new gaskets can't. Try some emory or a fine sandpaper and smooth up the holes a bit. Then try the new gaskets.
They make at least 2 thicknesses of the spongy gasket and they make plain rubber beveled spud washers.
If you used the thinner spongy one and you have drawn down the tank and your too close to the bowl, then go get a thicker one.
If you used the thinner spongy one and you have drawn down the tank and your too close to the bowl, then go get a thicker one.
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