How to Install Toilet Tank to Bowl Bolts

Ever wondered why there’s always that dripping water sound at the base of your toilet tank? There’s nothing more annoying than having a leaking toilet because this usually means money running down the drain. Don’t allow this situation to linger too long. Find out the cause and solve the issue at once.

There are usually two or three tank bolts connected at the base of your tank. These bolts help join the tank and the bowl together. Now, these bolts can develop issues that can result in leaks.

There are different reasons why you may have a leaking tank and one of them can be caused by your tank bolts connected to bowl bolts. If the bolt connecting your tank to the bowl is displaced or disturbed, it can cause a leak. It may also be that the bolt seal or rubber washer in the bolt is worn out which can cause a leak.

So, once you’ve identified that it’s the toilet tank to bowl bolts that are the cause of the leak, take steps to fix it. Don’t know how to go about this? Not to worry because we’ll teach how to install toilet tank to bowl bolts.

Leaking Tank Bolts? Let’s Find Out The Reasons for This

Once beneath your tank starts to leak, the tank bolt may likely be the culprit. Below are the common reasons why the tank of your toilet connected to the bowl is leaking:

• The bolt beneath the tank connection to the bowl got displaced or disturbed.
• The bolt seal or rubber washer got worn out and cannot give a good seal.
• The tank bolt itself can start to lose or get corroded as time elapses.

So, how do you fix this situation? You can attempt to first tighten the bolt (in the case of a displaced bolt) to see if this solves the situation. However, if it doesn’t solve the situation, it means that the bolts have become old due to time. And it’s best you replace the bolts and washers. Since you’ll be replacing both tank bolts and washers, we recommend the tank bowl gasket be replaced as well.

Is Your Toilet Tank Wobbly? Find Out How to Fix it

Again, if your toilet tank is wobbly, the tank bolts should likely be the culprit. So, check the nuts attached to your tank and bowl and determine if you’ll need to just tighten them to fix the loose bolts or if it requires replacement.

Steps on How to Fix Loose Bolt

You may be lucky to find that your loose toilet bolts may only require fixing by tightening the bolts. And this bolt tightening can stop the leakage. So, below is the step to follow:

Materials required

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Sponge

Procedure

·         You’ll first need to switch the shutoff valve to stop water from flowing. Then pull down the toilet handle until the water has flushed down the bowl. Then lift up the toilet tank lid and use the sponge to catch and squeeze out excess water from the toilet tank.

·         Next, locate the tank bolt connected to the bowl which is beneath the toilet seat, and get your adjustable wrench to tighten the loose bolt. If you’re having trouble working on the bolts of the bowl to keep the bolt steady because it keeps spinning, just access the bolt from inside the tank.

·         Next, you’ll need to work on the bolt inside the tank which is also connected to the toilet bowl. With the help of a screwdriver, hold the bolt head that is inside the tank steady. Now, the outside nut located under the bowl should be tightened with your hand.

·         Once this has been done, fill your tank and scrutinize to see if there’s still any leak. If there’s none, then your leaking problem is gone and you’re successful with your toilet repair. However, if the leak still persists, you must replace the tank bolts.

The Best Arrangement to Connect Toilet Tank to Bowl Bolts

You should know the appropriate arrangement for your closet bolt when installing them. Once you get the correct bolt assembly, you’re a step further to having that successful toilet installation.

When you purchase a toilet tank bolts kit, the complete kit should contain your bolt, rubber washer, metal washer, nuts, and wing nuts.

So, below is the correct bolt assembly:

• You should first slide the rubber washer into the bolt before putting it in the tank. This washer serves as a cushion that touches the tank body and it gives it a good seal.
• The washer goes in next.
• Then the nut goes finally into the bolt.

Guide on How to Install Toilet Tank to Bowl Bolts

Materials required

• Toilet tank bolt kit
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Sponge
• Gasket

Procedures

·         Switch off the water supply line, flush the toilet and sponge out water by drain cleaning excess water. Then the toilet lid should be gently removed.

·         Now, take out the old bolts, old rubber washers, and old nuts from the tank hole. Use your wrench and pliers to take this old bolt assembly out. Then lift your tank and carefully put it on a table to arrange your new bolts into the tank.

·         Replacing the rubber gasket of your old toilet found outside the flush valve is also recommended.

·         Now, slide the new bolt kits into the tank holes and arrange them by following the right toilet bolt assembly we’ve outlined above.

·         So, the bolt head and the washer go into the tank and pops out below the tank. Then slide the metal washer and the nut to the outer tail of the bolt.

·         You can use your hand to screw the nut then use a wrench to tighten it snug. However, avoid making the nut too tight so you don’t stress and crack the tank. Also, don’t make the nut too loose else you’ll have your tank leaking.

·         Next, lift your tank and align the bolt to the bowl to fit the bolt holes of the toilet seat.

·          Then slide in the rubber washer first and the metal washer to the bolt popping out of the tank to bowl connection.

·         Next, use your hand to slide the wing nut to the bolt and tighten it.

·         This is done for both sides of the tank to toilet bowl housing connection.

·         Turn on the water supply and allow the tank to refill and look around the tank for any leaks.

·         Flush the toilet to reconfirm that there isn’t any leak.

·         Once there’s no leak you can replace the lid. So, your new toilet is good to go.