How to Remove a Toilet Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Remove a Toilet Tank

Your toilet tank is one of the most important parts of your bathroom, but it’s also one of the most common culprits when it comes to leaks and other problems. If you’re experiencing any issues with your toilet tank, it’s important to know how to remove it so you can inspect and repair the problem.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of removing a toilet tank, from start to finish. We’ll also provide some tips on how to troubleshoot common problems and how to replace your toilet tank if necessary.

So if you’re ready to learn how to remove a toilet tank, read on!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2 Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3 Locate the bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl. These are usually located on the back of the tank.
4 Use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
5 Carefully lift the tank off of the toilet bowl.

Tools and Materials Needed

To remove a toilet tank, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • A bucket
  • A pair of gloves
  • A shop vac or wet/dry vacuum
  • Plumbing putty
  • New toilet tank bolts
  • New toilet tank gasket

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located at the back of the toilet, near the floor. Turn the valve clockwise until it is completely closed.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. This will help to prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the tank.
3. Remove the bolts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. These bolts are typically located on the back of the tank, near the bottom. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts and remove them.
4. Carefully lift the toilet tank up and away from the toilet bowl. There may be some water trapped in the tank, so be careful not to spill it.
5. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank. The water supply line is usually located on the bottom of the tank. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the water supply line to the tank and disconnect the line.
6. Remove the old toilet tank gasket. The toilet tank gasket is a rubber ring that seals the tank to the bowl. It is located on the bottom of the tank, around the drain hole. Use a screwdriver or a putty knife to carefully pry up the gasket and remove it.
7. Clean the toilet bowl and tank. Use a toilet brush and cleaning solution to clean the toilet bowl and tank. Be sure to remove any rust, mineral deposits, or other debris.
8. Apply new plumbing putty to the bottom of the toilet tank. Plumbing putty is a sealant that helps to create a watertight seal between the tank and the bowl. Apply a thin layer of putty around the drain hole on the bottom of the tank.
9. Install the new toilet tank gasket. Position the new gasket over the drain hole on the bottom of the tank. Make sure that the gasket is centered and that it is properly aligned with the drain hole.
10. Attach the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. Align the holes in the tank with the bolts in the bowl. Insert the bolts through the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.
11. Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank. Connect the water supply line to the tank by attaching the nut to the valve on the bottom of the tank. Tighten the nut until it is snug.
12. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Turn the valve on the back of the toilet clockwise until it is completely open. This will allow water to flow into the tank.
13. Flush the toilet to test the seal. Flush the toilet to make sure that the seal is properly formed and that there is no water leaking from the tank. If you see any water leaking, tighten the bolts on the tank until the leak stops.

Removing and replacing a toilet tank is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove your toilet tank and replace it with a new one.

3. Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble removing the toilet tank, there are a few things you can check.

  • Make sure the water supply is turned off. This is an important safety precaution, as you don’t want to be sprayed with water if the tank suddenly comes loose.
  • Check the bolts. The toilet tank is typically held in place by two bolts, one on each side. Make sure that these bolts are loose before trying to remove the tank.
  • Use a wrench or pliers. If the bolts are tight, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to loosen them. Be careful not to damage the bolts or the tank.
  • Apply a little force. Once the bolts are loose, you may need to apply a little force to remove the tank. Be careful not to damage the tank or the toilet bowl.

If you’re still having trouble removing the toilet tank, you may need to call a plumber.

4. Safety Precautions

When removing a toilet tank, it’s important to take some safety precautions.

  • Turn off the water supply. This is an important safety precaution, as you don’t want to be sprayed with water if the tank suddenly comes loose.
  • Use a wrench or pliers. If the bolts are tight, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to loosen them. Be careful not to damage the bolts or the tank.
  • Apply a little force. Once the bolts are loose, you may need to apply a little force to remove the tank. Be careful not to damage the tank or the toilet bowl.
  • Don’t force it. If the tank is stuck, don’t force it. You could damage the tank or the toilet bowl. Instead, call a plumber.

By following these safety precautions, you can safely remove a toilet tank.

How do I remove a toilet tank?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until it is completely closed.
2. Flush the toilet to drain any remaining water.
3. Locate the two bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. These bolts are usually located on the back of the tank, near the bottom.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the toilet bowl.
5. Once the bolts are loose, lift up on the tank and carefully pull it away from the bowl. The tank may be heavy, so be careful not to drop it.
6. Disconnect the water supply line from the tank. This line is usually located on the bottom of the tank.
7. Disconnect the flush valve from the tank. This valve is usually located on the back of the tank.
8. Remove the tank from the toilet. You may need to tilt the tank slightly to get it over the bowl.

What do I do if the bolts are stuck?

If the bolts are stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen them. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes, then try loosening the bolts again. You can also try using a heat gun to warm up the bolts, which may help to loosen them.

What do I do if the tank won’t come off?

If the tank is stuck, you can try using a pry bar to gently pry it off the bowl. Be careful not to damage the bowl. You can also try using a rubber mallet to tap on the tank, which may help to loosen it.

What do I do if I drop a bolt into the toilet bowl?

If you drop a bolt into the toilet bowl, you can try using a magnet to retrieve it. You can also try using a long, thin object to reach down and grab the bolt. If you are unable to retrieve the bolt, you may need to call a plumber to help you.

What do I do if I damage the toilet bowl?

If you damage the toilet bowl, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a new toilet bowl from a hardware store or home improvement center. To replace the toilet bowl, you will need to remove the old bowl and install the new one. You can find instructions on how to replace a toilet bowl online or in a do-it-yourself manual.

What do I do if I have trouble reinstalling the toilet tank?

If you have trouble reinstalling the toilet tank, you can try using a level to make sure that the tank is level. You can also try using a plumb bob to make sure that the tank is plumb. If you are still having trouble, you may need to call a plumber to help you.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to remove a toilet tank. We have covered the steps in detail, including how to disconnect the water supply line, remove the bolts holding the tank to the bowl, and carefully lift the tank off. We have also provided tips for troubleshooting common problems that you may encounter.

We hope that this information has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.