What Causes a Toilet Tank to Crack?

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Cracking Toilet Tanks: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them

A cracked toilet tank is a common plumbing problem that can be both unsightly and inconvenient. Not only does it make your toilet look bad, but it can also waste water and lead to higher utility bills. If you’re dealing with a cracked toilet tank, you’re probably wondering what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of toilet tank cracks, as well as some tips for preventing them. We’ll also provide instructions on how to repair a cracked toilet tank if you’re feeling up to the task.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about cracked toilet tanks, keep reading!

Cause Symptoms Solution
Age Cracking or leaking around the bolts Replace the toilet tank
Improper installation Cracking or leaking around the bolts Reinstall the toilet tank correctly
Chemical damage Cracking or pitting on the inside of the tank Stop using harsh chemicals in the toilet
Freeze damage Cracking or leaking around the bolts Prevent the toilet from freezing

Types of Toilet Tank Cracks

Toilet tanks can crack for a variety of reasons, and the type of crack can help you determine the cause. Here are the four most common types of toilet tank cracks:

  • Cracks in the tank itself are the most common type of toilet tank crack. These cracks can occur anywhere on the tank, but they are most likely to occur near the bottom of the tank, where the tank is subjected to the most stress. Tank cracks can be caused by age and wear, improper installation, chemical damage, or thermal shock.
  • Cracks in the tank-to-bowl connection are another common type of toilet tank crack. These cracks occur at the joint between the tank and the bowl, and they are often caused by improper installation or wear and tear.
  • Cracks in the flush valve are less common than other types of toilet tank cracks, but they can still occur. Flush valve cracks are usually caused by wear and tear, or by chemical damage from harsh cleaning products.
  • Cracks in the overflow tube are the least common type of toilet tank crack. These cracks occur at the top of the tank, where the overflow tube is connected to the tank. Overflow tube cracks are usually caused by age and wear, or by thermal shock.

Causes of Toilet Tank Cracks

There are a number of factors that can cause toilet tank cracks, including:

  • Age and wear: Over time, the materials used to make toilet tanks can deteriorate and crack. This is especially true if the toilet is not properly maintained.
  • Improper installation: If a toilet is not installed correctly, it can be subjected to more stress than it was designed to handle. This can lead to cracks in the tank or other parts of the toilet.
  • Chemical damage: Harsh cleaning products can damage the materials used to make toilet tanks. This can cause the tanks to crack or become brittle.
  • Thermal shock: When a toilet tank is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, it can crack. This can happen if the tank is flushed with cold water after being filled with hot water, or if the tank is exposed to extreme heat or cold.

Toilet tank cracks can be a major inconvenience, and they can also be expensive to repair. If you notice a crack in your toilet tank, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Here are some tips for preventing toilet tank cracks:

  • Maintain your toilet regularly. This includes cleaning the tank and bowl regularly, and flushing the toilet with cold water after using hot water.
  • Install your toilet correctly. Make sure that the toilet is installed level and that the bolts are tightened securely.
  • Avoid using harsh cleaning products. Harsh cleaning products can damage the materials used to make toilet tanks.
  • Protect your toilet from thermal shock. Do not flush the toilet with cold water after using hot water, and do not expose the toilet to extreme heat or cold.

By following these tips, you can help prevent toilet tank cracks and keep your toilet in good working order.

What Causes a Toilet Tank to Crack?

A toilet tank crack can be a major inconvenience, and it can also be a costly repair. But before you call a plumber, it’s important to understand what causes a toilet tank to crack in the first place.

There are a few different things that can cause a toilet tank to crack. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Age and wear and tear: Over time, the materials used to make a toilet tank can deteriorate, which can lead to cracks. This is especially common in older toilets.
  • Chemical damage: Certain chemicals, such as bleach and drain cleaners, can damage the porcelain surface of a toilet tank. This can cause the tank to crack, especially if the chemicals are used frequently.
  • Physical damage: A toilet tank can also crack if it’s dropped or hit with a hard object. This is more likely to happen if the toilet is not properly secured to the floor.
  • Temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature can cause the porcelain in a toilet tank to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks. This is more likely to happen if the toilet is located in an area that experiences extreme temperature changes.

If you think your toilet tank may be cracked, there are a few things you can look for to confirm. Here are some of the symptoms of a toilet tank crack:

  • Leaking water: One of the most obvious signs of a toilet tank crack is leaking water. The leak may be coming from the bottom of the tank, or it may be coming from the overflow pipe.
  • Running toilet: A running toilet is another common sign of a toilet tank crack. The running toilet may be caused by the water leaking from the tank into the bowl.
  • Sagging tank: If the toilet tank is sagging, it could be a sign that the tank is cracked. The sagging is caused by the weight of the water in the tank pulling on the cracked porcelain.
  • Low water pressure: If you’re experiencing low water pressure in your toilet, it could be a sign that the tank is cracked. The crack is preventing the water from flowing properly from the tank to the bowl.

If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your toilet inspected by a plumber to determine if the tank is cracked.

Symptoms of a Toilet Tank Crack

A toilet tank crack can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Leaking water: A toilet tank crack can allow water to leak from the tank into the bowl, which can waste water and lead to higher water bills.
  • Running toilet: A toilet tank crack can also cause the toilet to run continuously, which can waste water and lead to higher water bills.
  • Sagging tank: A toilet tank crack can cause the tank to sag, which can make it difficult to flush the toilet.
  • Low water pressure: A toilet tank crack can also lead to low water pressure in the toilet bowl, which can make it difficult to flush the toilet.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your toilet inspected by a plumber to determine if the tank is cracked.

How to Fix a Toilet Tank Crack

If you have a toilet tank crack, there are a few different ways to fix it. Here are two options:

  • DIY repairs: If you’re handy, you may be able to fix a toilet tank crack yourself. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the crack.
4. Apply a sealant to the crack.
5. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
6. Reattach the lid to the toilet tank.

  • Professional repairs: If you’re not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, you can hire a plumber to fix the toilet tank crack. A plumber will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Here are some tips for preventing toilet tank cracks:

  • Install a toilet tank protector: A toilet tank protector can help to protect the tank from damage.
  • Use a soft brush to clean the toilet bowl: A hard brush can scratch the porcelain surface of the toilet tank, which can lead to cracks.
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the toilet bowl: Harsh chemicals can damage the porcelain surface of the toilet tank, which can lead to cracks.
  • Don’t drop anything heavy in the toilet bowl: Dropping something heavy in the toilet bowl can damage the porcelain surface of the tank, which can lead to cracks.

By following these tips, you can help

What Causes a Toilet Tank to Crack?

There are a few common causes of toilet tank cracks, including:

  • Age and wear and tear: Over time, the materials used to make a toilet tank can deteriorate, leading to cracks. This is especially common in older toilets.
  • Chemical damage: Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaner, can damage the porcelain finish on a toilet tank, leading to cracks.
  • Physical damage: A toilet tank can be cracked if it is dropped, bumped, or hit by a hard object.
  • Improper installation: If a toilet tank is not installed correctly, it may be more likely to crack. This is especially true if the tank is not properly secured to the toilet bowl.

How Can I Prevent My Toilet Tank from Cracking?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your toilet tank from cracking, including:

  • Choose a high-quality toilet tank: When shopping for a new toilet, choose a tank that is made from durable materials, such as porcelain or fiberglass.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals: Be careful not to use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaner, in your toilet. These chemicals can damage the porcelain finish on the tank, leading to cracks.
  • Be careful not to drop or bump the toilet tank: Take care not to drop or bump the toilet tank, as this can cause it to crack.
  • Install the toilet tank correctly: Make sure that the toilet tank is installed correctly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to ensure that the tank is properly secured to the toilet bowl and less likely to crack.

What Should I Do if My Toilet Tank Cracks?

If your toilet tank cracks, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A cracked toilet tank can leak water, which can damage your home and increase your water bill. Additionally, a cracked toilet tank can be a safety hazard, as it can allow water to overflow and spill onto the floor.

If you are unable to repair the toilet tank yourself, you should contact a plumber to have it repaired or replaced.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace a Toilet Tank?

The cost of repairing or replacing a toilet tank depends on the type of damage and the cost of the replacement parts. A simple crack in the porcelain can be repaired for around $100, while a more extensive repair or replacement may cost several hundred dollars.

It is important to note that the cost of repairing or replacing a toilet tank may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. You should check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for coverage.

there are a number of factors that can cause a toilet tank to crack. These include:

  • Structural damage: The most common cause of a toilet tank crack is structural damage. This can occur if the tank is dropped, hit, or otherwise subjected to a sudden impact.
  • Chemical damage: Toilet tanks can also be damaged by chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaners, and other harsh cleaning products. These chemicals can erode the porcelain surface of the tank, leading to cracks.
  • Water damage: Over time, water can seep into the cracks in a toilet tank and cause the porcelain to weaken. This can eventually lead to the tank cracking.
  • Temperature extremes: Extremes in temperature can also cause a toilet tank to crack. For example, if the tank is exposed to very cold temperatures, the water inside can freeze and expand, causing the tank to crack.

If you notice a crack in your toilet tank, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A cracked toilet tank can leak water, which can lead to water damage and mold growth. It can also be a safety hazard, as the tank could break and spill water all over the floor.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your toilet tank from cracking:

  • Install a toilet seat with a slow-close lid. This will help to prevent the tank from being damaged by a sudden impact.
  • Use a toilet brush that is soft and gentle. Harsh bristles can damage the porcelain surface of the tank.
  • Avoid using harsh cleaning products in your toilet tank. These products can erode the porcelain surface of the tank.
  • Inspect your toilet tank regularly for cracks. If you notice a crack, have the tank repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help keep your toilet tank in good condition and prevent it from cracking.

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.