How to Repair a Cracked Toilet Bowl

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How to Fix a Crack in a Toilet

A cracked toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it’s a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. With a few simple tools and some basic plumbing knowledge, you can have your toilet back in working order in no time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of repairing a cracked toilet, from identifying the problem to replacing the damaged parts. We’ll also provide tips on preventing future cracks from occurring.

So if you’re dealing with a cracked toilet, don’t despair. With this guide, you’ll be able to fix it in no time.

Step Materials Instructions
1
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Bucket
  • Toilet brush
  • Toilet flange
  • New wax ring
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
 1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet seat.
3. Locate the crack in the toilet bowl.
4. Apply plumber’s putty around the edge of the crack.
5. Place the new wax ring on top of the putty.
6. Replace the toilet seat.
7. Turn the water supply back on.
2
  • Duct tape
  • Epoxy putty
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
 1. Clean the crack in the toilet bowl with sandpaper.
2. Apply a layer of duct tape over the crack.
3. Allow the duct tape to dry completely.
4. Apply a layer of epoxy putty over the duct tape.
5. Allow the epoxy putty to dry completely.
6. Sand the epoxy putty smooth.
7. Paint the toilet bowl.
3
  • New toilet
  • Plumber
 1. Hire a plumber to remove the old toilet and install a new one.

How to Fix a Crack in a Toilet?

Identifying the Crack

The first step to fixing a crack in a toilet is to identify the crack. This may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to be accurate so that you can choose the right repair method.

There are two types of cracks that can occur in a toilet:

  • Structural cracks are cracks that extend through the porcelain of the toilet. These cracks are the most serious and can lead to the toilet leaking or even breaking.
  • Non-structural cracks are cracks that occur on the surface of the porcelain. These cracks are not as serious as structural cracks, but they can still be unsightly and may allow water to seep into the toilet.

To identify a crack in your toilet, you will need to look for any breaks in the porcelain. Structural cracks will be deep and may extend all the way through the toilet. Non-structural cracks will be more superficial and will only affect the surface of the porcelain.

Once you have identified the crack, you can then choose the right repair method.

Choosing the Right Repair Method

The type of repair method you choose will depend on the severity of the crack. For minor non-structural cracks, you can use a toilet repair kit. These kits come with a sealant that you can apply to the crack to fill it in.

For more serious structural cracks, you will need to replace the toilet. This is a more involved process, but it is necessary to ensure that the toilet is safe to use.

If you are not sure how to repair a crack in your toilet, it is best to consult with a plumber. A plumber can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

How to Repair a Non-Structural Crack in a Toilet

If you have a non-structural crack in your toilet, you can repair it using a toilet repair kit. These kits come with a sealant that you can apply to the crack to fill it in.

To repair a non-structural crack in a toilet, you will need the following materials:

  • A toilet repair kit
  • A putty knife
  • A damp cloth

Instructions:

1. Remove the toilet seat.
2. Clean the crack with a damp cloth.
3. Apply the sealant to the crack.
4. Use the putty knife to smooth out the sealant.
5. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
6. Replace the toilet seat.

How to Replace a Toilet

If you have a structural crack in your toilet, you will need to replace the toilet. This is a more involved process, but it is necessary to ensure that the toilet is safe to use.

To replace a toilet, you will need the following materials:

  • A new toilet
  • A toilet flange
  • A wax ring
  • A toilet bowl gasket
  • A hacksaw
  • A plunger
  • A bucket
  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench

Instructions:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Drain the water from the toilet bowl.
3. Remove the toilet seat.
4. Remove the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
5. Remove the toilet flange.
6. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the new toilet flange.
7. Center the new toilet flange on the floor.
8. Secure the toilet flange to the floor with the bolts that you removed from the old flange.
9. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the new toilet bowl.
10. Center the new toilet bowl on the flange.
11. Secure the toilet bowl to the flange with the bolts that came with the new toilet.
12. Connect the water supply to the toilet.
13. Flush the toilet to check for leaks.

Repairing a crack in a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most DIYers. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it is best to consult with a plumber.

By following these steps, you can easily repair a crack in your toilet and keep your bathroom looking its best.

Preparing the Toilet for Repair

Before you can start repairing a cracked toilet, you need to prepare the toilet for the repair. This involves removing the toilet from the floor, disconnecting the water supply, and draining the water from the toilet bowl.

To remove the toilet from the floor, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Locate the nuts that connect the toilet to the floor. These nuts are usually located on the back of the toilet, underneath the tank.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts.
4. Carefully lift the toilet off of the floor.

Once the toilet is off of the floor, you can disconnect the water supply. To do this, you will need to:

1. Locate the water supply line that connects to the toilet. This line is usually located on the back of the toilet, underneath the tank.
2. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the water supply line to the toilet.
3. Turn off the water valve at the wall.

Now that the toilet is off of the floor and the water supply is disconnected, you can drain the water from the toilet bowl. To do this, you will need to:

1. Flush the toilet.
2. Use a plunger to push the water out of the toilet bowl.
3. Continue to flush and plunge the toilet until all of the water has been drained.

Carrying Out the Repair

Once the toilet is prepared for repair, you can start repairing the crack. To do this, you will need to:

1. Apply a sealant to the crack.
2. Place a fiberglass patch over the crack.
3. Apply a sealant around the patch.

To apply the sealant, you will need to:

1. Use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of sealant to the crack.
2. Allow the sealant to dry for the amount of time specified on the product label.
3. Apply a second layer of sealant to the crack.

Once the sealant has dried, you can place a fiberglass patch over the crack. To do this, you will need to:

1. Cut a fiberglass patch to the same size as the crack.
2. Apply a thin layer of sealant to the back of the patch.
3. Press the patch over the crack.
4. Use a putty knife to smooth out the sealant around the patch.

Finally, you will need to apply a sealant around the patch. To do this, you will need to:

1. Use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of sealant around the patch.
2. Allow the sealant to dry for the amount of time specified on the product label.
3. Apply a second layer of sealant around the patch.

Once the sealant has dried, you can reinstall the toilet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Place the toilet back on the floor.
2. Connect the water supply line to the toilet.
3. Tighten the nut that connects the water supply line to the toilet.
4. Turn on the water valve at the wall.

Repairing a cracked toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can fix your cracked toilet and have it back in working order in no time.

How do I fix a crack in a toilet?

There are a few different ways to fix a crack in a toilet. The best way for you will depend on the size and location of the crack.

1. Small cracks in the toilet bowl

Small cracks in the toilet bowl can be repaired with a toilet repair kit. These kits typically include a special epoxy putty that is designed to bond to the ceramic of the toilet bowl. To use a toilet repair kit, follow these steps:

1. Clean the crack thoroughly with a degreaser or other cleaning solution.
2. Apply a thin layer of epoxy putty to the crack.
3. Allow the epoxy putty to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the epoxy putty is dry, test the toilet to make sure the crack is sealed.

2. Larger cracks in the toilet bowl

Larger cracks in the toilet bowl may require more extensive repairs. One option is to patch the crack with a piece of fiberglass resin. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Clean the crack thoroughly with a degreaser or other cleaning solution.
2. Cut a piece of fiberglass resin to the size of the crack.
3. Apply a thin layer of epoxy putty to the back of the fiberglass resin.
4. Press the fiberglass resin into the crack.
5. Allow the epoxy putty to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once the epoxy putty is dry, test the toilet to make sure the crack is sealed.

3. Cracks in the toilet base

Cracks in the toilet base can be repaired with a special epoxy adhesive. To use an epoxy adhesive, follow these steps:

1. Clean the crack thoroughly with a degreaser or other cleaning solution.
2. Apply a thin layer of epoxy adhesive to the crack.
3. Allow the epoxy adhesive to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the epoxy adhesive is dry, test the toilet to make sure the crack is sealed.

4. Replacing the toilet

If the crack in your toilet is too large to repair, you may need to replace the entire toilet. To replace a toilet, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid.
3. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank.
4. Disconnect the toilet bowl from the floor flange.
5. Remove the old toilet.
6. Install the new toilet.
7. Connect the water supply line to the toilet tank.
8. Connect the toilet bowl to the floor flange.
9. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
10. Test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Here are some tips for preventing cracks in your toilet:

  • Install a toilet seat with a slow-close mechanism. This will help to prevent the toilet from slamming down and cracking the bowl.
  • Don’t overload the toilet. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or other non-flushable items.
  • Keep the toilet clean. A dirty toilet is more likely to develop cracks. Clean the toilet regularly with a degreaser or other cleaning solution.
  • Fix any leaks immediately. A leak can cause the toilet to become damaged over time. Fix any leaks as soon as you notice them.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a crack in a toilet. We have covered the different types of cracks that can occur, as well as the steps involved in repairing each type. We have also provided tips on how to prevent cracks from occurring in the first place.

If you have a crack in your toilet, it is important to fix it as soon as possible. A cracked toilet can leak water, which can damage your floors and walls. It can also be a health hazard, as it can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

By following the steps in this article, you can easily and inexpensively fix a crack in your toilet. You can also take steps to prevent cracks from occurring in the first place.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Different types of cracks require different repair methods.
  • It is important to fix a crack in a toilet as soon as possible.
  • You can prevent cracks from occurring by maintaining your toilet properly and using a toilet seat riser.

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.