How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank

A cracked toilet tank is a common problem that can be both unsightly and inconvenient. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few simple tools and materials.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of repairing a cracked toilet tank, from identifying the problem to replacing the tank. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future cracks from forming.

So if you’re looking to fix that cracked toilet tank, read on!

Step	Instructions	Images
1	Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2	Remove the lid of the toilet tank.
3	Locate the cracked tank.
4	Apply a sealant around the crack.
5	Allow the sealant to dry completely.
6	Reattach the lid of the toilet tank.
7	Turn the water supply back on to the toilet.

Identifying a Cracked Toilet Tank

A cracked toilet tank can be a major inconvenience, but it’s a relatively easy fix if you know what to look for and how to proceed. Here are a few things to look for that indicate a cracked toilet tank:

• Leaks. If you see water leaking from the bottom of the toilet tank, it’s a good indication that there’s a crack somewhere. The leak may be slow and steady, or it may only occur when you flush the toilet.
• Discolored water. If the water in your toilet tank is discolored, it could be a sign of a crack. The water may be cloudy or murky, or it may have a rusty or orange tint.
• A whistling sound. If you hear a whistling sound coming from your toilet tank, it could be a sign of a crack. The sound is caused by air escaping from the tank through the crack.
• A weak flush. If your toilet is not flushing properly, it could be a sign of a crack. The crack may be preventing the tank from filling up all the way, which can lead to a weak flush.

Common Causes of Cracks

There are a few common causes of cracks in toilet tanks. These include:

• Old age. Toilet tanks are made of porcelain, which is a very durable material. However, even porcelain can eventually crack with age.
• Chemical damage. Toilet tanks are exposed to a variety of chemicals, including bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, and rust remover. These chemicals can weaken the porcelain and cause it to crack.
• Physical damage. Toilet tanks can be damaged by heavy objects being dropped on them, or by being kicked or knocked over.
• Temperature extremes. Toilet tanks can crack if they are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as very hot or very cold water.

How to Safely Remove the Toilet Tank

Before you can repair a cracked toilet tank, you need to remove the tank from the toilet bowl. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the toilet.

To remove the toilet tank, you will need:

• A screwdriver
• A pair of pliers
• A bucket
• A rag

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
3. Remove the caps from the two bolts at the back of the toilet tank.
4. Use the screwdriver to loosen the bolts.
5. Use the pliers to hold the nuts on the bolts while you turn the bolts with the screwdriver.
6. Once the bolts are loose, carefully lift the tank up and away from the toilet bowl.
7. Place the tank in the bucket to catch any water that may leak out.
8. Use the rag to wipe up any water that has spilled.

Repairing a Cracked Toilet Tank

Once you have removed the toilet tank, you can begin the repair process.

To repair a cracked toilet tank, you will need:

• A new toilet tank gasket
• A new toilet tank bolt
• A tube of clear silicone sealant
• A putty knife
• A drill
• A 1/4-inch drill bit
• A file
• A rag

1. Clean the inside and outside of the toilet tank with a rag.
2. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the new toilet tank gasket.
3. Place the new gasket on the inside of the toilet tank.
4. Align the holes in the tank with the holes in the bowl.
5. Insert the new toilet tank bolt through the holes in the tank and bowl.
6. Tighten the bolt with the screwdriver.
7. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the base of the tank.
8. Let the sealant dry completely.

How to Test the Repaired Tank

Once the sealant has dried, you can test the repaired tank.

To test the repaired tank, you will need:

• A bucket
• A rag

1. Fill the bucket with water.
2. Place the rag over the overflow drain in the toilet tank.
3. Flush the toilet.
4. Observe the water level in the bucket.

If the water level in the bucket remains constant, the repair has been successful. If the water level drops, the repair has failed and you will need to repeat the process.

Repairing a cracked toilet tank is a relatively simple process, but

3. Replacing a Cracked Toilet Tank

When to Replace a Tank

A cracked toilet tank is a common problem, but it’s not always a serious one. If the crack is small and doesn’t leak, you can probably get by with a temporary fix. However, if the crack is large or leaks, you’ll need to replace the tank.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your toilet tank:

• The tank is leaking water.
• The tank is making a loud noise when it fills up.
• The tank is cracked or damaged.
• The tank is difficult to flush.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call a plumber to have the tank replaced.

How to Choose a New Tank

When you’re shopping for a new toilet tank, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.

• Size: The size of the tank will depend on the size of your bathroom. Standard toilet tanks are 1.6 gallons, but you can also find tanks that are 1.28 gallons or 3.5 gallons.
• Material: Toilet tanks are typically made from porcelain, but you can also find tanks that are made from plastic or fiberglass. Porcelain tanks are the most durable, but they’re also the most expensive. Plastic tanks are less durable, but they’re also less expensive. Fiberglass tanks are a good option for people who want a durable tank that’s not as expensive as porcelain.
• Features: Some toilet tanks come with features like a built-in water softener, a self-cleaning feature, or a nightlight. These features can be nice to have, but they’re not necessary.

Once you’ve considered the size, material, and features of the tank, you can start shopping for a new one. You can find toilet tanks at most home improvement stores.

Steps of the Replacement Process

Replacing a toilet tank is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic plumbing skills. Here are the steps involved in replacing a toilet tank:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply valve is usually located behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until it’s completely closed.
2. Remove the old tank. There are two bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the tank.
3. Disconnect the water supply line. The water supply line connects the tank to the shutoff valve. Use a pair of pliers to disconnect the line.
4. Remove the old wax ring. The wax ring is a gasket that seals the tank to the toilet bowl. Use a putty knife to carefully pry up the wax ring.
5. Install the new tank. Place the new tank on the toilet bowl. Align the holes in the tank with the bolts in the toilet bowl. Insert the bolts through the holes and tighten them with a wrench.
6. Connect the water supply line. Connect the water supply line to the tank. Make sure the connection is tight.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Turn the water supply valve clockwise until it’s completely open.
8. Flush the toilet. Flush the toilet several times to make sure there are no leaks.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ve successfully replaced your toilet tank.

4. Preventing Future Cracks

How to Maintain Your Toilet Tank

There are a few things you can do to help prevent cracks from forming in your toilet tank.

• Flush the toilet regularly. Flushing the toilet regularly helps to keep the water in the tank fresh and prevents it from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water is more likely to form cracks.
• Don’t overfill the tank. The water level in the tank should be about 1 inch below the overflow pipe. Overfilling the tank can put stress on the tank and cause it to crack.
• Don’t drop anything heavy in the tank. Dropping something heavy in the tank can damage the tank and cause it to crack.
• Inspect the tank regularly for cracks. Inspect the tank for cracks every few months. If you see a crack, have the tank repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Cracks from Forming

There are a few things you can do to help prevent cracks from forming in your toilet tank.

• Use a toilet tank sealer. A toilet tank sealer is a sealant that you can apply to

  How do I fix a cracked toilet tank?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located at the back of the toilet, near the floor. You may need to use a wrench to turn the valve clockwise.
2. Remove the lid of the toilet tank. There is usually a screw or two on the back of the tank that holds the lid in place. Once you have removed the screws, you can lift the lid off of the tank.
3. Inspect the crack. The crack is most likely located on the bottom of the tank, near the back. It may be a small hairline crack or a larger, more obvious crack.
4. Choose a repair method. There are a few different ways to repair a cracked toilet tank. You can use a toilet repair kit, epoxy putty, or fiberglass resin.
5. Follow the instructions on the repair kit or product. This will vary depending on the type of repair method you choose.
6. Reinstall the lid of the toilet tank. Once the repair is complete, you can reinstall the lid of the toilet tank. Be sure to tighten the screws securely.
7. Turn the water supply back on to the toilet. You should now have a working toilet again!

What are the different ways to repair a cracked toilet tank?

There are a few different ways to repair a cracked toilet tank. You can use a toilet repair kit, epoxy putty, or fiberglass resin.

• Toilet repair kits are available at most hardware stores. They typically include a sealant, a mixing bowl, and a spatula. To use a toilet repair kit, follow the instructions on the package.
• Epoxy putty is a two-part adhesive that can be used to repair a cracked toilet tank. It is available at most hardware stores. To use epoxy putty, follow the instructions on the package.
• Fiberglass resin is a strong adhesive that can be used to repair a cracked toilet tank. It is available at most hardware stores. To use fiberglass resin, follow the instructions on the package.

Which repair method is best?

The best repair method for a cracked toilet tank will depend on the size and location of the crack. If the crack is small and located on the bottom of the tank, a toilet repair kit or epoxy putty may be sufficient. If the crack is larger or located on the side of the tank, fiberglass resin may be a better option.

How much does it cost to repair a cracked toilet tank?

The cost of repairing a cracked toilet tank will vary depending on the size and location of the crack, as well as the type of repair method you choose. A toilet repair kit or epoxy putty will typically cost between $10 and $20. Fiberglass resin will typically cost between $20 and $30. The cost of labor will vary depending on the plumber you hire.

How long does it take to repair a cracked toilet tank?

The time it takes to repair a cracked toilet tank will vary depending on the size and location of the crack, as well as the type of repair method you choose. A toilet repair kit or epoxy putty can usually be completed in about 30 minutes. Fiberglass resin will typically take longer, as it needs to cure for several hours.

What should I do if my toilet tank is still leaking after I repair it?

If your toilet tank is still leaking after you repair it, there may be a problem with the seal. You can try re-applying the sealant or replacing the old seal with a new one. If the leak persists, you may need to call a plumber.

How can I prevent my toilet tank from cracking in the future?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet tank from cracking in the future.

• Don’t overfill the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the water level should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals in your toilet. Harsh chemicals can damage the toilet tank and cause it to crack.
• Inspect the toilet tank regularly for cracks. If you see a crack, have it repaired as soon as possible.

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

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a cracked toilet tank. We have provided a step-by-step guide, as well as tips on how to prevent future cracks. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to fix your cracked toilet tank with ease.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• A cracked toilet tank can be a serious problem, as it can allow water to leak into the floor and cause damage.
• The most common cause of a cracked toilet tank is a sudden impact, such as dropping something heavy on it.
• To fix a cracked toilet tank, you will need to remove the tank from the toilet, repair the crack, and then reinstall the tank.
• You can prevent future cracks by using a toilet tank protector, or by being careful not to drop anything heavy on the tank.

If you have any questions about how to fix a cracked toilet tank, please do not hesitate to contact a qualified plumber.