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

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How to Repair a Cracked Toilet Tank

A cracked toilet tank is a common problem, but it’s one that’s easy to fix. With a few simple tools and a little bit of time, 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 tank. We’ll start by discussing the causes of toilet tank cracks and then we’ll show you how to identify and repair a crack. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future cracks from occurring.

So if you’re dealing with a cracked toilet tank, don’t despair. Read on for all the information you need to get your toilet back in working order.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Bucket Turn off the water supply to the toilet tank.
2 Pliers Remove the nuts that hold the toilet tank to the bowl.
3 Screwdriver Remove the screws that hold the toilet tank to the bowl.
4 Hacksaw Cut the old tank away from the bowl.
5 New toilet tank Install the new toilet tank.
6 Silicone sealant Apply silicone sealant around the base of the new tank.
7 Turn on the water supply to the toilet tank. Test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

How to Repair a Cracked Toilet Tank?

Identifying the Crack

The first step to repairing a cracked toilet tank is to identify the crack. This may be easier said than done, as cracks can often be difficult to see. However, there are a few things you can look for:

  • A visible crack in the tank. This is the most obvious sign of a crack, and it is usually easy to spot.
  • A leak from the tank. If you see water leaking from the tank, it is likely that there is a crack.
  • A change in the sound of the toilet flushing. If the toilet makes a different sound when it flushes, it could be a sign that there is a crack.
  • A change in the water level in the tank. If the water level in the tank is constantly dropping, it could be a sign that there is a leak.

Once you have identified the crack, you can begin the repair process.

Preparing the Toilet Tank

Before you can repair the crack, you will need to prepare the toilet tank. This involves removing the tank lid and cleaning the inside of the tank.

To remove the tank lid, you will need to locate the two bolts that hold it in place. These bolts are typically located on the back of the tank. Once you have located the bolts, use a screwdriver to loosen them and remove the tank lid.

Once the tank lid is removed, you can clean the inside of the tank. Use a brush and some cleaning solution to remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly when you are finished cleaning it.

Now that the toilet tank is prepared, you can begin the repair process.

How to Repair a Cracked Toilet Tank

There are a few different ways to repair a cracked toilet tank. The best method for you will depend on the size and location of the crack.

  • Small cracks: If the crack is small, you can repair it with a toilet repair kit. These kits typically include a sealant and a patch. To use the kit, follow the instructions on the package.
  • Large cracks: If the crack is large, you will need to replace the toilet tank. This is a more involved process, but it is the only way to ensure that the tank is properly repaired. To replace the toilet tank, 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 drain line from the toilet tank.
5. Remove the old toilet tank.
6. Install the new toilet tank.
7. Connect the water supply line to the toilet tank.
8. Connect the drain line to the toilet tank.
9. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Once the toilet tank is replaced, you can test it to make sure that it is working properly. Flush the toilet several times and check for leaks. If you do not see any leaks, the toilet tank is repaired.

Repairing a cracked toilet tank is a relatively simple process. By following the steps in this guide, you can have your toilet back in working order in no time.

Here are a few additional tips for repairing a cracked toilet tank:

  • Use a high-quality sealant. A good sealant will help to prevent the crack from spreading.
  • Be careful not to apply too much sealant. Too much sealant can make it difficult to remove the tank lid in the future.
  • Test the toilet tank after you have repaired it. This will help to ensure that the repair is successful.

Repairing the Crack

Once you have located the crack in your toilet tank, you can begin the repair process. The following steps will walk you through how to repair a cracked toilet tank:

1. Gather your materials. You will need the following materials to repair a cracked toilet tank:

  • A new toilet tank gasket
  • A new toilet tank bolt
  • A putty knife
  • A caulking gun
  • A bucket of water
  • A drill
  • A 1/4-inch drill bit
  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers

2. Remove the old toilet tank gasket. The first step is to remove the old toilet tank gasket. To do this, you will need to:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  • Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
  • Remove the two bolts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
  • Lift the toilet tank off of the toilet bowl.
  • Use a putty knife to carefully remove the old toilet tank gasket from the toilet bowl.

3. Apply the new toilet tank gasket. Once you have removed the old toilet tank gasket, you can apply the new one. To do this, you will need to:

  • Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty around the edge of the new toilet tank gasket.
  • Carefully place the new toilet tank gasket on the toilet bowl.
  • Press down on the toilet tank gasket to make sure it is firmly in place.

4. Reinstall the toilet tank. Now that you have installed the new toilet tank gasket, you can reinstall the toilet tank. To do this, you will need to:

  • Lower the toilet tank onto the toilet bowl.
  • Insert the two bolts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
  • Tighten the bolts until the toilet tank is secure.
  • Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
  • Flush the toilet to test the repair.

If you have any difficulty repairing a cracked toilet tank, you may want to consider hiring a professional plumber.

Testing the Repair

Once you have repaired the crack in your toilet tank, it is important to test the repair to make sure it is successful. To do this, you will need to:

1. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
2. Look for any leaks around the toilet tank gasket.
3. If you do not see any leaks, the repair was successful.
4. If you do see leaks, you may need to repeat the repair process.

By following these steps, you can easily repair a cracked toilet tank and keep your bathroom in good working order.

How do I know if my toilet tank is cracked?

There are a few ways to tell if your toilet tank is cracked.

  • Visual inspection: The most obvious sign of a cracked toilet tank is a visible crack. Look for cracks in the porcelain or fiberglass of the tank.
  • Running water: If you notice that your toilet is running even when the tank is full, it could be a sign of a crack. The water is leaking out of the crack and running down the overflow tube.
  • Squeaking or rattling: If you hear a squeaking or rattling noise coming from your toilet, it could be a sign of a crack. The crack is causing the tank to move slightly when the water level changes.
  • Low water pressure: If you notice that your toilet’s water pressure is lower than usual, it could be a sign of a crack. The crack is allowing water to escape from the tank, which is reducing the water pressure.

How do I fix a cracked toilet tank?

If you find a crack in your toilet tank, you can usually fix it yourself with a few simple tools and materials.

  • Tools:
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Hacksaw
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Caulk gun
  • Silicone sealant
  • Materials:
  • New toilet tank lid
  • Epoxy putty
  • Fiberglass resin
  • Fiberglass cloth

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the water supply valve under the sink or behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. There will be two nuts on the back of the tank. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts and remove the lid.
3. Inspect the crack. The crack will be on the inside of the tank. It will be a thin, dark line.
4. Apply epoxy putty to the crack. Epoxy putty is a two-part adhesive that is used to repair cracks in porcelain. Follow the directions on the package to mix the epoxy putty. Apply the putty to the crack and smooth it out with a putty knife.
5. Cover the crack with fiberglass resin and cloth. Fiberglass resin is a liquid that is used to reinforce cracks in porcelain. Follow the directions on the package to mix the resin. Apply the resin to the crack and then press the fiberglass cloth into the resin. Allow the resin to dry completely.
6. Reattach the toilet tank lid. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the tank lid. Replace the lid and tighten the nuts.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to test the repair. The water should not leak from the crack.

What are the different types of toilet tank cracks?

There are three main types of toilet tank cracks:

  • Horizontal cracks: These cracks are located at the top of the tank, near the overflow tube. They are often caused by overfilling the tank or by a sudden change in water pressure.
  • Vertical cracks: These cracks are located on the side of the tank. They are often caused by impact damage, such as dropping something heavy on the tank.
  • Corner cracks: These cracks are located at the corners of the tank. They are often caused by corrosion or by the tank being subjected to extreme temperatures.

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 type of toilet, as well as the extent of the damage. The average cost of a toilet tank repair is between $100 and $200. However, some repairs may cost more if the damage is extensive or if the toilet is a high-end model.

Can I replace a cracked toilet tank instead of repairing it?

Yes, you can replace a cracked toilet tank instead of repairing it. However, replacing a toilet tank is more expensive than repairing it. The average cost of a new toilet tank is between $50 and $100.

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

The amount of time it takes to repair a cracked toilet tank will vary depending on the size and type of toilet, as well as the extent of the damage. The average time to repair a toilet tank is between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

What are the steps involved in replacing a toilet tank?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the water

In this tutorial, you learned how to repair a cracked toilet tank. You started by identifying the cause of the crack and then gathering the necessary materials. Next, you removed the old tank and installed a new one. Finally, you tested the toilet to make sure it was working properly.

By following these steps, you can save yourself a lot of money and avoid the hassle of dealing with a plumber. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it is always best to hire a professional.

Here are some key takeaways from this tutorial:

  • The most common cause of a cracked toilet tank is a leak in the water supply line.
  • To repair a cracked toilet tank, you will need to remove the old tank and install a new one.
  • It is important to make sure that the new tank is properly supported and sealed.
  • You should test the toilet to make sure it is working properly before replacing the lid.

By following these tips, you can easily repair a cracked toilet tank and save yourself a lot of money.

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.