How to Replace Tank Bolts on a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Replace Tank Bolts on a Toilet

Your toilet tank is held in place by two bolts, one on each side. These bolts can loosen over time, causing the tank to wobble or leak. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the tank bolts. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll show you how to replace the tank bolts on a toilet. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, along with photos and illustrations. We’ll also cover some common mistakes to avoid. So if you’re ready to learn how to replace the tank bolts on your toilet, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1 Adjustable wrench Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Pliers Remove the nuts that hold the tank bolts in place.
3 New tank bolts Insert the new tank bolts into the holes in the toilet bowl.
4 Adjustable wrench Tighten the nuts on the tank bolts until they are snug.
5 Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to test the new tank bolts.

How to Replace Tank Bolts on a Toilet?

This guide will show you how to replace the tank bolts on a toilet. Tank bolts are the two bolts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. They can become loose over time, which can cause the tank to leak. Replacing the tank bolts is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 15 minutes.

Identifying the Tank Bolts

The tank bolts are located at the back of the toilet, near the bottom. There are typically two tank bolts, one on each side of the tank. The tank bolts are held in place by nuts on the outside of the toilet.

Removing the Tank Bolts

To remove the tank bolts, you will need a wrench. A 10mm wrench is typically the correct size for most toilets.

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain any water from the tank.
3. Use the wrench to loosen the nuts on the outside of the toilet. Be careful not to drop the nuts into the toilet bowl.
4. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the tank bolts by hand.

Installing the New Tank Bolts

To install the new tank bolts, you will need two new tank bolts and a new set of nuts.

1. Place the new tank bolts through the holes in the toilet tank.
2. Thread the nuts onto the tank bolts until they are snug.
3. Tighten the nuts with the wrench until they are secure.

Reattaching the Tank to the Bowl

Once the tank bolts are installed, you can reattach the tank to the bowl.

1. Place the tank on top of the bowl.
2. Align the holes in the tank with the holes in the bowl.
3. Insert the bolts through the holes and thread the nuts onto the bolts until they are snug.
4. Tighten the nuts with the wrench until they are secure.

Turning on the Water Supply

Once the tank is reattached to the bowl, you can turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Testing the Toilet

Flush the toilet to test the new tank bolts. The toilet should not leak.

Replacing the tank bolts on a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 15 minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your toilet is properly secured and that it will not leak.

Additional Tips

  • If the tank bolts are corroded or damaged, you may need to replace them with new ones.
  • When tightening the nuts, be careful not to overtighten them. Overtightening the nuts can damage the tank bolts.
  • If you are not comfortable working on your own toilet, you can hire a plumber to replace the tank bolts for you.

3. Installing the New Tank Bolts

To install the new tank bolts, follow these steps:

1. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new tank bolts. This will help to prevent the bolts from rusting.
2. Insert the new tank bolts through the holes in the tank. Make sure that the bolts are inserted all the way through the tank.
3. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts on the outside of the toilet. Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.

4. Testing the Toilet

Once you have installed the new tank bolts, it is important to test the toilet to make sure that the bolts are secure and that there are no leaks.

To test the toilet, follow these steps:

1. Flush the toilet. The toilet should flush normally.
2. Check for leaks around the tank bolts. There should be no leaks.
3. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts on the outside of the toilet until the leaks stop.

Replacing the tank bolts on a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace the tank bolts on your toilet and ensure that your toilet is working properly.

Here are some additional tips for replacing tank bolts on a toilet:

  • If you are not comfortable working with tools, you may want to hire a plumber to replace the tank bolts for you.
  • Make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You will need a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.
  • Be careful not to damage the toilet when you are removing the old tank bolts.
  • Take your time and follow the steps in this guide carefully.

By following these tips, you can easily replace the tank bolts on your toilet and ensure that your toilet is working properly.

How do I replace tank bolts on a toilet?

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A socket wrench or pliers
  • A new set of tank bolts
  • A rag or towel

2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.

3. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.

4. Remove the old tank bolts. The tank bolts are located on the back of the toilet, near the bottom. They are typically held in place with a Phillips head screw. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws.

5. Install the new tank bolts. The new tank bolts should be the same size and length as the old ones. Insert the bolts through the holes in the toilet tank and tighten them with a socket wrench or pliers.

6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

7. Flush the toilet to check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the tank bolts until the leaks stop.

What size are tank bolts for a toilet?

Tank bolts are typically 1/2-inch in diameter and 1-inch long. However, the exact size may vary depending on the make and model of your toilet.

How do I tighten tank bolts on a toilet?

To tighten tank bolts on a toilet, you will need a socket wrench or pliers.

1. Insert the socket wrench or pliers into the head of the tank bolt.
2. Turn the socket wrench or pliers clockwise to tighten the bolt.
3. Tighten the bolt until it is snug against the toilet tank.

What happens if the tank bolts are too tight?

If the tank bolts are too tight, they can damage the toilet tank. The tank bolts can also cause the toilet to leak.

What happens if the tank bolts are too loose?

If the tank bolts are too loose, the toilet tank may not be properly secured to the toilet bowl. This can cause the toilet tank to wobble or leak.

How often should I replace tank bolts on a toilet?

Tank bolts should be replaced as needed. However, they should typically be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

In this article, we have discussed how to replace tank bolts on a toilet. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as some tips and tricks to make the job easier. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your tank bolts with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Tank bolts are an important part of your toilet, and they should be replaced if they are damaged or corroded.
  • Replacing tank bolts is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging your toilet.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, you may want to hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.

Thank you for reading!

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.