Knowledge Builders

can you replace the tank on a toilet

by Dr. Bernard Kuphal Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your toilet is cracked, leaking, or just outdated, it may be time to replace the toilet tank. Toilet tanks are sold separately from the bowls, so you can get any tank that fits onto your model of toilet.

Can you replace a toilet bowl without replacing the tank?

You can definitely replace a toilet bowl without replacing the tank if the situation is right. Find out if you can replace the toilet bowl without replacing the tank with help from an experienced...

Why you should clean your toilet tank?

  • Keep toilet tablets in the tank. These would help keep minerals buildup, contaminants, and minerals at bay. ...
  • If you don’t use tablets, you can use our step guide in “phase 2 .” Drain your toilet tank and fill it with vinegar. ...
  • We suggest you clean the toilet tanks monthly. ...
  • If you have hard water, you’d have to deal with mineral buildup occasionally. ...

Can you replace just the tank on a toilet?

Residential toilets usually have two parts -- tank and bowl. If your toilet tank is cracked, there is no way to repair the damage, so it must be replaced. Replacing a toilet tank is a task most homeowners can do without a call to the plumber. Because the tanks and bowls may be sold separately, you can often buy just the tank.

How to clean your toilet tank naturally?

Toilet Tank Cleaning

  • Start Small with a Toilet Brush. ...
  • Use Pumice as a Toilet Tank Cleaner. ...
  • Learn How to Clean a Toilet Tank with Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  • Use Pure Vinegar as a Toilet Cleaner. ...
  • Clean Your Toilet Tank with Liquid Detergent. ...
  • Try Cleaning a Toilet Tank with Vinegar and Baking Soda. ...
  • Knock the Stains out with Borax, Vinegar, and Essential Oils. ...

More items...

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Can you put a different tank on a toilet?

When asking the question is a toilet tank universal, the short answer is no. While in certain brands they can be interchangeable, the overall consensus is that your toilet tank is fitted to your toilet model. When looking to purchase a new tank, you need to learn the measurements and model number.

Can you replace a toilet tank without replacing the whole toilet?

Luckily, most home improvement stores sell the tanks separately, so there's no need to purchase a whole toilet. You might want to ask yourself how do I replace a toilet tank in my bathroom after purchasing a new one. Well, you don't have to worry as you can install it without the help of a plumber.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet tank?

Tank. A replacement tank will range from $50 to $100, not including the labor to install it. A professional plumber can put in a new tank in one to two hours for a total cost of $45 to $300. Total project price will depend on minimum charges as well as whether the internal tank parts also require replacement.

Can you replace a toilet tank yourself?

If your toilet tank is cracked, there is no way to repair the damage, so it must be replaced. Replacing a toilet tank is a task most homeowners can do without a call to the plumber. Because the tanks and bowls may be sold separately, you can often buy just the tank.

Are toilet tanks a standard size?

Standard toilet dimensions are typically between 28–30" deep, roughly 20" wide, between 27–32" high, and have a rough-in between 10–14".

How do I know what Tank to buy for my toilet?

Look for the manufacturer name or a number on the bottom side of the water tank lid. It may be stamped into the lid or painted on - some of them may even be handwritten if the tank lid was replaced by a plumber with foresight.

Can a cracked toilet tank be fixed?

Any hairline cracks below the waterline will require a bit of patching with epoxy. Larger cracks below the water line means the toilet needs to be replaced entirely. While a patch can be done DIY, it is always best to consult with a professional plumber.

Can a toilet tank just crack?

Toilets are prone to cracking. If you just recently cracked your toilet there's no need to worry, this happens all of the time and there's affordable ways to have it fixed . Many people crack their toilet tank when trying to place the toilet tank cap/lid back onto the tank.

How long does a toilet last?

around 50 yearsMost plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

How do you remove a toilet tank and replace it?

0:432:19Plumbing Advice : How to Replace the Tank-to-Bowl Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have a bolt that goes to bolts sometimes three put your bolts back down through the hole newMoreYou have a bolt that goes to bolts sometimes three put your bolts back down through the hole new bolts with the new gaskets. Tanks now ready to go back into place carefully set it in place.

How do you fix a broken toilet tank?

Fixing a Cracked Toilet TankTurn off the water. ... Dry the inside of the tank. ... Apply silicone plumbing epoxy to cracked area. ... Smooth the sealer out. ... Allow the silicone epoxy to dry. ... Refill the tank with water.

How do you replace the inside of a toilet tank?

2:2614:13How to Fix a Running Toilet & Replace All Internal Toilet Tank PartsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOk after removing the bolts. And the nuts from the underside of the tank you just simply lift up onMoreOk after removing the bolts. And the nuts from the underside of the tank you just simply lift up on the tank and remove it from the base of the toilet.

How to flush water out of toilet tank?

Set a towel on the floor and place the lid of the tank on it. Push down the toilet handle to flush out the water in the tank. Remember to hold down the lever until you have an empty cistern.

How to keep toilet tank from cracking?

Hold both ends of the bottom of the toilet tank. Gently raise the item to avoid any cracks or loose valves from entering the tank. Finally, place it on a towel that you put on the bathroom floor.

How to prevent cistern from leaking water?

Carefully hold the tank with one hand and run the bolts through the spaces. Secure it with the rub ber washers by pushing the bolts. Confirm if you have rubber washers in the cistern. By taking this step, you will avoid potential leaks, mainly when it contains water.

How to prevent cracks in a gas tank?

Avoid any cracks or scratches by guiding the rubber washer from the lower end of the tank. Next, place the rubber items on the screwed bolts. Tighten the nuts on the bolts with your hands.

Do you need to buy a whole toilet tank?

Luckily, most home improvement stores sell the tanks separately, so there’s no need to purchase a whole toilet.

Why did the new low flow toilets not work?

This was done to reduce the amount of water consumption in US households. The new low-flow standard used half of the water of the old standard which was 3.2 gpf. Since the new toilets used less water, they didn't work quite as well. They would clog frequently and would also require several flushes to go down properly.

When did toilets become low flow?

If the toilet is old, then it would be better to replace it. Beginning in 1994 , a new US government mandate stipulated that any toilet sold in the US has to be a low-flow toilet which uses no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). This was done to reduce the amount of water consumption in US households.

What to replace when installing a new toilet tank?

When you are installing a new toilet tank, it is good to make sure that you also replace the toilet tank bolts, toilet tank to bowl gasket, nuts and washers.

How to get water out of toilet tank?

Flush the toilet and hold down the handle to make sure as much water as possible has drained out. Remove the toilet tank lid and place it away. At the bottom of the tank, you will find some water which was not flushed down. Use the sponge to soak it and squeeze into the empty bucket. Disconnect the water supply line.

How many bolts does Kohler use to install a toilet tank?

Instead of drilling holes at the bottom of the toilet tanks, Kohler installs a bracket underneath the toilet tank where bolts are hooked. This method uses three bolts. You simply straighten the bolts from the bracket and install the tank on the bowl.

What is the rubber washer on a toilet tank?

The idea here is to ensure that the rubber washer is the one in contact with the toilet tank. This prevents it from cracking in case you overtighten. On the underside of the tank, slot in a rubber washer on each bolt followed by a steel washer and a nut.

Why is the tank to bowl gasket on the outside of the toilet?

A toilet tank to bowl gasket is also installed on the outside of the flush valve to prevent the toilet from leaking between the tank and the bowl. The tank is then attached to the water shut off valve using a supply line.

How to check if toilet tank is leaking?

Turn on the water shut off valve and let the water fill the tank. Flush the toilet a couple of times to check if there are any leaks between the toilet tank and the bowl. If you are satisfied with everything cover the tank with the lid.

Where is the water valve on a toilet?

To turn of water to the toilet, locate the shut off valve at the rear wall of the toilet close to the floor. It is mostly located on the left-hand side. Turn it off clockwise.

What is a toilet?

Hannah Madans. on Aug 05, 2019. The toilet is one of the simplest mechanical items in your home, and one used on a daily basis. With a basic understanding of how it works, you can fix issues that arise on your own, without any special plumbing tools. This guide will help you understand the main parts of a toilet and how to identify ...

Why does my toilet keep running non stop?

The tank keeps trying to fill itself unsuccessfully because all of the water is leaking around the edge of the valve. In order to change the valve, you first need to empty the tank of water so that you can work.

What is the flapper valve in a toilet?

The flapper valve is the mechanism inside your toilet tank that controls the flush. When you push on the handle, the lever lifts a chain that in turn, lifts the flapper valve. The valve covers an opening in the bottom of the tank that allows the water to flow down into the bowl and creates the flushing action.

What is a lever in a toilet?

The lever is a rod that extends from the handle to a chain that activates the flapper valve. Several things can go wrong with these handles. This rod used to be made of steel or brass. Of course, when steel sits in a wet place like your toilet tank over a period of years, it begins to deteriorate.

Why isn't my float switch working?

There should be a long hollow pipe standing next to the float mechanism. If the water level is so high that the excess is pouring down that overflow pipe, then your float switch isn't working.

Can you refill a toilet tank with a flapper valve?

Turn it off, and then flush the toilet one time. The tank should empty as normal with the flush, but will not refill. There are several different styles of flapper valves, and the best way to ensure that you get the right one is to remove it and take it with you to the store.

Can you remove a float rod by itself?

Keep in mind that, on some models, the flapper valve is integrated into the float system structure. If this is the case, then the float rod should be able to be removed by itself.

What does it mean when a toilet is not warrantied?

If it's not a warrantied item, meaning if it's not a brand new toilet where the bowl is cracked, maybe you see some china, there's a slight hairline crack and you see leaking, if it's not a warrantied issue, it might be cost prohibitive to do one at a time.

How far is the center of a toilet bowl?

One other note, most bowls are very common but you want to verify the center of the toilet flange to the wall. It's usually around 12 to 13 inches. This is The Home Source Guy helping you build a better life and we'll see you next time. Nicholas Iarocci has over 25 years of experience in all mediums of construction.

What happens when you move a toilet?

Any little tilt or wobble of the toilet as you move it will cause that water to drain out onto the floor. To deal with this, plumbers will often place a large utility pan on a flat dolly. When they replace a toilet, they’ll set the old one in the pan and then roll the whole thing out of the house.

How to secure pick up stix to toilet?

To secure it to the toilet, just fit one end of the bar under the rim of the toilet bowl and then compress the bar enough to slip the other end under the rim on the opposite side. You can position the Pick Up Stix from side to side of the bowl or from front to back, whichever works best for your grip. “The Pick Up Stix is basically ...

Can a toilet leak after a decade?

After a decade or so, heavy lime deposits can build up, resulting in clogging or slow flushing, and the seals between the tank and the bowl can harden, crack, and begin to leak. Even if a toilet is still in good working order, homeowners often upgrade to a model that blends better with a bathroom remodel or features the newest technology.

Can porcelain tank lids break?

Not only do porcelain tank lids break easily, they can chip and dent flooring as well. While professional plumbers are wise to this, household DIYers often make the mistake of leaving the tank lid on and end up having to clean up a shattered lid or repair damaged flooring.

Is it hard to replace a toilet?

Replacing a toilet is an unpleasant task, not because it’s technically difficult—it’s not—but because toilets are heavy and unwieldy, and no one really wants to get up close and personal. Daniel O’Brian, the technical expert for the online plumbing retailer SupplyHouse.com, has the secret to making this job easier: a simple new tool called ...

Can you leave the lid on a toilet?

DON’T leave the tank lid on when you move the toilet. The tank lid is not fastened to the top of the tank—tilt the commode to either side while carrying it, and the heavy porcelain lid is likely to slip off and fall. Not only do porcelain tank lids break easily, they can chip and dent flooring as well.

Can you put a toilet bowl upside down?

Alternately, you can turn the new toilet bowl upside down (or on its side) and affix the wax ring to the underside of the drain before lifting and positioning the bowl over the flange in the floor.

When They Are Interchangeable

If the layout for the tank-to-bowl bolt holes and the spud gasket positioning match between the replacement tank or bowl and the old tank or bowl, the two parts will connect properly. When these holes line up, the bolts pass securely through the tank holes into the corresponding holes on top of the bowl.

When They Are Not Interchangeable

You will likely not find a compatible tank or bowl if you have an older model toilet. With new developments and increasing array of toilet offerings, manufacturers discontinue models and replace past offerings with improved units. Also, some models use three tank-to-bolt holes, while others only use two.

Why You Need To Swap Parts

On a two-piece toilet, irreparable damage may occur to the bowl, while the tank remains functional or vice versa. A crack in the toilet or bowl that springs a leak is an example of damage that necessitates a replacement.

Obtaining a Replacement Part

Write down the manufacturer's name and the model number of the particular toilet part you wish to replace. Take this information to a home improvement, hardware store, or other outlet from which you plan to obtain a replacement.

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1.Videos of Can You Replace The Tank On a Toilet

Url:/videos/search?q=can+you+replace+the+tank+on+a+toilet&qpvt=can+you+replace+the+tank+on+a+toilet&FORM=VDRE

9 hours ago You can replace just the tank of a two-piece toilet, but if you have a one-piece toilet, then you must buy and replace the whole thing. You don’t even need to call a plumber to buy a toilet tank. However, not knowing the correct information before making a purchase can make you waste time, effort, and money.

2.Easy Ways to Replace a Toilet Tank: 14 Steps (with …

Url:https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Toilet-Tank

6 hours ago  · The decision of whether or not to replace the tank should be based on the toilet. If the toilet is old, then it would be better to replace it. Beginning in 1994, a new US government mandate stipulated that any toilet sold in the US has to be a low-flow …

3.How to Replace a Toilet Tank? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Url:https://www.sunrisespecialty.com/toilet-tank-replacement

19 hours ago Replacing a toilet tank is a task most homeowners can do without a call to the plumber. Because the tanks and bowls may be sold separately, you can often buy just the tank. However, it is important to match the toilet manufacturer and model to ensure proper installation and function of the toilet when you're done. Click to see full answer.

4.Can I replace a toilet tank, only? what do I need to know …

Url:https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/59452/can-i-replace-a-toilet-tank-only-what-do-i-need-to-know-regarding-tank-size-to

33 hours ago You certainly can is the answer. It has to be a two piece design meaning the tank has to be separate from the bowl. There are one piece designs on the market so you want to make sure that you have...

5.How to Install/Replace a Toilet Tank in 5 Easy Steps

Url:https://toilethaven.com/2020/04/16/toilet-tank/

18 hours ago eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Two-piece toilet parts can be disassembled and sometimes replaced. The connection points between a toilet tank and bowl create an important seal, keeping water from leaking out of the unit as it passes from the tank to the bowl. If certain conditions are satisfied, it is possible to replace one of these items and continue to use the other.

6.How to Replace Toilet Tank Parts | DoItYourself.com

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/stry/replacetoilettank

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7.Can You Replace a Toilet Bowl Without Replacing the Tank?

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-replace-toilet-bowl-replacing-tank-80244.html

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8.Replacing a Toilet? 6 Dos and Don'ts for the Job - Bob Vila

Url:https://www.bobvila.com/articles/replacing-a-toilet/

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9.Can Toilet Tanks & Bowls Be Interchanged? | eHow

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