How to Repair a Cracked Toilet Bowl

If there is a crack in the toilet bowl, a leakage at the base of the toilet bowl would be noticed.

There are two options available to fix the crack. The first option would be to use glue and epoxy. The second option would be to replace the toilet bowl.

First Option

You can pick from any one of several glues available in the market to seal the crack. However, you need to be aware that applying these sealants will offer temporary relief only as the glue/epoxy will wear off after some time.

• Polyurethane Glue: This is strong glue and should be applied in a thin coat. Any excess glue should be scraped or sanded off.
• Silicone Sealant: This is applied when the crack is dry and clean. Allow at least 24 hours to let it dry before the toilet is allowed to get wet again.
• 2-part Epoxy: The third option would be try a 2-part epoxy JB Weld. It is quite strong and is used for bonding porcelain and metal, and other non porous materials.

Second Option

The second option would be to replace the toilet bowl. You will need to do this eventually as glue will not hold wet porcelain and clay for a long period of time. The clay although baked and glazed to a smooth finish is susceptible to ever-widening cracks once a hair-line crack has been introduced. Even if it works with the glue, it will eventually crack wide-open and create larger problems.

To replace the toilet bowl, take the following steps.

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply

Turn off the water supply and empty the tank by flushing the toilet. Both the toilet tank and toilet bowl should be completely empty.

Step 2: Remove Old Toilet Bowl

If the toilet tank and toilet bowl are connected with an elbow, the elbow should be removed.

The toilet bowl can be removed by unscrewing the nuts and loosening the bolts that hold the bowl down to the floor. Now, the toilet bowl can be removed after breaking the wax seal that secures it to the floor and toilet flange. The flange opening should be stuffed with old rags in an attempt to contain the sewer gases until the new bowl is installed. Clean the wax ring off the floor completely.

Step 3: Install New Toilet Bowl

Insert a wax ring in the location of the original ring. Lower the new toilet bowl onto the ring so that it is properly aligned, leaving no damage and securing the bowl tightly.

Step 4: Caulk

The toilet should be sealed at the floor level with caulk.

Step 5: Connect

Tighten the bolts and washers. Cut the extra length of bolts off just above the nuts. Seal the base of the toilet as above. Connect the shut off valve and supply stub to the tubing.

Step 6: Test New Toilet

The water supply should be turned on and the system tested to see that it is working properly.

If at any point of time, you feel that things are not going as planned, you should call for professional help and let the water supply remain in the off position.