How to Repair Leaky Toilet Tank Bolts

After thousands of flushes, the toilet tank bolts may begin to leak as the rubber washers inside and outside the tank wear out. Drips of water on the bolts and nuts, and on the floor under them, will show the toilet tank bolts need new washers. You should replace all the bolts, washers and nuts if they are rusted or corroded. Follow these directions to replace the rubber washers to repair leaky toilet tank bolts that do not need replacing.

Shut off the water flow to the tank at the water shutoff valve. Flush the toilet to empty it completely. With the adjustable wrench, pull the water supply line clear of the toilet tank. Absorb water overflow with towels and sponges behind the toilet bowl.

Lift off the toilet tank lid and set it aside on a large pile of blankets and towels, leaving room for the tank.

With the adjustable wrench, try to loosen the nuts from the bolts. If they are stuck, hold the nut with the wrench while a helper turns the bolts with the screwdriver from inside the tank. Apply some penetrating oil such as WD-40 or 3 in 1 to loosen the nuts from the bolts and release them from the toilet bowl housing.

With a helper, lift the tank straight up and carry it to the padding, laying it down flat for safety.

You can now extract the bolts from the tank, removing all the old rubber washers. Discard the old washers and attach the new rubber washers as follows. First, put one rubber washer on the bolt directly under the bolt head. Insert the bolt into the tank bolt hole. Put on the second rubber washer on the bolt on the outside of the tank. Attach a new the bolt nut to the bolt and add the third rubber washer. Add a new metal washer to secure the tank to the toilet bowl housing. Replace the washers and nut on the second bolt in the same order.

You and your helper can now raise the toilet tank back over the toilet bowl housing and reseat the bolts and central tank gasket correctly. Fasten the bolts alternately with a few turns at a time of the adjustable wrench. Check that the toilet tank is connected solidly and is staying perpendicular to the bowl housing. Reconnect the water supply and refill the toilet tank, setting the lid back into place.

Over the next 36 to 48 hours, check the toilet tank bolts for any recurring leaks. If they leak, you will need to replace the bolts, nuts and washers again.