Replacing gasket between toilet tank and bowl
#1
12-05-17, 06:12 PM
Replacing gasket between toilet tank and bowl
Hi all,
I need to replace the gasket between the tank and the bowl. I think I have a good understanding of what needs to be done but I'm perplexed on what this metallic and hard stuff that is on top of the screw inside of the toilet tank that is part of the bolted connection to the bowl. I'm going to need to get to the screw to counteract the bolt action when unscrewing, don't it? Besides, once I replace the connections w/ new hardware, I'd want to replace this as well.
Any thoughts on what this is and how to get it off? Toilet is probably 10 to 15 years old if that helps. Please see picture.
Thanks in advance!
I need to replace the gasket between the tank and the bowl. I think I have a good understanding of what needs to be done but I'm perplexed on what this metallic and hard stuff that is on top of the screw inside of the toilet tank that is part of the bolted connection to the bowl. I'm going to need to get to the screw to counteract the bolt action when unscrewing, don't it? Besides, once I replace the connections w/ new hardware, I'd want to replace this as well.
Any thoughts on what this is and how to get it off? Toilet is probably 10 to 15 years old if that helps. Please see picture.
Thanks in advance!
#2
12-05-17, 06:14 PM
Group Moderator
It's corrosion. You will need new tank bolts. Grip them with a vise grips if the head is too far gone to turn.
#3
12-05-17, 06:19 PM
Thank you!
I assume most of the twisting comes from the bolt below so the vise grip would only need to keep it in place? I'm just trying to figure out how much cursing I'll be doing..haha.
I assume most of the twisting comes from the bolt below so the vise grip would only need to keep it in place? I'm just trying to figure out how much cursing I'll be doing..haha.
#4
12-05-17, 06:22 PM
Group Moderator
There is never a shortage of cursing when doing plumbing.
Yes, assuming the screwdriver will no longer hold the bolt still, a vise grips might. You will need to keep one hand on the vise grips, and one on your socket... possibly a deep well socket.
There was often a plastic tool (nutdriver) that came with the new toilet, that gets thrown away. Part of the reason for using that plastic tool is so that you only hand tighten those bolts. If you get them too tight you crack the tank and then REALLY cuss. So keep that in mind when you tighten the tank back up.
Yes, assuming the screwdriver will no longer hold the bolt still, a vise grips might. You will need to keep one hand on the vise grips, and one on your socket... possibly a deep well socket.
There was often a plastic tool (nutdriver) that came with the new toilet, that gets thrown away. Part of the reason for using that plastic tool is so that you only hand tighten those bolts. If you get them too tight you crack the tank and then REALLY cuss. So keep that in mind when you tighten the tank back up.
