Q&A for How to Fix a Toilet Seal

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Question

Does the tank come apart from the rest of the toilet?

Donald Patriquin

Community Answer

Yes it does, but if it is an old toilet be prepared for further problems, as the gasket between the tank and the main part of the toilet may need to be replaced if it is old and cracked. Also, the bolts holding the tank to the toilet bowl may be rusted and require replacement. There is plenty of information on this out there (search "separating toilet tank from bowl"). If it ain't broke you likely don't need to fix it!

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Question

What should I do if the screws are too long to place the cover that holds the toilet into the floor?

Community Answer

Cut them to the desired height with a metal handsaw after tightening the toilet down. Put caps on.

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Question

I see water dripping from the water valve, but when I feel the valve, no water residue is detected. Where can this drip be coming from?

Community Answer

The first option could be a leak from the toilet fill valve base. The seal in the tank under the fill valve may be loose or worn. Hand-tightening the plastic nut under the tank for the fill valve may re-seal it. Otherwise, a new fill valve can be installed (with a new seal). It could also be a leaking source valve. Either tighten the seal nut on the valve shaft or back the valve all the way open to seal the valve shaft. The third option could be humidity condensation. Add an insulation cover to the toilet tank to prevent condensation. Some systems use a portion of hot water for the tank refill to warm it enough to prevent condensation, and in such setups the hot water valve portion could be opened more.

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Question

How do I remove the flapper that seals off the water flow at the base of the tank?

Community Answer

With the help of one screwdriver and one wrench. Hold the screw in the tank with the screwdriver and open the bolt at the bottom with the wrench.

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