Replacing a toilet tank to bowl gasket is an easy repair that can be done in less than 30 minutes, even for the novice do-it-yourselfer.
In this article, we will show you how to properly remove the old gasket and install a new one using a few basic tools.
Supplies you will need:
- A new gasket
- Screwdrivers
- Plumber putty
- Silicone caulk
- A level
- A tape measure
- A marking pencil
- A utility knife
- A wrench
Follow these steps to replace your toilet gasket:
Shut off the water supply to your toilet & Flush the toilet to empty the tank of water.
Turning off the water supply to your toilet is a relatively simple task.
First, locate the valve that supplies water into the toilet tank. This is typically located on the wall or floor near the toilet.
Once you have located the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
Next, flush the toilet to empty the toilet tank. You may need to keep the button pressed for a few seconds to fully empty the tank.
Unscrew the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and lift off the tank.
After ensuring that the tank is empty, locate the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and unscrew them.
In most cases, there will be two bolts, one on each side of the tank. While in some cases, there may only be one bolt in the center of the tank.
Once you have located the bolts, use a wrench to unscrew them.
Then lift the tank off of the bowl and set it aside. Ensure to place a towel under the tank to catch any residual water that may drip out.
Removing the old gasket.
Take a look at the gasket and flush valve assembly. The gasket is located between the valve and the bowl, and it may or may not be held in place with a retaining ring.
If your toilet has a retaining ring between the valve and the bowl, use a pair of pliers to remove the ring.
However, if the gasket is not held in place with a retaining ring, proceed to remove it.
To remove the old gasket, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold it in place.
Once the screws have been removed, the gasket should come off easily. If it does not, you may need to use a putty knife to pry it loose.
Once you have removed the old gasket, clean the area around the opening with a rag and then dry it off.
Now you are ready to install the new gasket.
Placing the new gasket
This is where you’ll need a bottle of plumber putty, silicone caulk, a screwdriver, and of course your new gasket.
Start by placing the new gasket over the opening in the tank. Apply a generous amount of plumber’s putty to one side of the new gasket.
Then, position the gasket in its groove so that the putty is facing outward. After doing this, press it into place.
You’ll want to make sure that it is positioned correctly so you won’t have any future problems.
So, after placing it, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the edge of the gasket to ensure it stays firmly in place.
If you removed a retaining ring, reinstall it by hand-tightening it until it’s snug against the gasket.
Do not over-tighten, as this may damage the gasket or cause it to leak. However, if you didn’t remove a retaining ring, just move to the next step.
Screwing back the new gasket
When you’re done with all the connections, it’s time to screw back on the new gasket.
To screw the new gasket into place, you will need a screwdriver, a level, and a tape measure. If the gasket is too long, you can trim it to size with a utility knife.
Start by finding the center of the gasket and mark it with a pencil. This will be your starting point.
Then, using the screws that came with the gasket, screw the gasket into place. Make sure that each screw is screwed in evenly so that the gasket is level.
Once all the screws are in place, use the tape measure to check that the gasket is still centered.
If it is not, adjust the screws until it is centered. Be sure to tighten them securely so that they do not come loose.
Trim off any excess gasket material with the utility knife. And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed your new gasket.
Lower the tank onto the bowl
This is the part you need to be careful so you don’t crack your toilet tank. In most toilets, two bolts hold the tank to the bowl.
So, lower the tank onto the bowl and gently rock the tank back and forth until the bolts are lined up with the holes in the bowl.
Once the bolts are in place, hand-tighten each one until it is snug against the tank.
Check for leaks
Before checking for leaks, you need to turn on the water supply. Simply repeat the process in step one, but turn the valve anti-clockwise to let in water.
Once the water is running, flush the toilet and check for any leaks around the base of the bowl.
If there are no leaks, tighten the bolts with a wrench. If there are leaks, you’ll need to either replace the wax ring or tight the bolts more securely.
Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the tank or cause it to leak.
Finally, wipe away any excess putty or caulk with a damp cloth and allow the putty and caulk to dry completely before using the toilet again.
In case you have any confusion, here is a visual demonstration how you can do the job-
To Summarize
Installing a new gasket on your toilet is a relatively easy task that anyone can do with a few simple tools.
If you have a leaking toilet, it is best to replace the gasket as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Remember to take your time, be careful, and follow the instructions above so you can successfully install your new gasket like a pro!