Repairing a Leaking Tank

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated January 8, 2020)

Everyone has a leaking pipe or plumbing eventually, and one of the more interesting leaks to fix is a leaking toilet tank. Luckily, repairing a leaking tank is a really easy task to accomplish. All you need to do is gather together a few tools, materials, and have a couple of hours to do the work. As you are accomplishing this task, make sure that you do not get flustered, as you are more than likely going to get a little dirty and wet. In the end, the project will be worth it, since you will have saved some serious money by not having to deal with a plumber.

Materials:

  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Screwdriver
  • Small wire brush
  • Spud wrench
  • Flush valve gasket
  • Fill valve
  • Gaskets
  • Spud washer

Procedure:

  1. Identify the leak. Typically a leaking tank will be due to one of three causes: the fill valve, the tank itself, and a problematic spud washer. As long as you don't have a cracked and leaking tank, then you can simply fix the other problems by following these steps. If the tank itself is cracked, then you will need to replace it.
  2. Turn off the water. Once you have identified where the leak is at, turn off the water supply to the tank. This will allow you to work without having any risk of a huge mess.
  3. Drain the tank. Drain your tank by flushing the toilet until no more water comes into the tank itself.
  4. Remove the tank. Remove the tank by using a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench to unlatch all of the bolts from the inside of the tank. Once you have removed the tank bolts, gaskets, and so on, remove the fill valve itself. Do this by simply unscrewing everything. Make sure that all the parts are clean, and scrub with white vinegar if necessary. After you have removed everything, remove the tank from the toilet stand.
  5. Replace the spud washer. Look where the toilet tank and the stand met. There should be a gasket that connects these two items. This is called the spud washer. Use your spud wrench to help remove this item, and take it to your local home improvement store to ensure that you get the correct replacement. Place the new spud washer where the old one was located.
  6. Restore everything. Put everything back together. Once you have replaced all of the bolts, nuts, and the fill valve, turn the water supply back on. Take this opportunity to ensure that your work is complete, and there are no more leaks. If you still find yourself with a leak, then you have not tightened everything like it should be. Double check to ensure that all gaskets, bolts, and so on have been replaced, and then test again.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Building a Workbench

If you are looking too really create a personalized home work space, why not make your own work bench? By building a ...

Discover More

Understanding Upholstery Cleaning Codes

Getting your upholstery clean can often be little difficult for those who have never done it before. One of the best ...

Discover More

When to Plant Bulbs

Bulb plants are some of the most beautiful and low maintenance plants around. Simply plant them in the ground at the ...

Discover More

Cordless, Compact, and Powerful! DeWalt's 18-volt drill-driver kit packs a big punch in a small package, with a powerful high-performance motor tucked away inside a compact design. A great addition to the tool chest of any professional or DIYer! Check out DeWalt 18-Volt Drill/Driver Kit today!

More Home Improvement Tips

Troubleshooting Water Heaters

If you have a water heater, then chances are you know what it is like to have it go on the fritz after a while. Learning ...

Discover More

How to Read Your Water Meter

Have you ever wondered how to read your water meter? Well, it's not all that difficult, and you can even track your own ...

Discover More

Insulating Your Plumbing

Even if you live in a mild climate and don't experience cold winters, you can insulate your plumbing and save energy and ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)