Hi,

Single mom in a first time home, foreclosure, and just got taken by a HVAC company. Left me with my leaking toilet after replacing water heater and dishwasher motor. He did put new tank bolts on but said it was still leaking and he would have to put on a new "gasket"? And that would be another $150 and of course I suppose if that didn't do it a new toilet. He never went farther than than the "need new gasket" part. I need to try to fix this myself because after $1300 I can't afford to have someone else fix the toilet.

Last night I removed the tank, and he did replace the bolts; however, he had to have realized that the tank was cracked. Even I saw that. So I attempted to just put in the cone gasket between tank and bowl and it still leaks of course. I don't really want to attempt a full toilet replacement so I was wondering if the tank I have, Crane Plumbing L589, 3-35-001 is compatible with the tanks I could get at Lowe's or Home Depot? The year on the tank is 1988.

I would appreciate any quick reply because I have to get this fixed today. Thank you all.

Diane:)

Hi Diane,

Most toilet water tanks are compatible the best choice is to take the old tank to The Home Depot or Lowe's, they will help you which one the best one.

When you are installing the new tank be careful not to tighten the bolts too much other wise it will crack again, good luck.

John

If that Crane toilet is a 3 gallon flush you might have problems with a newer tank. Some tanks can be adjusted or modified to get a higher volume flush, but the bowl won't work with a lot less water if it wasn't designed that way. For $150 you can get a whole new toilet. Buy a name brand. Wish you were local. I got a used 1.6 gal flush Crane in great condition that we'll probably never use.

Hey Di,
Why not drain and dry the tank and caulk the crack with epoxy. If it works that would be your cheapest repair. The gasket the plumber was referring to is called a "spud washer". When you reinstall rhe tank leave about 1/4" of play in the tank bolts. The tank MUST be able to "flex" a bit when someone leans back. Otherwise the tank will crack at the bolt holes. Good luck and tyhanbk you for rating my answer. Tom