I have a toilet tank that is leaking from one of the two bolts that connect it to the bowl. Here's my question: If I only need to reseal the bolt(s) that mount it to the bowl, is there any reason I should have to disturb the tank-to- bowl seal by removing the tank? If I can reseal the bolts without removing the tank completely please walk me through it. What do I need to do and buy? Thanks.

Hi Wdrbbq

As you suspected, if you can just replace the bolts and don't rock the toilet excessively there should be no reason to have to change out the old toilet to bowl gasket. Here, shut the water supply and flush the toilet and dry out any remaining water in the tank and just install a new set of tank to bowl bolts and install like the old ones were... do not over tighten but snug them up so the tank doesn't rock more than a 1/4" or so.

With that being said, however, if the toilet is extremely old then this is a good opportunity to change out the toilet to bowl gasket as well... may save you a hassle down the road... ;) Only thing that changes in installation is that you remove the old gasket and install the new gasket up tight to the flush valve.

Good luck!

Mark

Thanks Mark. I have one final question. In addition to new nuts, bolts, and washers, should I buy some type of gasket sealant to assure waterproofing?

Gasket sealant shouldn't be needed. In over 30 years of installing toilets I've never used sealants and have never had leaks... ;) If you install the washers, tighten all down equally and tighten so the tank rocks only about 1/4" front to back (or, depending on the toilet manufacturer, is super snug to the toilet bowl), you should be all set.

With that being said, if you want to add a sealant to the washers... probably can't hurt anything, OK?

Good luck!

Mark

Thank you sir. You have been very helpful.

Reread my above answer... was rewriting when you posted.

Glad to help!

Ok, if I do decide to use a sealant should I use the type I'm most familiar with, automotive, or is there something specific to plumbing that should be used for this application? Thanks for your prompt responses by the way. I rent and usually don't get involved in plumbing issues but my landlord is on vacation and I need to solve this problem asap.

If you can wait 24 hours before filling and testing the toilet with water then a quick brush of silicone sealant seems like it would be fine. Otherwise, if you know of a faster drying sealant, you can try that!

Mark

Yes, I can wait 24 hours before filling the reservoir. I've got silicone gasket sealer left from a recent automotive application. If I use a sealant I'll go with that. Thanks again, Mark for sharing your expertise and providing prompt responses.