Yesterday we woke up to the flooded bathroom. There was a long hairline crack near bottom of the toilet tank. Crack was extending from the tightening nut at the bottom. Next day, landlord brought his professional plumber, who stated that this crack was caused by the damaged handle. We indeed damaged the handle about a month back, but it was still doing its job of flushing. This was a new tank, which landlord bought from Home Depot for $75 (the cheapest available). The same plumber installed the tank about 2 month ago. Because plumber assigned blame to us, we are being charged $175 (new tank + installation fee). I still don't get how handle can lead to this sort of crack (see images below). In my opinion, crack was developed from use caused by overtightened nut. Can you provide insight on root-cause of the crack and how to deal with this situation? Any advice on the matter is appreciated.

I cannot view your picture, but have never known a faulty handle to cause a crack in a toilet. However over tightening a foundation nut can.

Did you notice a crack at anytime before it flooded? Did you report the broken handle when you broke it? Maybe a reasonable compromise can be reached if you did, and the landlord didn't fix it. If you did not report either condition, then the landlord understandably, only has the word of the plumber, who is probably more trusted, and better known.

Right or wrong, I think the guy is covering his own arse,and making a few bucks, by shifting the blame to you, but I doubt that will help you sway the landlord, or if its even worth it to make a principled stand, unless you have more than reputable people who back your suspicions up.

I would be PO'd myself to be honest, that this plumber would make a buck off the landlords ignorance. You might get somewhere questioning a few guys at Home Depot, just to verify your side of this before you go calling the guy a liar, and a cheater though.

Maybe one of the other guys has a different opinion, but being right, is one thing, but proving it to the landlord is a big challenge. Approach with caution, and very measured words, if you intend on staying where you are at.

Just my opinion.

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Crack was extending from the tightening nut at the bottom

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That is an indication that the tank mounting bolts were over tightened. Conceivably some one could push back or lean back on the tank sufficiently to crack the bottom of the tank.

To say that a damaged or over tightened handle which is at the top of the tank, caused a crack in the bottom of the tank is a bit ludicrous.

Happened few times before: over tighten toilet tank bolt, crack the bowl. I don't see how this could happen with mishandling the handle.

Milo

Did the crack reach the holdle hole? I cant see that you caused the issue. BTW what broke on the handle and why did the LL not fix it. I suspect the installer screwed up the installation and is avoiding taking the blame. Does your lease address broken fixtures, if not you are not legally required to pay for broken fixtures.