[martinigirl755]

I went away on vacation Florida... turned the heat down to about 65, I usually keep it at 68-70... when I came home and flushed the toilet... water seeped out of the back where it's bolted together... I looked inside the tank and where it's leaking from it looks like there is a bolt with a washer around it (it's black in color)... can I replace these washers myself or drain the tank and caulk with something? It's now leaking on both sides of the toilet... the same thing happened a year ago when I turned the heat down and went on a business trip but after a few days it stopped... I'm pretty handy and could probably do this myself... I hate to pay for repairs if I don't have too... sorry
If I'm not using the technical plumbing terms... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)

[speedball1]

Those are called "tank bolts". They hold the tank down on a "spud washer" that seals the tank from the bowl. I would first snug up the tank bolts, do not over tighten, leave a little slack so the tank's not tight against the bowl. About 1/4" inch of play is normal. If it's tightened too tight the first time someone leans back the strain on the bolts will fracture the tank. We came to Florida on a vacation over 52 years ago and never left. Good luck, Tom

[malex27]

Martini, I would definitely try speedball's suggestion. Over time, the bolts may have loosened up just enough to cause a leak.

If that doesn't do it. Loosen the nuts, pull the bolts up just enough to place a small rope of plumber's putty under the washer that seats between the bolt and the tank. Retighten the nuts, and remove any excess putty that has worked it's way out and into the tank.

During new installations, we always place a very small rope of putty there to prevent leaks. It's proven very effective and we rarely have call backs even years down the line on leaky tanks.