Cracked Toilet? A Florida Plumber Explains How to Fix It.

No matter your walk of life or sports team of choice, everyone can agree on one thing: the importance of a working toilet. So if you suddenly notice a crack in your toilet, you want to pay attention to it.

Fortunately, this issue is usually an easy fix. With some spare time, tools, and the willingness to stay in and become your family’s hero, you’ll be able to fix your cracked toilet in no time.

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How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank

If the crack is large, you’ll have to bite the bullet and purchase a new toilet.

However, if the fissure is a hairline crack, buy some plumber’s putty or silicone sealant and follow the steps below to patch it up:

• How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank
• How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Bowl
• How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Base
• How to Replace a Toilet

Materials

• Plumber’s Putty or Silicone Sealant
• Towels

Directions

Step 1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet (the knob is usually behind the toilet).

Step 2. Flush the toilet to drain the tank of all water.

Step 3. Use a towel to fully dry both the inside and the outside of the tank. Don’t leave any traces of moisture behind, otherwise, the crack won’t seal properly.

Step 4. Apply the putty or sealant on the crack and wait the time recommended on the sealant’s instructions before filling up the tank again.

Step 5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet to fill up the tank.

Step 6. Flush the toilet to see if any water leaks from the repaired crack.

If water leaks, the damage to the tank may be more extensive than what meets the eye and you’ll have to replace your toilet.

How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Bowl

This one is usually first noticed because there will be puddles of water around your toilet. Unfortunately, if this is the part of your toilet that’s damaged, you’ll have to buy a new one.

If finances won’t allow you to do so immediately, you can use plumber’s putty or silicone sealant and follow the steps above to fill in the crack, but be aware that this is only a temporary solution.

How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Base

Just as with a cracked tank, you can fix this yourself if the fracture is minor. And once again, it can be sealed with plumber’s putty or a silicone sealant by following the steps outlined above.

How to Replace a Toilet

Now, if you do have to replace the toilet, you have two options: call a plumbing professional to do the heavy work for you, or do it yourself.

Materials

If you choose the latter, make sure to have the following handy:

• Wrench
• Scraper
• Caulk
• New Toilet

Directions

Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

Step 2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.

Step 3. Remove the tank bolts.

Step 4. Unscrew and remove the water supply line from underneath the tank.

Step 5. Remove the tank.

Step 6. Use the wrench to unscrew the base from the floor

Step 7. Remove the base.

Step 8. Scrape any remaining wax from the hole on the floor.

Step 9. Align the new toilet with the bolt holes on the floor.

Step 10. Use the wrench to tighten the bolts.

Step 11. Apply caulk around the base of the new toilet.

Step 12. Place the new tank over the new bowl.

Step 13. Tighten the bolts underneath the tank.

Step 14. Follow instructions for your new toilet to install the parts inside the tank.

Step 15. Reconnect the water supply line.

Use reasonable force when tightening the bolts. Otherwise, you could risk cracking the base of your new toilet and everyone in your family will roll their eyes at you for trying to save the day. Don’t be that person.

Contact Climate Design for Plumbing Service in Clearwater, FL

If you’d rather have a professional install the new toilet for you, contact us. We’ll be happy to help.

We provide services all over Tampa Bay: Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, St. Pete Beach, Eastlake, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, New Port Richey.