The toilet tank and bowl are very fragile, so you need to handle them carefully when tightening the toilet tank bolts. If the toilet tank bolts are loose, the tank will begin to leak. Also, the bolts should not be too tight, else the tank or bowl will break.
The primary goal of tightening the toilet tank bolts is not to be extremely tight but to hold the tank and bowl together and prevent leakages. Once the rubber washers begin to squash/flatten and you have achieved a wobble-free seal, then you need to stop tightening.
This article has provided the essential tips needed to attach the toilet tank and the bowl with the toilet tank bolts. Continue reading to learn how tight should toilet tank bolts be.
What is Toilet Tank Bolts?
It is essential to connect the toilet tank and bowl tightly using the toilet tank bolts. Connecting the bowl and tank will help to prevent leaks when flushing. Another name given to toilet tank bolts is tank-to-bowl bolts.
You need to know that these bolts are not strain-bearing, so they don’t need to be extremely tight. The function of the bolt is to ensure that the toilet bowl is securely connected to the bowl without leaking.
In some cases, you may only need to tighten the toilet tank bolts using your fingers. If you need a wrench to tighten the bolts, ensure that you do that carefully.
How Does a Toilet Tank Bolt work?
The primary work of the toilet tank bolt is to hold the toilet bowl and the tank in place. If the toilet tank bolts are tightened correctly, you will continue to enjoy a wobble-free and leak-free toilet tank.
Over time, the toilet tank bolts may become loose, and your toilet tank will begin to leak. Once you notice this, you will have to tighten the bolts using your fingers and a small adjustable wrench.
How Tight Should Toilet Tank Bolts Be?
You should avoid overtightening your toilet tank bolts because they can crack your toilet bowl or tank. Toilets are made of hard materials (porcelain) that will not flex or bend, so they will break when the toilet tank bolts are overtightened.
They are made of complex but delicate materials, so you need to handle them carefully. Ensure that you use small tools like a small socket or adjustable wrench when tightening the toilet bolts.
Most people believe that the toilet tank bolts should be extremely tight to avoid leaks in the toilet tanks. That is a wrong idea that you must not practice because it can damage your toilet.
What you need to do is to get toilet tank bolts that can do the job perfectly. Once you notice that your toilet tank does not wobble and there is no sign of leaking, then you need to stop tightening the bolts.
Tightening the Toilet Tank Bolts
Toilet tank bolts can be tightened using your fingers, screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench. Tightening your toilet tank bolts is a simple process, and you can complete it within a few minutes. The following tips below will guide you on tightening a toilet tank without breaking the tank or bowl.
Make sure you use Rubber Washers
One of the things that you will need when you want to tighten your toilet tank bolt is rubber washers. Some of the toilet tank bolt kits contain rubber washers. But if the rubber washers are not enough, you may need to buy more either in a physical or online plumbing store.
Since the toilet is made of porcelain, adding a rubber washer between a plastic or metal washer and the porcelain is essential. It would be best to put the rubber washer inside and outside your toilet tank. After putting the rubber washer, you can now put the metal flat washer. The function of the washer is to absorb strain and prevent cracking when tightening the bolts.
Tighten the Nuts onto the Toilet Tank Bolts
After placing both the rubber washer and the metal washer in the right place, you will get the correct nuts and thread them onto all the bolts. Tighten the nuts using your fingers. Depending on the model of your toilet, it may have two or three tank bolts.
If you cannot tighten the nut with your hand, you can use a socket wrench or an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts. It is advisable to use a small socket or adjustable wrench for this project.
Tighten all Bolts Equally
There are different toilet models, and each of them comes with a different number of toilet tank bolts. Some toilet models have two tank bolts, while others have three. When tightening these bolts, make sure you tighten them equally.
After tightening the first bolt slightly, you move to the remaining ones and tighten them slightly. That is how you continue to tighten each bolt little by little to achieve a wobble-free toilet tank.
This process is time-consuming, but it will prevent you from tightening a bolt than the other. Toilets may crack or leaky seals created if bolts are not tightened equally.
How to Know When You Should Stop Tightening
The first way to know that you should stop tightening is by checking for wobble. If your toilet tank wobbles, you will tighten it a little more. But it would be best if you stopped tightening once you noticed that it does not wobble.
After you have achieved a wobble-free tank, you may check for leaks too. Observe the tank for the next 24 hours; if you notice any leaks, you will carefully tighten the bolts a little more. You don’t need to tighten the bolts a little further if you do not notice any leaking in the next 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the materials/tools needed for tightening toilet tank bolts?
The materials/tools needed for tightening toilet tank bolts are screwdrivers and adjustable or socket wrench.
- What is the primary purpose of tightening the toilet tank bolts?
The primary purpose of tightening the bolts is not to be extremely tight but to seal between the toilet tank and the bowl.
- What size are toilet tank bolts?
Toilet tank bolts come in different sizes and designs, but the “5/16 size× 2¾ length” toilet tank bolts are compatible with most toilet models and brands.
- Why should I tighten the toilet tank bolts equally?
Professional recommends that toilet tank bolts be tightened equally to prevent cracking. Toilet bowls or tanks may crack if you overtighten a bolt.
Conclusion
You don’t need to hire a plumber to help you tighten your toilet tank bolts. Tightening toilet tank bolts is a simple process, and you can easily do it yourself if you have the right tools/materials.
The material/tools needed for tightening toilet tank bolts are screwdrivers and adjustable or socket wrench. You need to know that the primary purpose of tightening the bolts is not to be extremely tight but to create a seal between the toilet tank and the bowl.
This article will be handy for those who need to learn how tight should toilet tank bolts be.
I am James Martin, An professional plumber with more than 16 years of experience. The main purpose of my writing is to share my experiences of helping others. Be with me and explore bathroom plumbing, installation, cleanness ideas, and many more.
