"Josh" wrote in message
...

I drained, dried and carefully inspected the insides of the tank. I
noticed there are 1/32 to 1/16" raised letters in the porcelain which
say MADE IN USA in the bottom. Unfortunatele, part of the 'M' and the
'A' letters are so close to the right hole that the rubber washer has
to fit over them. I'm thinking they create just enough of an
obstruction that the the washer will not seal in that area. What I'd
like to know from you plumbing-savy types is the following:

1. Can I file or sand the raised letters off the porcelain without
harming its waterproofing ability?

2. If sanding porcelain could be problematic, I'm considering putting
a small amount of either plumber's putty, pipe joint compound (aka
pipe dope) or silicone caulk/adhesive between the rubber washer and
the letters to try to seal the small leak. Which of those products
would hold up best under water without harming the washer?

I would try the plumbers putty first. It stays soft and if you ever have to
remove it, it is a lot easier to deal with than silicone or caulk.

Make yourself a little doughnut from the putty stick it on the tank and then
assemble. The excess will ooze out and you can just pick it up by hand.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.