Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

On Aug 7, 11:21*am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. *I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. *The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. *While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. *I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. *However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. *Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

100% silicone would seal it, clear would be the least noticeable. I
once sealed a big aquarium with the water and critters still inside.
It cracked as we watched one evening, right across the front. i got a
small tube of GE silicone seal and rubbed it into the crack fron the
outside and it stopped leaking. It was still holding water that way
for a well over a year, & would have indefinitely, but I bought a
bigger tank. I turned it around at the next cleaning so the crack
would face the wall, & used a background in front of it

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

On Aug 7, 11:21*am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. *I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. *The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. *While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. *I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. *However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. *Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

A leak is usualy a bad wax ring, replace it.

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

On Fri, 7 Aug 2009 14:11:39 -0700 (PDT), ransley
wrote:

On Aug 7, 11:21*am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. *I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. *The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. *While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. *I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. *However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. *Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

A leak is usualy a bad wax ring, replace it.

OP is talking about the tank a bolt leaking.

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

Eric in North TX wrote in news:344846ed-a4c0-44e2-
:

On Aug 7, 11:21*am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. *I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. *The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. *While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. *I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. *However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. *Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

100% silicone would seal it, clear would be the least noticeable. I
once sealed a big aquarium with the water and critters still inside.
It cracked as we watched one evening, right across the front. i got a
small tube of GE silicone seal and rubbed it into the crack fron the
outside and it stopped leaking. It was still holding water that way
for a well over a year, & would have indefinitely, but I bought a
bigger tank. I turned it around at the next cleaning so the crack
would face the wall, & used a background in front of it

I 2nd the silicone. After all, fish tank joints are assembled totally
with silicone. Make sure tank is dry. Hit it with a hair dryer right
before assembling and sealing. Let it sit min 24 hrs after.

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

Red Green wrote:
Eric in North TX wrote in news:344846ed-a4c0-44e2-
:

On Aug 7, 11:21 am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?
100% silicone would seal it, clear would be the least noticeable. I
once sealed a big aquarium with the water and critters still inside.
It cracked as we watched one evening, right across the front. i got a
small tube of GE silicone seal and rubbed it into the crack fron the
outside and it stopped leaking. It was still holding water that way
for a well over a year, & would have indefinitely, but I bought a
bigger tank. I turned it around at the next cleaning so the crack
would face the wall, & used a background in front of it

I 2nd the silicone. After all, fish tank joints are assembled totally
with silicone. Make sure tank is dry. Hit it with a hair dryer right
before assembling and sealing. Let it sit min 24 hrs after.

another, more messy option would be Permatex No. 2 if the silicone
fails. It will only clean off with alcohol.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

"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.

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

On Aug 8, 1:57�pm, "Roger Shoaf" wrote:
"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.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

SILICONE IS THE ONLY WAY! I silicone everything like this! the FIRST
TIME1

Its easy to remove if needed cheap and works great!

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

On Aug 7, 11:21*am, Josh wrote:
Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. *I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. *The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. *While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. *I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. *However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. *Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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?

Odds are a common angle grinder with a $6 Harbor Freight diamond blade
wold gently remove the raised letters with no stress to the porcelain.
The trick is to avoid a tool/cutter set up that impacts (hammers on)
the substrate. Some practice on a piece of window glass would give an
idea of the technique. Dremel makes similar things that would work.

Joe

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

bob haller wrote:
On Aug 8, 1:57�pm, "Roger Shoaf" wrote:
"Josh" wrote in message

...
....
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.
....

SILICONE IS THE ONLY WAY! I silicone everything like this! the FIRST
TIME1

Its easy to remove if needed cheap and works great!

Well, it'll work but plumbers putty is the more appropriate product for
the purpose.

--

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

"Joe" wrote in message
...
On Aug 7, 11:21 am, Josh wrote:
Odds are a common angle grinder with a $6 Harbor Freight diamond blade
wold gently remove the raised letters with no stress to the porcelain.
The trick is to avoid a tool/cutter set up that impacts (hammers on)
the substrate. Some practice on a piece of window glass would give an
idea of the technique. Dremel makes similar things that would work.


Upside you save on plumbers putty,

downside you have to replace the tank.

--

__
Roger Shoaf

Important factors in selecting a mate:
1] Depth of gene pool
2] Position on the food chain.

Toilet Tank Leaking Around Bolt
 

Josh writes:

Ever since I installed a Universal-Rundle tall commode 10 years ago,
I've had a recurring problem with a very small leak around the right
mounting bolt which securs the tank to the bowl. I've had to
retighten the bolt at least every year. The left one has never
leaked.

Last week I removed the toilet so I could put down new vinyl tile
flooring. While it was out, I bought a new tank mounting kit at
Lowes....big donut center gasket, two new long bolts, two nuts and
four each rubber or fabric washer and flat metal washers. I thought
for sure the new mounting hardware would fix the problem. However,
after reinstalling the commode there's STILL a small leak around just
the right bolt. Tried backing off the other bolt and retightening the
right one...no luck.

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:

I had a leak and did the following to solve it by adding an extra
Rubber washer/metal washer/nut sandwich around the tank part.

From the inside of the tank assemble the following:
Bolt head
Metal washer
Rubber/fiber washer
Tank porcelain
Rubber/fiber washer
Metal washer
Nut --- tighten this nut independently to get a good seal around
the tank hole independent of the connection to the
bowl. This allows you to tighten down without
leveraging and cracking the porcelain bowl
Bowl porcelain
Rubber/fiber washer
Metal washer
Nut --- tighten this to secure tank to bowl and prevent
leaking from the drain tank drain seal.

Also to confirm whether leak is coming from bolt hole in tank or from
seal with bowl do the following:
- If it leaks all the time, it is leaking from the tank (either the
bolt hole, a crack in the porcelain, or aound the drain gasket)
- If it leaks only when you flush, then the tank may not be seating
tightly against the bowl.

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?

Adding some pipe dope around the bolt and washers in the first
sandwich can help if still leaking.

Entombing with silicon is to me a last resort and a sign of a
kludgey-DIY repair.