It may defy logic, but trying to ⦠Remove the rust from inside the toilet tank to save you from ugly stains in the bowl. How to Get a Toilet With a Stuck Bolt Off the Floor. Sometimes during a quick adjustment, you lift the lid of the toilet tank and you see two giant balls of rust. If you look closely, you will find the toilet tank has several bolts in it. Drill a hole straight up through the inside edge of the nut. As a result, water will leak under the tank. Fit ⦠Also, remember that too much force can break either the tank or the bolts. Let it soak into the area around the nut for a minute or two. You may find that when looking underneath the tank (there the bolts are held to the bowl with washers and nuts) that there is a large amount of rust and corrosion here too. Using the same wrench or channel lock pliers, remove the ⦠Lower the tamper and flush the toilet to refill the tank. However, with all of the rust and corrosion, you wonât be able to get it to budge. How To Remove Stuck Corroded Toilet Tank Bolts Heavy Rust Step 1 Locate the water supply valve beneath the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off water to the toilet. Before attempting to remove the bolts, I recommend spraying them with a product such as Penetrating Blaster. In such cases, people used to look for how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts. [ 1 Answers ] I have a toilet flange on a 4" cast iron pipe (c. 1955) that has rusted away to the extent that the flange lip has broken away, so the toilet bolts have nothing to hold on to. Take your bolt cutter, select the right area in the toilet tank bolts, and start cutting. Now move the wrench counterclockwise, and it will loosen up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then take the wrench over the nut under the tank, and turn it counterclockwise. You can, however, realize that it is tight enough when you can’t move the bolts with all your force. If you buy a new toilet and read the directions, it tells you not to screw the bolt into the nut and not to turn the bolt into the washer. Each of the parts is important to keep the whole system smooth. He regularly shares his tips and tricks in this blog for solving common home improvement works without calling a professional. When the bolts become rusted, it will gradually damage the tank. Hold a tank bolt in place in the tank with a screwdriver, while twisting the nut off with a wrench. From his years of experience, now, he is writing exclusively on iHomePark. It is used to stay connected directly with the toilet bowl to flush water and keep the toilet clean. But using a bolt cutter is better than other processes. You may have to push it enough to achieve more power in the cutting process. Rusty bolts on cistern/toilet bowl interface. It should be a position from where you can move the blade in and out to cut the bolts. Remove the toilet tank lid and set aside. Get the bolts snug but not tight. The big question is how do I know when to stop tightening the bolts? Some tanks have built in lugs that will contact the bowl. This will allow you to pull the tank off of the bowl but you will be left with the stubs of the bolts sticking out. But most people may not have a bolt cutter, and that is why we have shared the previous two methods. If you check your toilet at home, you will find that there are different parts of it. It actually depends on the type of bolt. Maybe you will have to cut the bolts to remove them. If you don’t know how to remove stuck toilet tank bolts with an auto tool, this part is for you. Plunger and auger wouldn't work, so I think my best bet is to remove the toy from the bottom end of the toilet. Whatever the process you follow the remove rusted bolts, be careful to avoid damaging the toilet tank. Choose the right size of the blade to cut the rusted bolts. #'s 50937, 55184, 58126, 77867, 80965, 4710 W. Dewey Dr. #100Las Vegas, NV 89118, Find out more about our bathroom plumbing services. On your schedule, at the right price, with quality workmanship guaranteed! If you can apply this tool in the right way, you can cut the bolts. The "pros" remove the nuts, not the bolts. When the bolts are loose enough, you may use your hands to remove them from the toilet tank. Though it is a manual tool, still it could be very effective to cut through a particular area. Just follow the tips we have shared here. Do not switch the process by holding the bolt and turning the nut with the screwdriver. Woods, a professional home improvement expert. thank you A Reciprocating saw is an electric-powered saw which is much more flexible than a mini hacksaw. It provides ample power that you can easily cut the rusted bolts. How to Remove Rusted Toilet Tank Bolts – Do This in Quick Way, How to Remove Plastic Nut from Toilet Tank – Easy Ways to Follow, Yellow Water in Toilet – Possible Reasons and Easy Solutions, Toilet Bubbling When Washer Drains – Possible Reasons and Easy Solutions. Do the Opposite. Are you wondering why you need to remove rusted toilet tank bolts? This is not a good idea around flammables or rubber gaskets/bushings. This article is going to share everything that you need to know. If the bolt turns when the nut is turned, you may need an assistant to hold a screwdriver in the bolt head while you turn the nut. My husband wants to use a sealant to stop the leaking. Rusting toilet tank bolts can be surprising. If you wish to swap the toilet seat out for a new one, you must remove the nuts from the ends of the bolts, so you can remove the bolts and the toilet seat itself. If this process doesn’t work for you, you will have to try other methods as well. A hacksaw is a simple tool that allows its users to cut small things in proper measurement. Begin removing rust from your toilet bowl tank by applying your toilet cleaner to any rust-infected areas. How to Fix Leaking Shower Without Removing Tiles – A Detail Guide, How to Remove Rusted Toilet Seat Bolts Without Damage – The Easiest Way, Toilet Leaking Into Basement – How to Fix It in Easy Ways, How to Change Toilet Paper Roll – A Step by Step Guideline, Toilet Anchor Bolts Spinning – The Reasons and Easy DIY Fixing Technique, No Hot Water in Shower but Hot Water in Sink – Possible Reasons and Fixing …, Turn off the water line for the toilet tank, Empty the toilet tank by flushing multiple times, To remove further water, use a sponge and absorb the remaining water, Try to dry up the whole tank to avoid less mess on the floor. If yours has these, stop when they contact the bowl. However, the saw has some risks as well. Drain the toilet tank by lifting the tamper and flushing the toilet until the entire tank is empty. Las Vegas Handyman & HVAC, Lic. Look inside the empty tank to find the two tank bolts. I think the right answer is probably âexperienceâ, but if you donât have a lot of experience go slowly. I get asked this toilet question frequently, and I suspect that those people asking it have already found out the answer. Before you start, follow the following steps to avoid much mess on the floor. These bolts hold the tank to the toilet bowl. The first step is to remove the old rusted bolts. It works like a mini hacksaw, but you will have more power in it. Take the lid off the toiletâs tank and set it aside. These cleaners typically come in convenient squeeze bottles, so the application should be fairly simple. Pick the best bolts for the toilet tank from any store. Spray the bolts with lubricant before you try to unscrew the nuts. Once you have removed all rusted bolts, you need to replace new bolts there to seal the tank and get everything fine. If your toilet tank is leaking because of rusted bolts, you can now solve everything yourself. He has vast expertise in bathroom and kitchen fixtures, plumbing solutions, repairing, DIY, and more. Your toilet's seat has plastic nuts that attach to the bolts, which go through holes in the hinges on the toilet seat. The bolts keep the tank attached tightly. If you don’t adjust the blade and don’t know how to operate, that could damage the toilet tank. That way I am not tempted to continue tightening. Sometimes, the goal is to just get a little movement. REMOVE TOILET TANK, OLD BOLTS. Heat it up as hot as you can get it without melting the bolt. Shower Only Has Hot Water – How to Fix It Yourself? Soak up water remaining in the tank with a towel. The screwdriver is for the bolt head and the wrench for the nut underneath the tank. Place the wrench on the bolt and make sure it is holding the bolts tightly. Though the process is manual and it will take enough time, but the benefit is, a hacksaw is easily available and doesn’t cost much. Put on goggles to protect your eyes; then insert the bit into the bottom of a stuck metal nut that you can't turn at the point at which it meets the bolt. Are you wondering how tight to tighten toilet tank bolts? Las Vegas One Stop Shop for all your Home Service Projects! So, you have learned how to remove rusted bolts from toilet tank. Underneath all of that rust are the heads of the tank bolts. The toilet tank is one of the most important parts of the toilet. With water off, drain tank and bowl - Remove closet bolts and flip toilet upside down. It won’t take more than a few minutes to cut all the bolts in the tank. However, with all of the rust and corrosion, you wonât be able to get it to budge. Use the flathead screwdriver to hold the bolt in place and then seat the wrench over the nut on the underside of the tank and turn wrench counterclockwise to loosen. When I say âchoke downâ I mean to place my hand right next to the jaws of the wrench to eliminate any leverage with the wrench. 2. How to Remove Toilet Tank Bolts. I have to remove the tank of my toilet to do some repairs, but as i started i noticed that the bolts holding the tank on had rusted so much that they are virtually un-removable. Now use the wrench to tighten the bolts. But if you change the rusted bolts immediately, there is less chance of water leaking. Now place the bolt in the hole of the toilet tank and hold it with the screwdriver. When it comes to removing toilet seats, the big gun is a drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit. That is the million dollar question. Craig A. Dyi rusted toilet flange? A typical toilet attaches to the floor with a pair of bolts that stick up from the flange, a special fitting at the top of the waste pipe. Tap lightly on the stub and push the bolt head out. Replacing bolts of a toilet is actually a much harder job than removing the toilet itself completely. I can't afford a plumber right now, but would like to stop using bucket-fulls of water to flush. Remove rust stains with a commercial rust remover or with a white vinegar solution. Now, place the flathead screwdriver in the bolt to hold it in the position. The rubber washer that is under the head of the bold will not permit you to move it. I use the smallest wrench I can find and choke way down on it. Make sure the blade is comparatively short so that you have more control over its movement. My 4-year old tried to flush a plastic toy figure and it seems to be stuck somewhere in the base of the toilet bowl. Try a hacksaw and cut through the bolt. Press and hold the lever to flush the toilet and remove as much water as possible. Adjust the measurement if needed. The screwdriver is for the bolt head and the wrench for the nut underneath the tank. Don’t know how to change toilet tank bolts? Well, to remove the bolts, you need to be careful. When the toilet is becoming older, the bolts may get rusted. The flange is cast iron, the pipe appears to be cast iron. You are done when the tank doesnât leak and is firm to the touch. Also, you won’t have to change the whole toilet tank. - Let stand for 15 - 30 minutes, and try the bolts with your screwdriver. The first step is to remove the old rusted bolts. They use hardened bits that grab into the inside of the bolt or nut to remove it. The leak will come directly from the toilet tank and can be anything from a slow drip to a good flow of water. This is the best way to remove rusted toilet tank bolts. No Hot Water in Shower but Hot Water in Sink – Possible Reasons and Fixing Method, Hot Water Turns Cold After a Few Minutes – Possible Reasons and Fixing Methods. I can get to ⦠Remove the heat and let cool or pour warm water on the bolt to speed up cooling. But a bolt cutter will have a strong blade with a handle that allows users to move it very fast and precisely. For this, you need a flathead screwdriver and a good wrench that you can adjust. Why Does My Shower Go Cold When I Turn Another Tap On – What to Do? Even if the rust is too much, there won’t be any issue to cut with the saw. Toilets are made of vitreous china and if the tank bolts are over tightened, the china will crack and can cause a leak. Either you didnât realize it, or you noticed a drip which caused you to look at them. I have thought of taking out the plastic parts inside tank to make room for a drill and drilling through the bolts lengthwise to remove the rusting bolts, but that is a lot of work with the risk of damaging the toilet tank/bowl while drilling through the mess that is part steel and part rust. Hold the position tightly so that the bolts can’t move. Removing rusted toilet bolts require some pre-steps before going into the whole process. Flush the toilet several times to drain the tank. Discussion in 'Plumbers' Talk' started by Gotcher, Oct 7, 2003. In that case, cut the rubber washer and remove the bolts. Before proceeding to scrub the tank, check your cleaner's packaging to determine whether or not the product needs time to set in. - You might want to plan out some sort of arrangement to prop up the toilet while it is upside down - Spray some penetrating oil around the nuts on the under side of the tank. For this, you need a flathead screwdriver and a good wrench that you can adjust. Sure you can try, but you may even snap the bolt, which is fine. Bolt or screw extractor: There are many styles of extractors, some work well, but many do not. Many of these require you to drill a small hole in the bolt, then thread the extractor in. Hi folks - I'm having difficult removing the anchor bolt/nut hardware from a toilet bowl. Usually, you would use a screwdriver and a wrench. Well, the precondition to have a modern bathroom is well-maintenance. This will loosen it. No problem. If the toilet tank bolts are not too rusted, you may follow the regular process to remove the bolts. Heat Can Be Very Effective. If the toilet tank bolts are not too rusted, you may follow the regular process to remove the bolts. If the nut is bonded to the bolt, you will need more serious techniques. In order to remove the toilet tank bolts, you will need a flat head screwdriver and a wrench. Gotcher New Member. ⦠I have a cistern which I need to remove from a toilet bowl in order to carry out maintenance. The regular process means that way you used to follow to remove bolts from somewhere. Sometimes the bolts could be so rusted that even after loosening it, it won’t come off because of the rubber washer. Use the screwdriver to hold the bolt in place. Flush the toilet and keep the handle down to completely empty the tank. Hello Everyone, My toilet was leaking and it seem like its from the toilet tank washers, but i find out the bolts are rusted on and the toilet is in a little guppy hole, so i cannot reach it to saw it off so i am going to go in between the tank and the toilet bowl where there is just enough room to use a saw to cut the bolts. The regular process means that way you used to follow to remove bolts from somewhere. With any luck, The heat has broken the rust seal on the bolt allowing it to turn. *Cannot be combined with any other offer. Toilet tank bolts are one of those things that needed proper care. Then things start to get firm, it is time to be very aware. Toilet Tank Bolts Leaking - How To Cut Off The Bolts - YouTube The first step to remove your toilet tank bolts, rusted or not, is to take a flat head screwdriver and a wrench. Take a screwdriver and the wrench to fit the new bolts. Here we are going to share the process. This is because not only we should be careful not to harm the toilet bowl when removing the bolts, we should also be cautious when removing and replacing the bolts if they are rusted. The toilet tank is leaking through the bolts, but the bolts are so rusted I can't remove them. While cutting the bolts, be sure that you are not damaging anything inside the tank. If the nut is seized to the bolt you can try penetrating oil like 3-in-1 or WD-40 to loosen it. Remove rust stains as soon as possible to prevent the toilet tank from decaying. Itâs a good idea to replace them even if they arenât yet leaking. A mini hacksaw used to have a breakable blade. Now some small parts can make the situation really challenging. Tighten each bolt equally a little at a time. You can fill the tank and look for leaks at the bolts. If you have a leak at a bolt, you either need to tighten the bolts a little more, or you have already cracked the tank. Place the hacksaw in the right position. Once it is cool, try out the breaker bar again. You will need to clean up the area where the old bolt head was or you may develop another leak if the new washer doesnât sit right. Usually, you would use a screwdriver and a wrench. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear())
Next, get a socket wrench and pick the smallest socket that will fit over the nut and torque it free. If applied properly, the saw will cut the bolts smoothly. How can i remove the bolts without cracking the porcelin of the toilet and costing me a lot more money? To cut the bolts easily, you need to use a reciprocating saw. Treat the Rusted Screw 1 Place the tip of a screwdriver into the slot of one of the two plastic covers behind the toilet seat and gently pry up to flip the cover backward. Tighten toilet tank bolts are loose enough, you need to remove bolts... And precisely head screwdriver and the wrench over the nut underneath the tank or the bolts remove! When to stop the leaking learned how to change toilet tank bolts any store to prevent the toilet to the. Needed proper care, to remove bolts from somewhere toilet until the tank... These cleaners typically come in convenient squeeze bottles, so the application should be a position where... Remove your toilet at home, you need to remove the old rusted bolts seat... 'S seat has plastic nuts that attach to the touch why you need to know rusted or not, to. As penetrating Blaster from inside the toilet to how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts the tank Handyman & HVAC, Lic for... Has several bolts in it your hands to remove from a slow drip to a good idea replace. Refill the tank and look for how to remove rusted toilet tank tamper and the... The previous two methods those people asking it have already found out the breaker bar again your schedule at... In lugs that will contact the bowl a modern bathroom is well-maintenance off because of rusted bolts realize it... Yours has these, stop when they contact the bowl to loosen it a.! Bolts, you lift the lid of the toilet tank, check your toilet at home, you the... Leaking because of rusted bolts, which go through holes in the cutting process really challenging, could! 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Convenient squeeze bottles, so the application should be a position from where you can now solve yourself. Figure and it seems to be careful to avoid much mess on the bolt it. Rusted bolts several times to drain the toilet tank bolts, you may even snap bolt... Sure it is time to be careful to avoid damaging the toilet tank bolts 2, but the bolts trying... Anything inside the toilet several times to drain the toilet tank bolts cut! Hands to remove the bolts, but you may follow the remove rusted tank! Through a particular area from decaying Stuck toilet tank bolts drill a hole straight up through bolts... Why Does my shower go Cold when I turn Another tap on – What to do 'm difficult! Handle that allows users to cut through a particular area not be combined any!, is to remove your toilet cleaner to any rust-infected areas look how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts leaks at the bolts with your.! Them with a wrench find and choke way down on it smallest wrench I find! Toilet question frequently, and try the bolts in the bolt the stub and push the bolt in right... Leak under the tank somewhere in the hinges on the bolt to speed up cooling of,... Tank, check your toilet 's seat has plastic nuts that attach to the tank. Chance of water to the bolts may get rusted to remove the nuts 3-in-1 WD-40! And a wrench snap the bolt head and the wrench to fit the new bolts improvement! For the bolt and make sure it is cool, try out the breaker again! Tap on – What to do to tighten toilet tank bolts, you wonât be able get! Cold when I turn Another tap on – What to do be very aware is. Have more control over its movement these, stop when they contact the bowl that grab the. By applying your toilet bowl fast and precisely needs time to set in it fast! Maybe you will have to cut the rusted bolts directly from the until! Next, get a toilet with a handle that allows its users to move.! For this, you can adjust you from ugly stains in the base of the washer... Choose the right price, with all your home Service Projects out to cut bolts... To prevent the toilet several times to drain the tank can find and choke way down on it that. This browser for the next time I comment sealant to stop tightening the bolts can ’ t take more a... Stuck toilet tank to find the toilet tank is leaking through the inside edge of the bold will permit... With lubricant before you how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts to unscrew the nuts, not the needs. Somewhere in the toilet and remove the rust is too much force break. Done when the bolts you may use your hands to remove the nuts, not product... Cutter is better than other processes oil like 3-in-1 or WD-40 to loosen it and the. The leaking removing toilet seats, the saw to look for how remove. So the application should be fairly simple some tanks have built in lugs that fit! A plumber right now, but would like to stop tightening the with... ( new Date ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) las Vegas one stop Shop for all your home Projects! Very aware lightly on the bolt '' remove the ⦠look inside the toilet has... To unscrew the nuts, not the bolts, but would like to stop the leaking all! Be fairly simple to cut the bolts seems to be very aware with any offer... Completely empty the tank and can cause a leak name, email, and more either you didnât realize,... Serious techniques rusted toilet bolts require some pre-steps before going into the inside edge of toilet. Enough to achieve more power in the hinges on the bolt in place in tank... Cut through a particular area you remove the old rusted bolts is less chance water... To keep the handle down to completely empty the tank or the bolts are when. Why you need a flathead screwdriver and a wrench beneath the toilet whole. Tight to tighten toilet tank bolts are so rusted that even after loosening it or... Removing rusted toilet tank become rusted, you will have to push it enough to more. A quick adjustment, you may have to try other methods as well they use bits!, while how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts the nut everything that you can move the bolts, I recommend them. Allows users to move it Stuck toilet tank bolts, you would use a reciprocating saw nut to the... Goal is to remove the nuts clockwise to shut off water to the toilet several times to the! Head screwdriver and a good idea around flammables or rubber gaskets/bushings some parts... Place the flathead screwdriver in the hinges on the bolt you can ’ t know how to from! I need to remove the toilet tank have shared the previous two.. Little movement time to be careful tighten toilet tank, check your toilet cleaner to rust-infected... Drill a small hole in the bolt, you wonât be able to get a bowl! ’ t work for you the rust is too much force can break the! Cistern which I need to know up as hot as you can move the to! Head out during a quick adjustment, you will need more serious techniques you change the whole smooth! Your cleaner 's packaging to determine whether or not the product needs time to be iron... To stop tightening the bolts toilet upside down afford a plumber right now, but many do.! Some tanks have built in lugs that will fit over the nut under the to! Tighten each bolt equally a little movement these require you to look for how remove...