Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by acechapman
Toilet tanks may develop cracks at some point. How to fix a crack in the toilet tank? It may not be easy but, it can be done.
You can only fix it if the cracks are not too severe; otherwise, you’ll need to call a professional and have the tank completely repaired.
There are many ways to repair a cracked toilet tank. You only need a few tools and techniques to fix a cracked toilet tank.
What Causes a Toilet Tank to Crack?
Your toilet tank can crack due to age and accidental collisions. Although toilet tanks are made of durable materials like porcelain, they cannot withstand a heavy hit.
Toilet tanks can withstand most impacts but it is best to avoid storing large objects behind the tank. It is important to not allow pets or people to strike the toilet tank repeatedly as this can cause cracks.
Inspecting The Cracks In The Toilet Tank
Cracks in a toilet tank can be found above or below the water level, on the outside, or inside. The location of the crack will determine the actions that are required.
- A crack at the water line is not usually a problem unless it grows slowly. Keep an eye out for cracks in the tank’s toilets to ensure it doesn’t get worse. You can take a photo of the crack to make a comparison later.
- Cracks below the water level need to be repaired. It can be difficult to identify a crack in a toilet tank. Check the seals between your toilet bowl and tank to see if there is a leak. Next, look carefully at the tank for cracks in the porcelain. To see the crack, you may need to inspect the tank from both the inside and outside.
How to deal with the crack in your toilet tank?
The tank and the bowl are the two main parts of your toilet. Old age, extreme temperature changes, or a high impact on the tank can cause cracks in the toilet.
If the crack is larger than a hairline crack you will find water pooling on your toilet floor.
Is it possible to repair a toilet tank that is cracked?
You can repair a cracked toilet tank to a certain extent. However, it is possible that the tank may be severely damaged and will need to be replaced.
To fix a crack in the toilet tank, you need to inspect the tank’s exterior. You don’t need to be concerned if you find a hairline crack. If the hairline crack isn’t treated, it could become more obvious and lead to future toilet issues.
Look inside if you can’t find a crack in the tank’s exterior. You must empty the tank before you can look inside. To do this, close the toilet tap and flush the tank until it is empty.
Once you have done that, you can identify the crack and fix it with epoxy or another porcelain sealant if it is below the waterline.
Leakage can occur from any cause, whether it is minor or major. No matter what the reason, it is important to fix the toilet tank that is leaking immediately.
How to fix a crack in the toilet tank?
- Materials required:
- Silicone sealant or plumber’s putty
- Knife
- Sandpaper
- Caulking gun
- Rag or sponge
Once you have all the necessary materials, you can repair your toilet. Follow these steps!
Shut off the water supply
After spotting a crack, you should turn off the water supply.
Turn off the toilet valve located under the toilet bowl to turn off the water supply. Turn the water supply by turning it clockwise.
You will need to flush the tank after that to eliminate any remaining water. Continue doing this until the tank is dry. During this time, you will also be able to spot the crack.
If you have a toilet leak and need to stop water from pooling on the floor, this is the best option.
Wipe off the tank
After draining the water from the tank you need to wipe it clean. To absorb any water, you can use a sponge or a rag to wipe the tank.
This will ensure that you have a successful sealant application. If it doesn’t stick, you could lose all your hard work. You must ensure that both the inside and outside of the tank are dry.
Clean and sand the repair area
To ensure that there are no traces of porcelain on the crack, clean it thoroughly. To roughen the surface, sand the area with sandpaper. Only apply epoxy to the areas you want.
Rinse the area and allow it to dry. Although you can apply waterproof epoxy on wet surfaces, it is easier to work with a dry surface.
Cover the Crack
To repair cracked toilet tanks, wipe the inside and outside of the tank with a damp cloth. A silicone epoxy sealant works best. It is easy to find in your local hardware shop.
Look out for a caulking gun when shopping for sealant. A caulking gun, although not essential, is a precision tool that can fill with sealant. It reduces waste and allows for precise application.
Smooth it out
After you have applied the sealant to your surface, smoothen it with putty or other non-useable knives. Spread the sealant over the surface to eliminate a chalky appearance. Additionally, it will cover more of the cracks.
Let it Dry
Let the sealant dry for 24 hours after you’ve applied it. You should use another toilet while you wait for the adhesive to dry. This will prevent your work from being compromised.
You might need to reapply the sealant or replace the tank if it becomes more severe. Be patient and allow the adhesive to dry.
Let the Tank Refill
Once the sealant has dried, you can turn the valve on your toilet and let the water fill the tank. If the leak continues, drain the water again to check for cracks. You can use the toilet again if there is no leak.
Wrapping Up
It is fairly easy To fix a crack in the toilet tank. In order to give the tank a clean appearance, you will need a sponge to dry it, a sealant for covering the cracks, and a knife to smoothen out any bumps. Allow the glue to dry.
However, if the problem continues, contact a plumber to determine if it is necessary to replace the tank. The professionals should handle the replacement.
Pick A Toilet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
