Toilet tanks are made using high-quality and durable materials. Still, they are susceptible to cracks or break if you hit a heavy object on its surface while shifting or renovating the bathroom interior.
How to Fix a Broken Toilet Tank? You can fix a broken toilet tank using epoxy sealant, porcelain sealant, the flex seal, and plumbers’ putty if it has hairline cracks, but you have to replace the toilet tank if the cracks are large and a sealant cannot fix the problem.
The broken toilet tank looks unpleasant and can cause many plumbing problems due to water leakages because it always contains water inside it to flush the urine and waste products.
How can you fix a broken toilet tank?
You can fix it if the cracks are small and hairline, but it needs replacement when the cracks are large, and fixing it cannot solve the leakage and other problems.
Repair the hairline using epoxy sealant cracks
Fixing the hairline cracks on its surface from inside or outside can make the plumbing fixture function well without replacing it.
Firstly, turn the water supply or the side valve off to shut down the water coming into it, and flush it one to two times to remove the stored water. The sealant cannot stick to the cracked surface if water and moisture are on it and can peel off after some time.
Take a bowl or a towel and remove the remaining water, such as no water or moisture should be inside it. Next, use sandpaper to sand the cracked area, making the surface smoother to apply the sealant.
Apply a mild cleaner to clean it correctly if the cracked surface has water stains. Let the surface dry, and you can use a hair dryer to dry it from inside and outside or use a large sponge to absorb the remaining water or moisture.
Now, apply the epoxy sealant using a putty knife instead of your finger because the putty knife can spread it correctly on the cracked area. You can also use a caulking gun when using silicone caulk or silicone sealant.
Apply it smoothly over the cracked surface, and let the sealant cure for 22 to 24 hours or leave it overnight. An adequate drying time will make the epoxy sealant dry properly, and it can last many years.
Refill the toilet tank by turning the water supply on and check for leaks to ensure that you have done a successful repair project.
Use porcelain sealant or flex seal
You can use different types of sealants to fix the hairline and small cracks on the surface, such as the porcelain sealant can work amazingly well for porcelain fixtures. In addition, you can use a caulking gun or putty knife, depending on the type of sealant you are using.
Flex seal is another option to fix the cracked toilet tank, as it can prevent leaks and cover the crack surface without much effort.
Clean and dry the surface properly before applying the flex seal or porcelain sealant, and allow enough time for the sealants to cure before turning the water on.
Apply plumbers putty
Most plumbers use plumber’s putty for fixing hairline cracks or other plumbing problems. It is thick clay-like material packed in a box, which can prevent water leakage around the plumbing fixtures.
It can last many years if appropriately applied and dries soon compared to other sealants. Let it stay on the cracked area for the time mentioned on its packing to avoid problems in the future.
Replace the toilet tank if the cracks are larger
You have to replace the broken toilet tank when the cracks are large.
It may seem a complicated and exhausting task to replace the tank, but you can do it without much difficulty if you have the basic knowledge and experience to do such a task previously.
You can select this toilet part separately, as many brands sell the toilet bowl and tank separately. Make sure to match the model number and get the same brand product that you already have for better performance and installation.
Turn off the water valve and flush down the excessive water inside it. You need pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver to start the project.
Remove the lock nuts and bolts under the tank that connects it to the bowl using a wrench. Remove the old fixture from its position gently, and place it aside.
I installed the rubber gasket at the bottom opening and placed the new tank in its position, such as the mounting holes in the tank lining up with the bowl holes to secure the connections.
The toilet parts come with bolts, nuts, and rubber washers, and you can use the old nuts if the new packing does not have these things.
Push the new rubber washers on the bolts and press them tightly against the bolt top to form a watertight seal, which can prevent water leakage problems.
Install the bolts in the tank and bowl hole from inside the toilet tank and confirm that the rubber washers are inside the tank after placing the bolts in the holes.
Tight the nuts using a screwdriver in each bolt and ensure it is leveled from both sides. Do not over-tighten the nuts because it can cause cracks on the bottom.
Turn the water supply on when you are satisfied that all the connections are secured and that you have installed the toilet correctly.
What causes the toilet tank to break?
A toilet tank can break or get cracked because of different reasons, such as you may hit it with a heavy object or dropping something on it, which causes hairline cracks on its surface.
They are made using high-quality porcelain and are less prone to breakage, but the impact of large objects can cause them to break. The harsh chemical cleaners can also cause hairline cracks on its surface, and the water starts dripping or leaking from these cracks.
The excessive use of such toxic cleaners can damage the polished layer and leads to chipping and peeling off the porcelain surface.
The plumbing fixture can break if it is old and you installed it a long time ago, which now needs a replacement. It is better to replace the plumbing fixture if it gets old and causes leaks from the edges or bottom.
The plumbing fixture can break during installation if you over-tighten the nuts; therefore, professionals recommend avoiding over-tightening the nuts and leveling it accurately on the bowl to avoid the risk of falling or wobbling.
What happens if you do not fix a broken toilet tank?
A damaged toilet tank can cause various plumbing problems, such as flushing issues because a damaged fixture cannot provide enough water to flush the waste due to water leakage.
The water inside it continues to drip from the leak points, which causes water wastage and an increase in the water bills. In addition, mold and bacteria can grow around the plumbing fixture and floor.
It can spread diseases and look unattractive if the toilet has mold and fungus around the edges and bottom. In addition, the toilet tank will not work correctly when you push the handle because the cracked tank can cause other components inside it to damage over time.
Repair or replace the plumbing toilet and the worn-out components as you notice cracks or leakage around it.
How much does it cost to fix a broken toilet tank?
It can cost around $150-$200 if you replace the broken toilet tank, depending on the brand and the material you select to replace the old and cracked fixture.
However, fixing a cracked toilet tank is less expensive, as it may cost you around $50-$80, depending on the type of sealant you are using and the packing size.
It adds an additional cost of $50 to $100 if you hire a plumber to fix the cracks or replace the tank, and it also depends on the condition of the toilet and its components. The plumber can ask for more money if other components are damaged and need replacement.
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