how do i remove toilet tank bolts that are stuck

#How do i remove toilet tank bolts that are stuck how to
#How do i remove toilet tank bolts that are stuck install

Toilet tank bolts are critical to the integrity of your toilet tank. Ignoring rust for an extended time can cause problems with your toilet tank. When you notice rusted tank bolts, you need to remove them as soon as possible. Fluidmaster brass bolts also work well with humid air and water, so there won’t be any corrosive residue. The best choice is brass, a material that fends off rust and resists corrosion. Many bolts and nuts aren’t corrosion-resistant. To prevent tank bolts from rusting, you need to get the right hardware. It creates a layer of chemical residue on metal surfaces, which can lead to corrosion. Tank bolts are constantly under the water or in contact with moisture, so it’s not surprising that they occasionally develop rust.Ĭondensation also impacts bolts.

#How do i remove toilet tank bolts that are stuck how to

Why Do Tank Bolts Rust and How to Prevent It If you tighten bolts too much, you risk cracking the tank. Remember not to screw the bolts too tightly because toilet tanks are plastic. While doing so, you can hold the nut with a set of adjustable wrenches or pliers.

#How do i remove toilet tank bolts that are stuck install

Use a flat screwdriver to install the new set firmly. You can insert the bolt in the threaded nut with your fingers.Īfter that, place the pair on the tank and line up the holes with it. New toilet tank bolts are in the package, along with nuts that secure bolts into place.įirst of all, clean the holes left after cutting to make room for new sets of bolts and nuts. Step 7: Set New BoltsĪfter removing a rusted tank bolt, you need to install a new one. Be very careful when cutting bolts because you are operating a dangerous tool. You will instantly notice the rusted bolt cracking, but it might take you a minute or two to cut it entirely. Now you must push the saw back and forth to cut and remove rusted bolts. Your job is to place the cutting tool horizontally between the nut and the tank. Toilet bolts are hanging from the bottom of the tank facing downward.

In this case, you’ll have to cut the bolts using one of these tools: Sometimes it’s impossible to unscrew bolts, no matter how much penetrating oil you spray. Step 6: Cut the Bolts if You Cannot Unscrew Them

With penetrating oil, unscrewing the bolts should be effortless. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to remove it. Place a screwdriver directly on the bolt head. Hold the pliers firmly to secure the nut and unscrew the bolt with the flathead screwdriver. Once the bolts loosen, you can unscrew them with a flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers. In most cases, one application is enough for the bolts to turn properly. The oil has a high concentration of lubricants which break down metal surfaces and help to reduce friction during movement. After that, wait for 10 minutes because the oil needs time to penetrate rust. Spray the oil on rusted toilet tank bolts and nuts. You can use a penetrating oil like CRC Screwloose to remove the sturdiest pieces of rust. When rust builds up on bolts and nuts, it makes metal elements difficult to unscrew. Step 4: Use a Penetrating Oil to Loosen the Bolts and Nuts That also allows you to approach rusted bolts easily. Cleaning the tank’s bottom should be easy because it’s plastic, so you can pick leftovers in seconds. Step 3: Clean the Remaining Water With Towels or SpongesĪfter flushing the toilet tank, there might still be some water left in it. Now you can remove the tank lid and see the bolts on the bottom of the toilet tank. You need rusted bolts to be dry and accessible, so make sure to flush the toilet before anything else. Step 2: Flush the Toilet to Remove Water From the Tank If you cannot do it barehandedly, use a pair of pliers. Turn the handle clockwise to shut the water supply line. The first step is closing the shut-off valve and preventing water from entering the tank. When bolts are rusty, you can remove them by following seven easy steps. On most toilets, there are two bolts on either side of the tank’s bottom. Tank bolts maintain a sealed connection between the toilet tank, the fill valve, and the pipe leading to the toilet bowl.

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Replace Rusted Bolts This article will show you seven steps on how to remove rusted toilet tank bolts. There are two possible outcomes - you’ll either unscrew the bolts or cut them with a hacksaw.īut the task is a bit more complicated than that, so you’ll need a few more tips to do the job properly. I’m sure it’s been a while because your tank bolts are rusty, and you’re wondering how to replace them. How long has it been since you’ve last opened the toilet tank to fix something inside?