How to Replace Toilet Bolts and Gasket - Fix a Leaky Toilet

Tank to Bowl Toilet Kit: amzn.to/2mj9irL
The dreaded slow drip from a toilet bolt... We will show you how to fix a leaky toilet by replacing the hardware that holds the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
This can be a hassle to diagnose since there are 3 (or sometimes 4) connection points on the bottom of the tank. Our suggestion is to pick up a kit that contains a new gasket, bolts and washers to replace all the connection points. In our case, we had a slow drip coming from one of the bolts.
Any DIYer can learn how to fix a leak from the toilet hardware as long as you have a little patience and are careful not to over-tighten the bolts on the porcelain.
Here are the steps to fix leaking toilet hardware:
1. Shut off the water to the toilet
2. Drain the toilet tank by flushing
3. Use a wet vacuum or a sponge to dry the tank
4. Remove the water supply hose
5. Unscrew the toilet tank bolts
6. Lift the tank off the toilet bowl
7. Remove the old gasket
8. Install the new gasket
9. Feed the bolts through the toilet tank with a rubber and metal washer
10. Add a rubber washer, followed by a metal washer to the underside of the tank
11. Tighten the tank bolt and nut assembly
12. Align the toilet tank above the toilet bowl and lower into place
13. Add a rubber washer, followed by a metal washer, followed by the metal nut
14. Use a wrench to tighten the bolt
15. Reattach the water supply hose
16. Open the water supply valve
House in Progress aims to make daunting home repair and improvement jobs a little simpler by showing you exactly what you need to do, the tools we used and how difficult each project is. Hopefully you feel comfortable fixing a leaky toilet after watching this!
If your toilet is constantly running, check out our other video:
• How to Fix a Running T...
Music: www.bensound.com

[@aussanterhodes6143]

One suggestion for us amateurs is when you are ready to test it, dont fill the tank all the way up to check for leaks because if you do and there are leaks your floor will be flooded. Take it from someone with experience. Fill it up 1/3's way and flush, if there are no leaks fill it up 1/2 way and flush, check for leaks, if none fill it up all the way and flush, if there are no leaks you are done.

[@RealMrNails]

If I had seen this comment in time... It might have helped since my common sense didn't. ;)

[@coltenbillinger5440]

@@RealMrNails same 😑🤣

[@user-ur2ly5jv8p]

You did an excellent job filming and slowly showing each step you performed. I wish this video was the top result and I didn't have to waste time watching others before finding yours. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us.

[@mzzcookiecook]

Thank you for your video. I am a DIY chick and found your video very helpful. I agree with Ivory Tower. I actually found a video where the guy used NONE of the rubber gaskets in his video. I pity the poor person who used his techniques. What a waste of my time...but then I found you! You did a great job explaining for those of us who are rookies.

[@THUNDER52]

I just learned this lesson: never let someone that thinks they know, do it because now I have to redo it ALL and there’s a MASSIVE leak underneath. This video is VERY useful

[@brittanyjohnson1945]

6 years later this video is still helping people btw. This allowed me to replace the tank bolts and not call a Plummer! TY 🥰

[@CocoHarness4evr]

Ben, I checked out a few vids as I'd never had to replace the gasket/bolts before, and this one was definitively the most helpful (and professional). The "...rubber washers wherever we're touching porcelain" tip and close-up was great. It's probably obvious to folks that do this stuff a lot, but not me :) Thanks for the assist...much appreciated!

[@HouseInProgress]

+Roger Harness thanks for the reply Roger, we're glad you found this one helpful!

[@mary_runs]

best 6 minutes of my life. Ok, maybe not quite, but thorough explanation of how to repair my leaky gasket. ty!

[@bobengert7198]

Best video for this installation. Every other one I watched missed the proper sequence for metal and rubber washers, and some missed some steps completely. He gives you a clear visual and logical and safer approach to installation. Excellent and very professional.

[@HouseInProgress]

Thanks Bob!

[@myjets8r]

Agree with the comment 100%. I've been watching DIY videos to fix my toilet cistern/ receptacle leak and ordered the Fluidmaster tank to bowl gasket and hardware in preparation but always feared I'd do it wrong. Today, I watched this video and thought it was so straightforward. So, I went ahead and loosened old bolts, lifted the water cistern (emptied all water a long time ago) and installed the new gasket. The old one looked sad, flattened and even looked like something ate one side up. Replaced the old bolts with the new ones making sure rubber and metal washers were correctly placed. Tested the cistern by just pouring water enough to see if there were any leaks - NONE!!! Turned on valve for water inflow; flushed toilet. Still no leaks. I'm an old lady - turning 65 in June and like to DIY. THANK YOU @HOUSEINPROGRESS 😀

[@joesullivan5136]

Great explanation! Really liked the visual showing the washers/gaskets/bolts in correct order on the bolts. Also, the side video showing rotating shut-off valve as well as the push/pull one. Great video! Thanks so much!

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

100%, never overlook the obvious when teaching

[@graceyv9694]

My boyfriend and I just moved into an older house. We ran into this exact problem. Everytime we would go to the bathroom there was water on the floor. Called the landlord...he said he would fix it. I found this video and Oh My GOD. This is the easiest home repair video I have ever seen. I am by no means a plummer. This video is a amazing now i can repair the toilet, and all before my boyfriend get home from work. Thank you so much!!!

[@markrush5013]

yes exactly! always buy extra rubber washers...some kits only come with rubber washers for inside the tank...a double sealed system with rubber washers on the underside will give extra protection against leaks.a little vaseline on the bottom nut will keep corrosion away.

[@abdhsyn]

Thank you so much! I fixed my leaking toilet tank by following your steps!

[@tuesdaysgone.7635]

Hey, I know this video is from a while ago, but I watched it today, and was able to do the repair myself in less than an hour-thanks so much!

[@garylcamp]

This is one of the better, fully commented and videoed How-Tos. My daughter used it to do it herself and I deliberately did not watch (but was on stand by).

[@eddierobles2137]

Thank you so much for this video

[@Star02Lord]

People never put the gasket on the bottom of the Toilet tank, you're the first KZbinr, I've seen that actually did the job right.

[@jonboy602]

It's optional to do this according to the manufacturers of these kits. The important step is not to put a metal washer inside the tank - doing so leaves an unsealed path for water to get to the threads. Rubber gasket only inside the tank.

[@Star02Lord]

jb602 Yep, Thanks For the the formation.

[@archivestereo]

the absolute best, most helpful video I watched on this topic! Thanks!

[@HouseInProgress]

+archivestereo Whoop whoop!

[@nsbchannel1]

Finally, someone who knows what they're doing. I watched a plumber in his tank to bowl HOW-TO video, and he was tightening the nut directly to the ceramic surface - no metal washer, and of course, no rubber washer.

[@suzannezoubeck5216]

I think this is the best video on this subject I've seen so far (and I'm looking at a LOT of them). Thanks for being so clear in your description, have good visuals, and instill confidence that this is doable. I do agree with one of the other commenters to not fill the tank all the way when you're testing for leaks after you're done. I like something I heard from some video on KZbin...when it comes to metal vs porcelain, metal wins every time. I will totally check out your other videos and probably subscribe. Thanks!!! ❤☮🌎

[@suzannezoubeck5216]

Oh yeah, looks good...I'm subscribing! ❤☮🌎

[@kaylasummers3035]

This video is great. I appreciate you not only showing what to do but explaining the logic behind it.

[@edythegriffith1467]

This was sooo helpful! Thank you! I was able to perform 2 full replacements using the information provided. Appreciate the help.

[@PB-oj6jd]

Had a leak on a new toilet I installed. Your video was helpful and side by side pics of the washer/bolt set up was what I needed. Thank you for the video.

[@stepheny1862]

Excellent video! Thank you! One thing I would question is the necessity of the metal washer between the bolt head and the rubber washer. The bolt is brass, the washer is steel which will rust. Additionally, I have seen a number of videos claiming a washer in that particular place introduces a potential leak between it and the bolt head since they are both metal and do not flex to create a perfect seal.

[@quaichang68]

There should be no metal washer inside the tank. Just the bolt and rubber washer.

[@chrishickman]

That's it! I was trying to figure out how my new setup is leaking and it's exactly that... the metal washer inside the tank has to be leaking between it and the bolt head. It makes a leak on the threads of the bolt... I couldn't figure it out until I read your comment. I fixed mine by adding some thread sealant on the threads of the bolt at the bottom of the tank, but I might go ahead and take it apart and fix it correctly by removing that washer. Sucks because I will have to completely take it apart again, but glad to know what it is finally though.

[@stepheny1862]

@@chrishickman Glad you figured it out. I would add I wouldn't use thread sealant on the bolts. It's a band aid. It will work for a while. But it only delays the inevitable and will eventually leak. I will admit somehow my bolts were still leaking doing it the "right" way. I ended up replacing my toilet with a Kohler model Kelston. It does NOT have any bolt holes through the tank. The bottom of the tank has fluted standoffs which the bolt head slides into. Then lower the tank with the bolts onto the bowl. Brilliant design. It will never leak again since the the bolts don't go through the tank! Also pretty reasonably priced.

[@daveanderson6248]

Excellent video; well-made and easy to understand - thank you!

[@FRamos-yq5oy]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. As a first time homeowner It made what felt like a tense situation go so smooth. When my toilet started leaking and my hands turned blue (I had the blue bowl cleaner in the tank) from trying to catch the water I could only think about that movie "The money pit." You absolutely saved me money during a tough time of the year. Thank you and bless your family.

[@davissunglasses]

Haha, I remember seeing that movie with my dad when I was a kid.

[@difidon]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you for this excellently crafted video.

[@exsaraf]

Very informative and step by step video. Keep up the good work

[@LeeHazleton]

Excellent how-to guide. Thanks so much!

[@tburrows357]

Excellent resource. I’m renovating the bathroom. Repainting the walls and installing shower and vanity. Toilet was fine but since to paint I had to remove the toilet tank. Took a screen shop of your bolt washer set up for reference. Great video!

[@kevinmchenry1584]

Very well done video, with everything clearly explained. I have no questions on what to do after watching this.

[@maxgrand2k]

Thank you so much! Everything explained eloquently!!

[@markryden1]

The BEST video I found to help me as a novice. Thanks.

[@ksmksm1277]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.SIMPLE TALK WITHOUT MUCH FUSS AND SIMPLICITY AND HUMBLE.Y YOU HAVE IMPRESSED ME .STRAIGHT TO THE JOB.THANKS . KSM

[@ceciliajohnson3162]

Thank you. Your video was very helpful and I got the job done😊

[@missisabelle5835]

wow, finally a great video with many details on this part of the toilet! Thank you so much for that, very helpful!

[@user-nz3nd2sq2t]

I like how he laid out how the rubber washers goes against the metal ones,super clear video, thanks

[@HouseInProgress]

Glad to help

[@hv2328]

Good job man explaining it very simply.

[@joesullivan5136]

2 suggestions: 1) Some (older?) toilets omit the washer & nut between the tank and bowl, and using them creates a leak. 2) Do the leak test with a full tank of water if you are a pro plumber. If you are the sort who watches KZbin tips on plumbing, do it by degrees, first with only a small amount of water. :-)

[@elcarlosm9918]

Joe Sullivan I think that is tha problem to mine

[@attagirl2899]

To late for me i broke my toilet

[@enquery]

And het sometimes not using the nut and washer between the tank and bowl is why it leaks.

[@Street03]

@@enquery Joe is right. Putting the nut between the bowl and the toilet prevents the bigger rubber from forming a seal. After installing the tank like the video I tested it and water came gushing out of the bottom. I omitted the nut between the bowl and tank and no problem.

[@joedevitto6113]

Thats how mine is too . some have it some dont for some reason ...

[@Santos-ek8md]

‘Hey Guys’ 🤣🤣 Awesome video straight fwd too. Going to rebuild my tank bolts tomorrow. Haha I’ve never seen a push water valve before. Up here in the northeast maybe not as popular 🤣🤣😁✌️👍🇺🇸

[@lawrencekin02]

Thank you for your video... Goodness, it was a simple case of buying a new toilet screw washer to prevent my toilet flush from leaking . More power to you bro.

[@Melissa_1611]

Very helpful video, called plumbers and the cheapest quote to come and fix this was £135. After watching this went and bought the parts for £4 and under an hour later had fixed the leak. Thanks 😊

[@Hawkswill]

One of the best "how tos" I have seen. Good job, Kiddo. Quite succinct! KP

[@miroslavvalent6993]

excellent explanation and video. Thank you

[@jodygilliam116]

Perfect instructions. Would go to him again for next fix around the home.

[@rdg3686]

Thanks for the information. Good and simple to follow

[@amyr556]

I did this today and it was super easy thanks to your great video!

[@allyouneedisgodandjesus]

Great instructions, very helpful

[@advaughn2417]

The best, great filming of step by step.

[@bubbleblonde9600]

An excellent video! Easy to follow, easy-to-understand. Excellent!( oops I already said that ) 😄

[@mj9949]

Excellent instructions

[@master0063]

Great video... easy to follow thx

[@huma3968]

One of the best videos - many thanks

[@mskiara18]

I thank you for the helpful tutorial sir. I hope to follow your instructions to assist my mother with her toilet.

[@GardenReflections]

this was really helpful! thanks

[@fretboy33]

So incredibly helpfull!! Thank you!!!

[@SayTrueSteve]

Excellent video! Thanks

[@davidtrani190]

Thanks for the good instructions

[@Ramg66]

I wish I had come across your video first, the other video only had me putting one rubber washer on and not 2 for the tank, and then a 3rd one for the mounting to the seat. Yes, it leaked, tried your way and it worked.

[@traciespoto2034]

Thank you! Perfect instructions!

[@randymiyake8036]

Very good explanation. Thanks

[@delrosebbrown6428]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@jaymcintyre773]

Thank you!! This really helped me today!!

[@user-ks1ls2tv1r]

Fabulously helpful! Thank you

[@davidalonzo8703]

You made my day!! Thank you so much!!!

[@austinhall3937]

Plumber: 150$ Do it yourself: 8$ + sense of satisfaction

[@bertharuiz1225]

Thank you! I appreciate this.

[@nipcee8865]

Excellent video 👍🏽

[@wbmaxon]

Thanks for sharing. Subscribed

[@andykao6344]

very helpful thank you!

[@johnscerbo130]

Great informational video

[@CryptoData]

Thanks man! Super helpful 👍

[@oscarescobar8792]

Very straight forward explanation. Question: Where did you get the push valve that is pretty neat

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Great video

[@bro3162003]

I appreciate your help on this, thank you sir

[@greenboarder89]

very helpful. thank you very much!

[@BrightStar3862]

Great job, appreciated. I have the exact same problem. Hope I can do it, regards, TED

[@vanwahlgren8451]

Excellent instructions, except there is a potentially if you put a washer inside the tank. There should not be a washer between the head of the bulls and the rubber washer inside of the tank.

[@joelnickerson6739]

Thanks for posting this video. It's the problem I am having.

[@badrulchowdhury1362]

Excellent 👌🏽

[@fazilm1]

Helpful... thanks

[@dieseldawg7132]

Great video my girlfriend put some blue cleaning tabs inside the tank and since it was a really old toilet it seeped past the gaskets..... I ended up replacing the gaskets and it worked out thank you

[@vaporrama]

Thank you!

[@doomo]

Wonderfuk instructional vid. To the point and easy to understand.

[@donaldstephensen8654]

Thanks boss I just did it in that sequence now I'm waiting to see if any leaks

[@stephanebrunette561]

Thank you for your nice video :)

[@airplanegeorge]

good to go,,,,love that plumber talk

[@layndretti13]

Thanks a million! I'm in training for a position in hotel maintenance.

[@amriksingh9681]

Thanks sir

[@michaeld.9135]

Excellent video just did the same job and I was unclear on the bolt set up commode was fully assembled when I bought it so I didn't need to mess with any of it ……. until I got the call that there is a leak. ugh Anyway great video really helped. Thanks

[@dennisarlan3564]

Thanks Bro👍

[@hoomalimali6334]

Thanks!

[@ShayneRawls]

Thank you for this! I've been trying to install and trouble shoot my mom's toilet for 2 days. This really helped me understand. The toilet didn't come with everything I needed

[@bmanchen428]

This made my life so easy! Thank you. Changed out the gasket with no problems. Hardest part was getting into a position to see the nuts to tighten them. Best piece of advice was to bring the old gasket to the hardware store with you.

[@jodygilliam116]

I had to make two trips to the hardware store as I didn’t know there was different sizes. Lol. Should have found this video before attempting the repair.

[@Petisa5784]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@kara3385]

Excellent video, this was very helpful. Only problem I encountered is that the gasket is showing after tightening the tank to the bowl. The gasket fits the nut correctly but peeks out under the tank. Any suggestions should be appreciated!

[@palavoyz]

Gracias po la leccion tutorial es muy util!

[@patrickjorda5523]

Ty you covered my mistakes quite well😅🤫😂

[@joedevitto6113]

Pretty easy to do , also if the flapper is old you might want to replace that since your draining all the water the flapper seems to shrink up and wont work when you fill it back up the water will just leak through so you might want to change that to, that happened to mine since it was like 10 years old , just little hint so you dont have to go back in and change it .. Thanks for sharing ~

[@suite141]

Hi, I have the 2RSO2 Glacier Bay toilet/tank. I initially had a leak coming from a very rusted bolt. Replaced the bolts and the tank gasket using the Glacier Bay specific gasket. Thought issue was resolved but now I have more water leaking than before! No leakage coming from the bolts and the gasket is flush with the bottom of the tank, but somehow the leak is coming the from gasket area causing water to leak to the front of the tank. Do you have any suggestions? Do you think it's just a matter of tightening the bolts more?

[@Gummybear13713]

I found that once I refilled the tank with water, the weight of the water loosened the bolts a tiny bit, and I had small leaks on either side of the tank. Luckily, I have a thin open ended wrench that I could fit around each nut in the spaces between each side of the tank and bowl, and I was able to tighten the two nuts directly under the tank without having to take it off and start over. You might want to check again for leaks an hour or so after refilling the tank, as it was only leaking a few drops every few minute which, over time can still do a lot of damage.