fixing supply line

Common Repairs

If the leak comes from where the water supply enters the tank, first tighten the locknut. If that doesn't work, shut off the water, flush the toilet, and sponge out the water that remains in the tank. Disconnect the water supply line, remove the locknut, and replace the old beveled gasket and rubber washer with new ones.

tank and bowl

Extended use can cause the tank hold-down bolts to loosen enough to produce a leak at the spud gasket. Use a screwdriver and a wrench to tighten the bolts to squeeze the tank against the spud gasket. If the leak persists, shut off the water, flush, and sponge out any water. Detach the supply line, remove the hold-down bolts, lift out the tank, and replace the spud gasket (see Replacing Toilets, Related Projects). Reassemble.

wrench and fitting

With some old toilets, the tank connects to the bowl with a fitting. If leaks develop at either end of the fitting, tightening the nuts may stop the leak. If not, take the toilet apart, and replace any worn parts at a plumbing supply source.

fixing base

If the bowl is cracked, you'll have to replace it. If the bowl is sound, try gently tightening the hold-down nuts (see Replacing Toilets, Related Projects). If that doesn't stop the leak, replace the wax ring. Begin by shutting off the water, flushing the toilet, and sponging out any remaining water. Disconnect the water supply line, and remove the nuts on the hold-down bolts. Lift out the toilet. Scrape away the old wax ring and any old putty on the bottom of the bowl. Press a new wax ring in place according to the manufacturer's directions. Reinstall the toilet.