
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank, Bowl, or Base
- First, you want to drain the toilet. To do this, you need to turn off the water supply to the toilet. You should be...
- Flush the toilet to drain all the water from the tank and bowl. Soak up any remaining water with a sponge and wring...
- Clean and sand the area that you want to repair. Make sure you clean...
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Drain the tank of all water.
- Dry the tank until it's bone dry (both on the inside and outside).
- Apply plumber's putty or silicone sealant on the cracks.
- Wait the time recommended on the sealant manufacturer's instructions.
- Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
Can a cracked toilet base (Pan) be repaired?
Wipe all debris and water off the toilet base using a clean, dry rag. Thoroughly stir and mix the epoxy, according to the instructions, apply generous amounts to both sides of the crack, join them and apply duct tape to hold them together while the glue sets.
How to repair a leaky toilet base?
How to Fix a Toilet that Leaks at the Base When Flushed
- Disconnect Water to the Toilet Look for the toilet shut off valve. It is located at the rear wall of the toilet mostly on the left hand side. ...
- Drain the Toilet Tank Flush the toilet and hold the lever down to flush down as much water as possible. ...
- Remove the Toilet
What are the best ways to repair your leaking toilet?
Repairing a Leaky Toilet Tank
- Determine the Cause of the Leak. The first thing you want to do is find the cause of the leak. ...
- Sweating. Sweating is a common problem during the summer months. ...
- Worn Flap. When you have a war and flat water will slowly leak out the bottom of the tank. ...
- Sticking or Improperly Set Floater Switch. ...
- Shut-off Valve and Inlet Hose. ...
- Toilet Flange. ...
- Cracked Body. ...
How to replace caulk around a toilet base?
Things You Will Need
- Caulk remover (optional)
- Razor blade
- Needle-nosed pliers
- 5-in-1 painter's tool
- Nonabrasive pad
- Mineral spirits (optional)
- Soft cloths
- Anti-mildew cleaner
- Painter's tape
- Caulk tube

Can you fix a cracked toilet base?
Fixing the Cracked Toilet Hairline cracks normally do not require replacement if they are around the outside of the tank or bowl. If you see cracks like this, you should seal them with plumbing epoxy. Some cracks inside the tank can be repaired too, but they must be under 1/16-inch wide.
How do you seal a crack in a toilet base?
Fixing a Cracked Toilet TankTurn off the water. ... Dry the inside of the tank. ... Apply silicone plumbing epoxy to cracked area. ... Smooth the sealer out. ... Allow the silicone epoxy to dry. ... Refill the tank with water.
Will silicone fix a cracked toilet?
Repairing a hairline crack involves using silicone plumbing epoxy on the inside of the tank. Drain the tank completely, using towels to remove all excess moisture. Let the toilet stand for a day or two with the lid off. The inside of the tank must be completely dry before applying the epoxy.
What causes a toilet to crack at the base?
Cracks From Repairs: For example, fixing a broken component inside the tank and putting the lid back on the tank too hard can cause the toilet to crack around its top. Also, tightening bolts around the bottom of the toilet too tightly can cause the base of the toilet to crack.
Will flex seal work on a cracked toilet tank?
Make sure the surface is clean and dry, then spray with Flex Seal. Allow the product to dry. This can take over 24 hours. You can use Flex Seal to fix leaks and cracks in your toilet tank.
How do you repair cracked porcelain?
If you want to fix chipped porcelain, you will need a gap-filling adhesive, a porcelain filler, or a touch-up glaze to replace lost material. Make sure your product is paintable if you plan on painting it. If you are joining broken pieces, opt for a strong liquid or gel adhesive that dries clear.
Can you use plumbers putty inside toilet tank?
Historically, plumber's putty was used to seal a leaky toilet or toilet bowl to a finished floor. However, we do not recommend using plumber's putty for these types of applications, as this product can't support the weight of a toilet and is not waterproof.
How do you glue a porcelain toilet?
How to Glue Porcelain ToiletsClean the area between the break with a solution of dish soap and water to remove any grease or dirt. ... Spread a thin layer of craft bond cement or super glue along one surface, leaving the other clean.Press the two sections together and hold until the pieces bond. ... Wait 24 hours before use.
Can you caulk a leaky toilet base?
Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.
Can a porcelain toilet be repaired?
A cracked ceramic toilet tank and bowl are unrepairable. Water pressure, temperature and user weight can cause cracked ceramic porcelain to rupture. But, superficial cracks in the ceramic finish or a crack in a tank lid can be repaired with a rotary tool, a grinding bit, epoxy and meticulous care.
What do you use to seal around a toilet?
Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?
How do you seal a toilet to the floor?
2:585:35How a plumber caulks a toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't seal the whole bottom in the caulk is not made to just hold your toilet on the caulk isMoreYou don't seal the whole bottom in the caulk is not made to just hold your toilet on the caulk is actually to prevent pee. And debris from going underneath your toilet.
What is the best way to caulk around a toilet?
13:0318:33How to Caulk a Toilet Base to Tile Floor Like the Pros - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to caulk a thin bead of the silicone caulk all the way around the toilet. Here theMoreSo we're going to caulk a thin bead of the silicone caulk all the way around the toilet. Here the front and the sides. And we're going to leave the back.
What to do if you spot a crack in your toilet tank?
If you spot a toilet crack in the tank, mark it and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. It can be useful to take a picture of the crack for later comparison. A crack that is below the water level will have to be fixed. Unfortunately, a toilet tank crack can be hard to spot.
Why is my toilet cracking?
A cracked toilet can be a perplexing plumbing problem because the cracks are not always easy to spot. In some cases, the crack may have occurred when the toilet was first manufactured but does not surface for many years. Other times, a toilet can mysteriously develop a crack at any time and start leaking. More obvious cracking can occur due ...
How to stop a hairline leak in a toilet?
If you have a hairline crack in the tank or the bowl, experts say you may be able to stop the leak by sealing the crack with waterproof epoxy. Epoxy can also be effective for cracks at the base of the toilet, such as cracks or breakage around the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. Cracks under the water line in a toilet bowl are more ...
How do you know if a toilet is cracked?
When the toilet crack is visible in the part of the bowl that retains water, you'll probably need to replace the toilet. An invisible crack is also a possibility, and it can be indicated by two different symptoms: standing water on the floor outside of the toilet, or missing water. Experts note that a small invisible leak can cause water ...
How to tell if toilet tank is cracked?
Finding Cracks in a Toilet Tank 1 A crack above the water level is usually not a problem unless the crack grows slowly. If you spot a toilet crack in the tank, mark it and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. It can be useful to take a picture of the crack for later comparison. 2 A crack that is below the water level will have to be fixed. Unfortunately, a toilet tank crack can be hard to spot. If you suspect a leak from the toilet tank, start by checking the seals between the tank and the bowl. Next, check the tank carefully for a crack in the porcelain. You may have to look both on the outside and the inside of the tank to see it.
What causes water to settle on the floor?
Experts note that a small invisible leak can cause water to settle on the floor at the base of the toilet. In a less common scenario, the water from the toilet bowl will slowly leak out into the drain instead of onto the floor.
How to fix cracks in epoxy?
Mix and Apply the Epoxy. Mix the two parts of the epoxy (catalyst and resin) as directed by the manufacturer. Immediately apply the mixed epoxy to the crack with a putty knife or spreader. Smooth and flatten the epoxy as much as possible for the best appearance.
What to do if your toilet is leaking and the bowl is cracked?
If doing so is not an option due to finances and if it’s a hairline crack and your toilet isn’t leaking, you can apply plumber’s putty or silicone sealant.
When will toilets be repaired in 2021?
May 21, 2021. If you notice your toilet is starting to show cracks, pay close attention to its nature and location. Some may be easy fixes, while others require that you buy a new toilet. If you’re a handyman, follow the instructions below for fixable cracks. If you aren’t, give us a call and we’ll gladly get your toilet back to its pristine shape.
How long do toilets last?
Age: As toilets age, they become more vulnerable to cracks. Although your toilet should last upwards of 50 years, we recommend checking the toilets in your home for signs of cracking. DIY Projects: Sometimes DIY projects don’t go as planned.
Looking to have a plumber complete the job?
No worries, that's why we're here! Our plumbers can fix your toilet issue in no time.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank
If the crack is large, you’ll have to bite the bullet and purchase a new toilet.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Bowl
This one is usually first noticed because there will be puddles of water around your toilet. Unfortunately, if this is the part of your toilet that’s damaged, you’ll have to buy a new one.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Base
Just as with a cracked tank, you can fix this yourself if the fracture is minor. And once again, it can be sealed with plumber’s putty or a silicone sealant by following the steps outlined above.
How to Replace a Toilet
Now, if you do have to replace the toilet, you have two options: call a plumbing professional to do the heavy work for you, or do it yourself.
Contact Climate Design for Plumbing Service in Clearwater, FL
If you’d rather have a professional install the new toilet for you, contact us. We’ll be happy to help.
Cracks in Toilet Tank
The first thing you should know is that finding cracks in the toilet tank you’re very common. The toilet tank can have cracks in a number of areas and where it’s located will determine what kind of action you need to take.
Cracks in Toilet Bowl
A cracked toilet bowl is a little more difficult to narrow down. Remember that the leak might only be present when you flush the toilet, so you might need to flush and check around for toilet bowl leaks at the same time. Likely, the source of the leak is in the crack in the toilet bowl.
What Causes Cracks
A number of things that could be causing cracks in your toilet. One thing is an impact. Try to remember if something hit your toilet, like a hair dryer or something heavy, like a weight. These things can cause cracks in your porcelain toilet. Any strong impact will do this because you’re toilet is made out of porcelain.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank, Bowl, or Base
Fixing shallow cracks in your toilet can be dealt with simply. But, sometimes a replacement is the only option for super deep crack. You can try epoxy first before you decide to jump and buy a replacement.
You Treat Your Toilet Like Shit
If you’re always having problems with your toilet, you need to know whats causing the issue and if you’ll need to get the toilet repaired or replaced. Having a working toilet is crucial for any home and fixing it is just one form of home improvement but there are many more.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Base
If there is a minor hairline fracture. Then you can fix the crack with some putty/sealant. These products can be bought in majority of all hardware stores.
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank
Again, if the tank has a crack and there is water puddles all over the bathroom floor. Then I recommend you buy a new toilet because odds are the crack if to big.
Replace your Cracked Toilet
If the crack is too big and if replacing your toilet is too big of a job for you to do. Then give Carter’s My Plumber a call!
CALL A LICENSED PLUMBER
Is your toilet cracked? Carter’s My Plumber can help out! We will always give you a price before any work begins. Here at Carter’s My Plumber, we are committed to meeting the needs of your customers. We are knowledgeable, friendly, and will always give you a price before any work begins.
Why is there a crack in my toilet bowl?
While it's apparent that you have identified a crack in your toilet bowl (probably caused by hitting the bowl hard with a toilet flange plunger), there might be other cracks you haven't spotted yet. Other than an openly visible crack, a toilet leak or mysterious water loss in the tank indicates cracks.
Why does my toilet tank crack?
A toilet tank may crack because of several reasons, including the ones discussed below. Botched-up DIY projects: It's not always a given that your little toilet or bathroom DIY project will go well. Sometimes even tightening a tank bolt or cleaning the tank might lead to a crack if done by accident or if done wrongly.
How long does a toilet tank last?
Although manufacturers and plumbers agree that the average toilet lasts as many as 50 years, toilet bowls and tanks are prone to cracking, which may necessitate replacements. The good news is that you don’t have to do a replacement if you know how to fix a cracked toilet tank. Fixing a cracked toilet tank doesn't have to be hard or as risky as some ...
How to seal a water tank with epoxy?
5.1 Step 1: Locate all the Cracks. 5.2 Step 2: Turn Off the Water. 5.3 Step 3: Dry Both on the Inside and Outside of the Tank. 5.4 Step 4: Apply the Waterproof Epoxy to the Cracked Area. 5.5 Step 5: Smooth Out the Seal er.
Can you repair a hairline in a toilet tank?
You don’t even have to be a plumber to do a simple toilet tank repair. Nor do you need to call in a plumber.
Can you drop the lid of a toilet when replacing it?
Other times, you might drop the toilet tank lid when replacing it, causing the tank to break. Old age: Despite the 50-year durability guarantee on most toilets, age usually weakens them and may lead to a cracked toilet bowl or tank if you disturb the toilet excessively.
Can you use super glue on a toilet tank?
In such cases, you can use adhesive tape or super glue after draining all the water and drying the interior and exterior toilet surfaces. However, these solutions only last a short while since water weakens the bond between the glue or tape and the tank surface.
What adhesive is used to fix a cracked toilet base?
One appropriate adhesive choice for the cracked toilet base is two-part epoxy. Epoxy is a thermosetting resin that, mixed with a hardener, forms a tough bond that will keep the break sealed up. It will also be resistant to water, which is an obvious concern around a toilet. To ensure the epoxy that bonds with porcelain, ...
What happens if you break a toilet base?
This allows both water and sewer gases into the room. The water can damage the flooring around the toilet, and the sewer gases can cause physical ailments, such as dizziness. If this happens, it really is time to forget about gluing and replace the toilet.
How to bond epoxy to porcelain?
Advertisement. Wipe all debris and water off the toilet base using a clean, dry rag . Thoroughly stir and mix the epoxy, according to the instructions, apply generous amounts to both sides of the crack, join them ...
Can you use silicone caulk on a toilet?
Don't Use Silicone Caulk. Although you might initially consider silicone caulk to seal the broken toilet base, it won't provide the long-term success that epoxy and polyurethane glue provide. The advantage of epoxy is the bonding strength it provides. Yes, silicone caulk might both provide an adhesive seal against water leaking through the crack , ...
Can you glue a toilet base back together?
If the toilet base is not too damaged, you may be able glue it back together, but before you can do that, you'll probably have to widen the crack. Without doing that, there's no way to get the glue where you need it to go. Prepare for disappointment, because the porcelain could shatter into small pieces, and if that happens, ...
Can you fix a porcelain toilet?
Image Credit: belchonock/iStock/GettyImages. When you tighten the nuts onto the closet bolts that hold the base of a toilet secure, avoid over tightening or you can easily crack the porcelain toilet. It might not seem as bad as a crack to another toilet part, such as the tank, but it still can lead to leaking.
Is it safe to replace a cracked toilet?
Don't feel bad...that's what you probably should do anyway, because replacing a cracked toilet is safer than gluing it.
