I just installed a new toilet tonight, and the tank rocks. Not a good rocks. I had to install a 10″ rough in tank unit because the @!@$$@!$ that built our house didn’t know a ruler from … Anyway all the toilets that I have ever installed had 3 bolts to hold the tank on. Two toward the front and one toward the rear. This new unit only has 2 bolts, one on the right and one on the left. After tightening both bolts down as much as the manufacturer says to, the tank rocks considerably. I am concerned that someone could sit down on it and break the tank. Does anyone have any suggestions, how tight can I tighten the bolts before I have to worry about the tank actually cracking?
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
You need some rubber baby buggy bumpers -- four of them, spaced near the four corners of the tank. The bolts should tighten down against the bumpers, not the spud gasket.
I'll lay 2 to 1 it was an American Standard.
Personally, I hate 3 bolt tanks.
For 2 bolt tanks, I bring extra nuts and washers and install them as follows. Bolt, rubber washer,tank,rubber washer,flat washer,nut. Tighten the nut untill the rubber washer just starts to deform.Now mount the tank to the bowl. Push down on one side and then the other and tighten the nuts by hand.Then use a wrench so that the tank just makes contact with the bowl.Even if the tank is not rock solid,it won't leak, and you won't crack the tank trying to get the bolts to stop leaking.
The toilet is a Crane. I really don't want to take the tank apart again (but I will if I have to). Would it work to take 2 rubber washers, cutting them and slipping them on the bolts between the seat and the tank, or is that just asking for trouble?
Thanks,
Scott
If you already have it assembled, just tighten the nuts until the tank just touches the bowl. My way just makes sure the tank won't leak.
I never saw a three bolter in all the bowls I've installed and its not necessary anyway.
My guess is that you may need "two" wax seals rather than one or the adjustable type.
Also..you may want to consider putting plaster under the bowl before you set it as well.
PS.....you can add a hit of milk to the plaster to slow the drying process if you get at all freaked out within the working time.
I'm positive this will work for your dumper.
Be dumped
andy
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What will two wax seals do to fix a rocking toilet tank??
make it higher ..so ya can fix the problem at the tank more easily..lol
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Had a similar problem on the first toilet I installed. I get all the bolts in per instructions and the tank is floppy. Not blowing in the wind loose but wobbly to touch. It didn't feel right.
I consulted a friendly plumber. First he thought I was perhaps being too picky. He said a little wobble was OK. Once I described it he agreed it was too much. Them he thought I was lacking courage on tightening the bolts but I described them being finger tip tight on a wrench. This he figured was OK. Finally he suggested plastic spacers designed for plumbing as some tanks really need them.
Took some time to find these units. Lately I have sen these in the plumbing department at HD and Lowe's. They come in a pack and are either plastic or stiff rubber.
I removed the tank and made three stacks that seemed right and after a couple of tries it bolted up tight. No wobble or leaks. Over ten years later it is still sound.
IMHO, not a plumber here, installing rubber spacers or washers on the mounting bolts might work also. Perhaps with additional shims. It was fiddly, took several tries to get right, but I suspect that had there been a second or third unit it would have gone faster as I would have a feel for it.