Replacing the Toilet-Tank Gasket and Overflow Pipe
Make this repair to fix leaks under the flush valve or between toilet tank and bowl.
Every now and then an overflow pipe will crack or the flapper valve seat will become so ragged it needs to be replaced. Both conditions will create a leak under the flush valve or between tank and bowl and will require replacement of the overflow pipe and tank gasket.
To start the repair, drain and dry out the tank.
If your toilet has a float and arm, tape the position of the float on the arm, remove both, and set them aside. The tape will tell you how far to screw the float back on when reassembling 1.
Remove each of the two bolts holding the tank to the base and examine the condition of the gasket under the bolt 2. If either gasket has hardened or is breaking apart, you’ll need to replace both bolts and gaskets 3. They come as a set at all hardware stores. With the bolts removed, the tank is loose, and you can remove it by grabbing it on both sides and pulling straight up 4. Set the tank on a rug on the floor, and remove the tank gasket.
If the tank was leaking around the seal, replace the gasket 5. Then, using a large pipe wrench, loosen the nut that holds the overflow pipe to the tank 6. Remove the nut and set it aside. If the wrench won’t turn the nut, split it with a sharp chisel to remove it. Turn the tank top-side up and remove the refill tube from the overflow pipe by freeing it from its clip or unsnapping it from its grooved housing 7. Pull out the overflow assembly and replace it with the model of your choice 8. You’ll find replacement assemblies at all hardware stores.
Turn the nut over the threads and against the tank bottom and tighten it with a wrench 9. Push the seal on the overflow pipe and set the tank on the bowl with the seal in the hole 10. Insert new tank bolts with gaskets and tighten the nuts under the tank flange 11. You can replace these nuts with wing nuts to make this job easier, but do not tighten them excessively. Level the tank if necessary. Place the refill tube in the overflow tube and replace the float and arm. Connect the supply line to the tank, turn the water on and adjust the water level. Check for leaks.
