drake II leak at tank bolt

[MandK]

Hey guys.

I have a very slight drip at one of my tank bolts on a Drake II. It was a new install last week.
I sanded the inside of the tank at the bolt hole as instructed here. But, I may have not sanded enough and may have tightened the washer too much.

I'm going to remove the tank and re-sand and re-seat the washer. Should I use the same washer or did I compress it too much and therefore damage it?

Thanks!!

 

[Terry]

You may want to tighten the large nut on the flush valve while you are at it.
Sometimes that leaks, and the water shows up at the bolt location.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MandK]

Thanks Terry. I'll admit that I skipped that step because I simply do not have a wrench big enough. I guess it's time to get one.

But, do you think I can re-use the tank bolt rubber washer?

 

[Terry]

The rubber washer will be fine.

 

[MandK]

snugged up the large nut, re-sanded the bolt holes and I'm back in business. Nice and dry.

thanks to a great forum.

 

[hj]

I have NEVER had to "sand" the bolt holes on any toilet.

 

[Hackney plumbing]

I have NEVER had to "sand" the bolt holes on any toilet.

The only time I hit the holes with sandtape is when I'm doing a repair and the old bolt was steel. My bolt heads are bigger too so that crust needs to come off. New toilets,never.

 

[Terry]

hj and Hackney,
My customers install the toilets I sell them perfectly every time. It's not that hard.

 

[Hackney plumbing]

hj and Hackney,
My customers install the toilets I sell them perfectly every time. It's not that hard.

I agree with the "it's not that hard" part. As far as the homeowner installing them perfect every time.......that might be wishful thinking.

 

[Terry]

My customers can do it!
They are that good.

 

[MandK]

Dr. Terry....I'm in trouble again. My Drake II "leak at the tank" saga continues. This will be 4th time taking the tank off to stop a leak. This is a brand new installation.

After sanding the bolt holes and tightening the large nut....the leak got WORSE!!! It was dry for a day or two, then this morning I hear a steady drip hitting the floor. I called Toto tech support. They recommended another half turn on the tank bolts and removing the large nut completely and check for any debris at the seal. But, run a food coloring test first to pinpoint the problem.

Have you ever had a stubborn leak problem like mine to solve? Do you have any other expert advice to add?

Thank you!

Marc

 

[Hackney plumbing]

With your experience and toilet knowledge it would be better for you to start over with a new tank. You may have a defect and not be able to tell.......randomly tightening things is not the best idea.

 

[Terry]

It could be a feel thing too. That's hard to give advice on. If it were a car, you would use a torque wrench.

 

[MandK]

I get what you guys are saying, but we're talking about mounting a tank to a bowl and not trying to calibrate high tolerance parts. yes, I'm a DIY guy, but in my opinon should not be this difficult. I'm trying one last time and then asking Toto for a tank replacement under warranty. How they will determine that I have no idea.

Again, thank you.

 

[Hackney plumbing]

I get what you guys are saying, but we're talking about mounting a tank to a bowl and not trying to calibrate high tolerance parts. yes, I'm a DIY guy, but in my opinon should not be this difficult. I'm trying one last time and then asking Toto for a tank replacement under warranty. How they will determine that I have no idea.

Again, thank you.

Yes we are talking about mounting a toilet tank.......its so easy an idiot can do it.

 

[MandK]

Can you briefly explain and enlighten me as to why a tank installation requires more knowledge and experience than your above-average DIY guy?

It obviously does or I wouldn't continue to have a leak. I really just would like a lesson why I should have called a plumber instead. no sarcasm.

 

[MandK]

Yes we are talking about mounting a toilet tank.......its so easy an idiot can do it.

Apparently not. I will call a plumber next time. But, a brief education as to why a tank install is a difficult process would enlighten me.

 

[Terry]

The tank is an easy installation.
Two bolts that tighten up. If you have tried everything, there could be something wrong. Sometimes I will tap a tank with my knuckles to see if it rings or if it has a dull sounding thuck! If there is a hair line crack, that could be a problem. Cracks can occur from being dropped, or from over tightening. That's one thing we look for. Without being there and seeing the tank, it's hard to say more though. In a perfect world, you pull the tank from the box and stick it on. Assuming everything is good. But DIY? Absolutely!

 

[Hackney plumbing]

Apparently not. I will call a plumber next time. But, a brief education as to why a tank install is a difficult process would enlighten me.

I was joking Installing the tank is DIY like Terry said. Everyone gets a "callback" from time to time. As a pro I would consider taking a tank with me if I had a "callback" like your having with your Toto tank. That way if I went back to the house and couldn't determine for sure why it was leaking in a reasonable time period I would just replace the tank and check why it leaked later.

Things are not always as easy as it looks....or as easy as a pro makes it look. I like it when a customer stands around and likes to watch....Especially with faucet repair. They will ask...."Do you mind me watching you...I want to learn?" I say ..."No I do not mind you watching but good luck keeping up......and good luck remebering what I did by the time it needs to be done again" LOL

I can work on some faucet literally blindfolded.

 

[MandK]

thanks guys. I will report back once this problem is solved and will share the solution.