Removable Caulking or Plug for Temporary Fix Leaking Toilet

Krell

Hi,

I have a very slow leak (a drip once every few minutes) coming from a rusted out tank-to-bowl bolt in the toilet. There is big buildup of junk that looks like a rust-colored barnacle blooming up from the top of the bolt, inside the tank. But touching this barnacle, it feels like rubber. Maybe someone applied a bunch of caulking there sometime. I'm thinking of removing this rubbery barnacle, if possible, and seeing what's underneath it. Hopefully not a crack in the tank.

I will ultimately replace the tank-to-bowl bolts and washers, but, if I need to, what can I use as a caulking material, as a temporary seal, to seal the hole in the tank that accepts the tank-to-bowl bolt? The bolt has already broken off, just under the head, so I can remove the top of the bolt from the hole, if necessary.

Whatever caulking I use has to be removable, of course. I was also thinking of maybe using a small rubber plug.

Thanks

tribe_fan

Since the bolt is already broken, why not just replace it, and use new washers ? I don't think anything would stick to it anyway. The Bolts/screws and washers will be cheaper than the caulk.

Krell

Tribe Fan, It's a matter of having the time. You can't just replace one bolt, can you? Won't I have to remove the tank to get the old bolt out, and hook up the new one properly? The old bolt is still there, hanging down, but still has the washer attached.

jankencanada

Take time to do it correctly. Otherwise you might come home & find the house flooded. Make sure you get brass bolts. Takes 30mins to One hour Good luck.

Alan

If it's broken, the other one isn't far behind it. You realize these bolts are securing the tank to the bowl, right?


Caulking aint gonna do it. You need new bolts.

Tank to bowl kit including new tank to bowl gasket, brass nuts and bolts, rubber washers and brass washers.

What brand of toilet is it? Sometimes the kohler toilets need a special gasket.

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Journeyman Plumber

Krell

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I know the bolts are holding the tank down. I don't know the brand. No name on it. Is it possible to replace the tank bolts without removing the tank?

Alan

Yes. It will be easier than caulking the holes shut.

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Journeyman Plumber

AlbacoreShuffle

Maybe !
If your tank is set up like this picture, you will have to remove the tank to get the first set of nuts off.

Attached Images

 

Krell

Yep. I have a nut, a metal washer, and a rubber washer in there between the tank and the bowl. Guess I'll have to remove the tank.