Can a Cracked Toilet Tank Be Repaired? (We Asked The Pros)
Have you ever been cleaning your bathroom and noticed a dreaded crack in your toilet tank? Having a crack leaking water onto your bathroom floor is no one’s idea of a good time, but can a cracked toilet tank be repaired?
The good news is that it is possible to repair a cracked toilet tank. If you are dealing with a hairline or similar small crack, epoxy will be all you need to do the repair. Unfortunately, if the crack grows too large, you may need to replace the tank.
In this article, we will discuss how to tell the difference between a cracked but fixable tank and a tank that needs to be replaced. We’ve talked to the pros about the best way to go about fixing your toilet tank so you can get back to more important matters!
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Here’s a Quick Pro Tip!
Are you worried you don’t have the right tools to fix your cracked toilet tank? Don’t stress!
We’ve got just the thing to fix your cracked toilet tank so it’s just like new:
1. Epoxy Adhesive – The most important part of a DIY crack repair is having a good epoxy to seal up the leak.
2. Cordless Wrench – Just in case you can’t reach the crack, having a wrench on hand so you can remove the toilet from the base is a must.
3. Electric Sander – Once the epoxy has been set, make sure you can sand down any excess epoxy for a smooth finish!
The Basics
Coming home to find a crack in your toilet tank is a headache no one wants to deal with. To start, we’re going to figure out why the crack occurred. We’ll also discuss what the first steps are to prevent cracks and how to repair any cracks you’ve found.
Why Would a Toilet Tank Crack?
Oftentimes, your toilet tank cracks due to age or an accidental collision. Toilet tanks are very durable and made from heavy-duty materials such as porcelain, but even they can’t survive a heavy hit.
Toilet tanks are able to hold up to most impacts, but it’s wise to keep from storing heavy objects on the back of the tank. Additionally, do not allow people or pets to repeatedly strike the toilet tank, as it can cause cracks.
Can a Toilet Tank Just Crack?
It’s rare for a toilet tank to just crack with no outward cause. Typically, cracks are caused by either old age or an impact. This can be as simple as accidentally dropping something heavy from above the tank.
We spoke to our local plumbing authority, who warned us to be cautious in doing our own repairs or renovations. Simply overtightening the bolts when you move your toilet can cause cracks. If those cracks aren’t sealed immediately (we recommend using this two-part epoxy adhesive to seal the crack), the problem can grow until buying a replacement tank is the only option.
How Do I Know if My Toilet Tank Is Cracked?
If your toilet tank has a small crack, you may not notice until you see water dripping from the tank. Other signs of leaking and cracking are puddled water on the floor and your tank not filling up completely after the toilet has been flushed.
It’s important that you take steps to fix the crack as soon as you notice it. The longer a small crack is ignored, the bigger the problem gets. A small crack can be fixed with epoxy, but if it gets too large, the only option will be to replace the tank.
You might also enjoy our post on How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Seat
Can You Repair an American Standard Toilet Tank Crack?
If your American Standard toilet tank has a hairline or other small crack, it is possible to fix it. You’ll need a bit of time and patience and a good amount of epoxy.
To seal the crack, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water in your bathroom.
- Flush your toilet as many times as necessary to drain any water in the toilet tank.
- Dry the toilet tank and crack completely.
- Use epoxy in the hairline crack to completely seal the crack.
- Allow the epoxy to dry completely (this will take several hours).
- Once try, you can turn the water back on and allow the tank to fill.
Can You Repair a Hairline Crack in Toilet Tank?
It is possible to repair a hairline crack without getting a professional involved. You’ll need some time and patience and some high-quality epoxy. You may also need a wrench to loosen and retighten the bolts on your toilet.
If you need to remove your toilet from its base in order to fix the crack, you’ll need a good wrench to get the bolts loose. Make sure your water is turned off before removing your toilet base! Also, when tightening the bolts, be careful not to over-tighten, as this can lead to more cracks!
How to Fix a Toilet Tank
Now that we’ve discussed the basics behind why your toilet tank might crack, let’s get into the ways you can go about fixing it. We’ve talked to the experts, so we have the best information on how to get your tank fixed, so you don’t have to!
How Do I Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank?
To fix a cracked toilet tank, you’ll need some time and some high-quality epoxy. Make sure your water is turned off, then drain your toilet. Once it’s completely dry, apply epoxy to the crack.
Allow the epoxy to dry completely. This step may take several hours, depending on how much epoxy you used. Once the epoxy is completely dry, you can turn the water back on. Allow the tank to fill, and check to make sure there is no residual leaking.
How Do You Repair Cracked Porcelain?
The easiest way to repair cracked porcelain is to use an epoxy or porcelain filler. Make sure the cracked porcelain is clean and dry, then apply the filler or epoxy to the crack. Allow the porcelain to dry completely.
Depending on the amount of filler or epoxy used, it may become necessary to sand down the filled crack, so it does not cause issues. We recommend using this highly rated electric sander! Unsanded epoxy can be rough to the touch, so if the crack is in your tub, you definitely want to sand it down!
How to Repair a Cracked Porcelain Toilet Tank?
Some people say that you need to contact a professional if your toilet has a crack, but the truth is, you can easily repair a cracked porcelain toilet tank by yourself. You’ll need to shut off the water to your toilet, then drain and dry out the tank.
Once the tank is completely clean and dry, apply a professional-grade refinishing epoxy to the crack in the tank. Allow the filler to dry completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the crack. Then simply turn your water back on and allow the tank to fill.
You might also enjoy our post on How to Fix Cloudy Toilet Water Problems
Can I Use Flex Seal on a Toilet Tank?
You can use Flex Seal brand products on a toilet tank just like any other epoxy. 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. Once dry, you can paint over Flex Seal to ensure that your toilet tank is all one color if you’re worried about aesthetically covering the crack in your tank.
Will JB Weld Work on Toilet Tank?
You can use JB Weld epoxy brand products to seal cracks or leaks in your toilet tank. This product will work on fiberglass, ceramics, plastics, and concrete, just to name a few common surfaces.
To seal a crack in your toilet tank, make sure the cracked area is clean and dry. Apply the JB Weld epoxy and allow it to dry. This can take up to 24 hours to dry completely, so be sure to give it time to cure.
Can You Replace a Toilet Tank With a Different Brand?
Toilet tanks are not considered a universal product. This means that each brand is going to have certain characteristics. If you’re going to buy a new toilet tank make sure the tank is the same brand as your current one.
If you need a replacement toilet tank, your best course of action is to check with the manufacturer of your current tank. They will be able to tell you which tanks can fit on your current toilet. No matter which brand you pick, make sure the tank is EPA compliant!
Can Just a Toilet Tank Be Replaced?
It is completely possible to replace only your toilet tank. This is a much more affordable option and can often be done without hiring a professional. This will also save you a lot of time and money since you don’t have to purchase the base and seat as well.
To replace your toilet tank, be sure you know what brand of toilet you currently have. Some common brands include American Standard, Kohler, and ProFlo. Make sure the replacement tank is the same brand to avoid an ill-fitting tank.
Can You Use Plumbers Putty Inside Toilet Tank?
Plumbers’ putty is not designed to constantly resist water. Plumber’s Putty should be used on the outside of a tank or around gaskets, but should not be used inside the toilet tank.
If you want to seal your toilet tank to prevent leaks, we would recommend you use a professional grade sealant, such as this Gold Standard Tank Sealer, rather than Plumber’s Putty. This is because the sealant is designed to be constantly exposed to water, unlike Plumbers Putty.
Is There a Universal Toilet Repair Kit?
There are universal toilet repair kits you can purchase that will help you with common toilet issues. These kits work to fix inefficient fill and flush valves, leaky flappers, and broken handles. They do not include crack repairs.
These Univeral Toilet Repair Kits will work no matter what brand of toilet you own. If you only need to fix a crack in your toilet tank, you do not need a whole kit. Instead, consider picking up some epoxy sealant to solve your toilet tank crack issue.
Cost to Repair a Crack in Toilet Tank
Any time a repair has to happen at your home, you are going to worry about how much it’s going to cost you. We’ve spoken to a local professional plumber to get all the details and to figure out what we can do ourselves.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Toilet Tank?
If you feel confident doing the work yourself, replacing your toilet tank will only cost as much as the toilet tank does. Most common brand toilet tanks cost between $100 and $250, depending on make and model.
Because most professional plumbers charge by the hour, you can expect to spend at least double the price to have a professional come in and do the replacement for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Crack in Toilet Tank?
If you’ve got a hairline crack in your toilet tank, you’ll want to get it fixed ASAP. The sooner you fix it, the less likely it is you’ll have to replace the whole tank. Depending on the brand, you can expect to spend $20-$30 for basic epoxy.
How much epoxy you’ll need depends on the size of the crack. A couple of ounces of epoxy will cost you around $30. Compared to paying a professional $75/hr to do the same thing, that’s a big saving!
How Much Does a Toilet Tank Repair Kit Cost?
If you are having issues with your toilet tanks, such as low water or problems flushing, you’ll need a full toilet tank repair kit. These kits can assist you in fixing the most common toilet problems and will run you around $30.
Considering that your local plumber will probably charge you around $75/hr for labor plus parts, if you’re confident you know what the problem is, it may be best for you to attempt to fix it yourself. A toilet tank repair kit can help!
You might also enjoy our post on Can a Toilet Fall Through the Floor
Related Questions
Can You Repair a Hairline Crack in Toilet Bowl?
If your toilet bowl has a hairline crack, you should be able to fix it yourself with minimal hassle. Start by turning off the water lines connected to your bathroom and toilet. Then, drain your toilet.
Make sure your toilet bowl and the crack are both completely clean and dry before applying epoxy to the cracked area. Allow the epoxy to dry (this may take more than 24 hours), then turn the water back on and allow your toilet to fill.
Can You Repair a Cracked Bathtub?
If your bathtub only has a small hairline crack, you can fix it yourself. You’ll just need some epoxy and some time. First, make sure the cracked area is completely clean and dry.
Apply the epoxy as needed to the cracked surface. Allow the epoxy to completely dry. The drying process can take over 24 hours, so be sure to give it enough time. Once dry, sand the area to avoid any rough or sharp spots in your tub!
Final Thoughts
Finding a crack in your toilet tank may seem scary, but with the proper tools and equipment, it can be an easy fix, no plumber required. We hope this guide allows you to easily repair your next cracked tank before you need to buy a new one!
