How to Fix American Standard Toilet Tank Crack

Did your American Standard Toilet Crack, and you don’t know how to fix it? Toilets are very susceptible to cracking. So, don’t worry, this happens all the time, and it’s very affordable to fix. Some people crack their cistern when they try and put the lid back after using the toilet. So, how do you fix American Standard Toilet Tank crack?

Most people have a problem with their toilet because the lid may be heavy and can crack if it’s not adequately secured. Toilet cisterns seem much more fragile than any other lid and, as a result, may crack easily. Here is a quick video to show you how to fix American Standard toilet crack.

Locating Cracks in Your American Standard Toilet Tank

Your American Standard Toilet tank might have cracks below or above the water-line and on its outer or inner side. Finding the exact area where the crack has happened will help you identify what action is required.  

Locating The Crack Above the Cistern Water-Line

This is normally not an issue unless it extends slowly to other parts of the tank. Once you discover a crack on your cistern, monitor it to ensure that the damage does not result in something worse. You’ll want to take a snap of the crack and keep it for future comparison.

Locating The Crack Below the Cistern Water-Line

A crack below the cistern’s water line needs to be fixed ASAP! Unfortunately, spotting a crack below your toilet tank can be a hustle. If you doubt there is a leak from your toilet cistern, begin by inspecting its seals between the bowl and the tank. Then, you’ll want to thoroughly check your cistern to find the exact location of the crack. It may take more time since you’ll want to check inside and outside the cistern to spot the crack.

Locating an Invisible Crack

Surprisingly, the crack may be invisible, leaving you wondering the whole day. Don’t worry! We’ve got you!

If that’s the case, check for these symptoms:

  • Water will remain stagnant outside your toilet.
  • Check if there is mysterious emptying of your tank.

A tiny invisible crack on the tank can leak water which may stay stagnant on your toilet floor. But on some rare occasions, this water might leak into the sewer line rather than the floor. If your tank empties mysteriously, there are chances that the crack causes a leak that escapes into the sewer line.

Possible Causes for American Standard Toilet Tank Cracks

Here are some common causes of cracks on American Standard Toilet Tanks:

1. Toilet Tank Adjustments or Repairs

You could break a small part of your toilet cistern when performing some repair to the tank of your toilet. This is because the porcelain that makes up the tank is delicate. Also, the cracks may be caused by careless handling of the unit when making some adjustments.

Tightening the bolts surrounding the tank may damage it if you tighten too much. When you put the lid back on your tank after some repairs, please do not put it down too hard. It may cause cracks to appear on the top of the tank. These cracks will probably spread even further and eventually damage your entire toilet tank.

2. Old Toilet Tank

The toilet tank in your bathroom will slowly wear out as it ages and start cracking the porcelain. It’s something expected as bathroom fixtures get older. You may have an older toilet tank made with a combination of cement and water, which causes cracks outside and inside the cistern. It can happen if the temperature inside the cistern and the air outside the cistern are different.

If you have an old cistern that is beginning to have cracks that branch out from one spot due to age, it is best to buy a new tank than attempt to repair it. Multiple cracks in the tank will continue to spread. It’s doubtful that you’ll manage the maintenance well enough to fix the problem for good.

3. Toilet Cistern Accidents

Even minor accidents, such as dropping something heavy on the tank lid, may cause the lid’s weight to exert pressure on your toilet tank. That may eventually cause a crack on the top side of your toilet tank. Also, if you fall when taking a shower and use a tank to force yourself back, a crack may develop because of the excessive pressure in the tank.

Handle your toilet tank very carefully, just like you would treat any of the porcelain pieces in your house. If a leak is detected in one of your cisterns, turn off the main water source and replace it as quickly as possible. If some part on your tank’s top gets chipped off but the water isn’t leaking, you may still be able to use the toilet. But you will need to have it replaced with time.

4. Unregular Monitoring of Toilet Tank

To prevent an unexpected cistern leak, it is crucial to inspect your toilet tank regularly for signs of cracks. At least once every month, carefully check the tank for signs that it’s beginning to crack. If you find something that looks like it is cracking, you can repair it while it’s still a minor issue.

How To Fix an American Standard Toilet Tank Crack

If you have a crack that is very narrow in your toilet tank, you can stop the leak by capping the crack with epoxy. Epoxy can be used to repair cracks that occur at the bottom of your toilet or cracks that occur around bolts that hold the toilet firmly on the floor.

If the crack is below the water level, you may use epoxy to fix it, but keep in mind that it may or may not work in all situations. If that’s the case, a replacement will be your only option.

Waterproof epoxy consists of two parts, which you combine immediately before you apply it. Epoxies work very quickly; they only need to stay for 15 – 30 minutes before they harden. Choose an epoxy approved for use in manufacturing porcelain sinks and tubs.

Before You Start

Shut off the primary water source to your toilet by turning off the switch that opens the valve under the toilet. Flush your toilet to drain any remaining water from the bowl or tank. Discharge any remaining water from the toilet by putting a sponge inside the tank or bowl to soak any remnants. Then remove the sponge and place it in a bucket. Wipe your porcelain thoroughly and dry.

What You’ll Require

EquipmentMaterial
Putty knifeCleaning supplies
BucketSandpaper
SpongeWaterproof epoxy

Instructions

1. After giving a thorough cleaning, sand the cracked area

Clean the cracked area very carefully to ensure that nothing remains on the porcelain. Then sand the area gently; sand the cracked area with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface on which you will add epoxy.

Rinse well after applying the waterproof epoxy and allow it to dry completely. While epoxy will work well on any wet surface, it’s easier to work with a dry surface.

2. Mix Your Epoxy Well Before Applying It to The Crack

Mix your epoxy (resin and catalyst) according to the directions on the packaging. Apply the epoxy to the cracks as soon as you can using a putty knife or a spreader. Flatten and smoothen the epoxy layer to optimum for a smooth and even appearance.

You should apply your epoxy within the necessary time that the adhesive will allow you to work with; typically, it will not take more than 30 minutes to apply it. Leave your toilet to stay overnight with the epoxy or as directed in the epoxy’s instructions.

3. Refill Your Cistern and Test

Open the close valve to your toilet to allow water to flow into the toilet. Let your cistern fill before flushing. Confirm whether the leak persists.

FAQs

Can I interchange my American Standard Toilet Tank with another?

It isn’t easy to interchange the tanks since the sizes might vary. And if the tank sizes match, the bolt hole and bolt sizes may vary, making it impossible to interchange the tanks.

How much will it cost me to replace my toilet tank?

The price for replacing a toilet tank may fall between $50-$100, but the average cost is $75.

How frequent Should a toilet get replaced?

Most professionals concur that the time to replace a toilet is after 50 years. But that’s only if you take good care of your toilet. Also, if it was not installed appropriately or often misused, it might not last long.

Bottom Line

No toilet tank is perfect; hairline cracks often happen. Fortunately, fixing the American Standard Toilet Tank Crack isn’t that expensive, just slightly bothersome. So, try some of our tricks above to fix it. And good luck!

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