Parts of your toilet tank may occasionally fail to function properly. It is undeniably a serious annoyance, and you may be wondering whether there is a way to avoid replacing the complete toilet, which may be pricey, and instead only replace the toilet tank. Let me now respond to your query.
Unfortunately, toilet tanks cannot be replaced. Although it would be extremely rare, there is still a chance that you could find a toilet tank that is replaceable. Most of the time, finding a toilet tank with a matching model is extremely difficult, so you might have to replace the entire toilet.
Let’s dive right in to discover more about toilet tanks and, in rare instances, how to find an interchangeable toilet tank.
What Are the Types of Toilet Tanks?
The most common toilet tank types are pressure-assisted, dual flush, and gravity tanks, while there are many other types available on the market. Their accessibility, use, and effectiveness are the main factors contributing to their popularity.
Gravity Tank
Because of their exceptional usefulness and efficiency, gravity tanks are among the products that are the most traditional on the market yet are still used in homes today.
Gravity toilet tanks work as their name implies; when the lever is pressed, they use gravity to generate flushing pressure.
In essence, gravity exerts pressure when you pull the lever, which pushes the contents of the toilet bowl down the trap way.
Since gravity tanks have been the most popular for the longest period, finding replacement components for them is often not too difficult. Furthermore, there is a strong probability that you will uncover a gravity tank that is the same model as your current one.
Dual Flush Tank
Dual flush tanks are the most modern and up-to-date tanks on the market.
On the top of the tank lid, there are two flush buttons. One button flushes the solid waste, while the other flushes the liquid waste.
Since it only produces the amount of water required for flushing, this tank is the most efficient in terms of water conservation.
You may find replacement parts for the dual flush tank after some searching. However, you may not find a tank if you need to replace it. Even if you do, you will still have to pay a lot for it because dual flush tanks are an enhanced form of toilet tanks and are certainly pricey.
Pressure-Assisted Tank
Pressure-assisted and gravity tanks are similar in that they both use gravity to flush the contents of the toilet bowl.
The contents of the toilet bowl are forced down the sewer line by the pressure created in the water by gravity.
Tanks with pressure assistance are widely used in industrial applications. They are frequently found in private entities, including hotels, hospitals, and schools.
Again, you can easily acquire replacement parts, but replacing the tank would be a difficult task that would depend on your luck or hard work in obtaining it.
How Do You Know Which Toilet Tank Is Suitable for Your Toilet?
You must get the same model of the toilet tank to make it fit your existing toilet. You may verify it on the toilet’s sales receipt, or if you’ve misplaced it, you can take off the tank lid and look at the bottom to see the model number and name of the company that manufactured the toilet.
There’s a chance that the toilet tank in your home may be blocked with dirt if you’ve owned it for a while. To examine the specifics of your toilet model, you must first clean and remove the filth.
Another option is to look inside the water tank, where you can also find information regarding the model of your toilet tank below the waterline.
Last but not least, even if you have verified the model number, it is a good idea to measure your toilet tank just to be on the safe side.
If you have a customized toilet, you should visit the same company that manufactured it. They must know what to do, and they might even create a second tank that is specially made to match your toilet. If that isn’t an option, your only solution is to replace the toilet entirely.
How Do You Measure Your Toilet Tank?
Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your toilet tank. To ensure accuracy, measure the toilet tank’s length, width, and height. Even better would be to measure the internal parts that make up the toilet tank itself, as these are crucial to its construction as a whole.
Measure the distance from the top of the toilet tank to the bottom first. Next, determine how far the tank cover extends from front to back. Finally, measure the toilet tank’s width from left to right across the entire tank.
Measure the length of the refill tube, the height of the overflow pipe, and the height of the fill valve while measuring the internal parts of the tank.
The fill valve, which is the tallest part of your toilet tank, is the most crucial of all. The tank lid won’t be able to be put off if the new tank you buy doesn’t have enough room for the fill valve to fit inside.
How Do You Get a New Toilet Tank?
Once you know the model of your toilet tank and the company that made it, you may go to them and inquire if they have a tank of a similar model. If your toilet was customized, you might ask the same manufacturer if they can make you a second tank with similar construction as your existing toilet tank.
If you come across a toilet tank that isn’t the same model as your current one but has the same features, don’t buy it!
Even if the measurements are just a bit off from what they should be, they won’t fit your toilet despite having the same features and appearance.
In brief, it is better to replace with the same manufacturer and model, regardless of whether the components are the same because you will simply wind up spending money on something that will not be used. You will be left scratching your head, wondering why the toilet tank is not fitting.
How Do You Get Rid of the Old Toilet Tank?
Turning off the water supply to the toilet is the first step in removing the old toilet tank. After flushing the toilet, completely dry the tank with a sponge. Finally, you can remove the tank by using a wrench to loosen the tank bolts.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get going.
Turn Off the Water Supply
It is important to close the shut-off valve, which is commonly found right behind the toilet bowl, in order to stop the flow of water into the toilet.
Turn it all the way clockwise to stop the water from entering the toilet.
Drain the Tank
Your next task is to empty the toilet tank. To do so, flush the toilet until all the water drains down from the tank to the toilet bowl.
Use a sponge or a hair dryer to dry the toilet and remove any tiny water particles that may still be present in the tank.
Remove the Toilet Tank Bolts
The bolts located beneath the toilet bowl can be loosened with a wrench. If the bolts move, loosen them from inside the tank using a screwdriver.
It is a smart move to use penetrating oil to make it simple to remove the bolts.
Lift the Tank off
Now that the bolts have been removed, you can easily just lift the tank off, and you’re ready to install the new one!
How Do You Install a New Toilet Tank?
Once the old tank has been removed, you must fasten the gasket to the new one, put a rubber washer on each of the tank’s bolts, and then place the tank atop the toilet bowl. The tank’s bolts must then be installed and tightened before you can move on.
To properly install the new toilet tank, stick to following these detailed instructions.
Before you begin, put the tank somewhere safe; do not position it on top of the toilet bowl or you risk cracking it.
Attach the Tank-to-Bowl Gasket
At the bottom of the tank, secure the tank-to-bowl gasket. The gasket that comes with the tank is meant to fit over the hole on the bottom of the tank that is the largest in order to create a seal.
Slide the Rubber Washer Onto Each Bolt
Make sure you place the rubber washer onto each bolt and create a seal before inserting the bolts into the tank. This is done to stop any potential leaks.
Set the Tank
Finally, you can set the tank atop the toilet bowl. To prevent any scratches, make sure to do this lightly and cautiously.
Check the gasket and bolt holes as you install the tank to ensure they line up with the holes in the bowl.
Insert the Bolts
Insert the bolts from the inside of the tank. The rubber washers should be in the tank as you proceed. Lastly, tighten the bolts from underneath the tank.
Tighten them clockwise using a wrench. Ensure that they are secured so firmly that they are no longer easily turned.
Open the Water Supply
You can now turn on the water supply and fill your new tank with water. Check once by flushing to ensure that all of your changes were successful. Your brand-new toilet tank can now operate smoothly.
Conclusion
Although toilet tanks are rarely interchangeable, if your luck shines and you find a new toilet tank of the same model, you have all the detailed instructions on how to remove the old one and replace it here.
If you still haven’t found the replacement tank for your toilet, I recommend that you buy a new toilet instead of wasting time looking for a toilet tank.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.