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the elephant wrote: Question: for how long do I need to be checking for leaks at the tank gasket? Will I have to let it "seat" and then retighten (seems to be the wrong type of material for that) or will overnight do it or what? HELP!

I had the same problem. The gasket never fully compressed and the tanky was continuously wobbly. I broke down and went to the hardware store where they did not have a gasket comparable. At the urging of the clerk, I visited an "adult" store down the street. I found a perfect rubber gasket ring for the tank. I'd rather not describe what this ring is used for, but it saved the day on the toilet.

On the package kit you bought, there may be labeling that gives the actual maker and number. This would come in helpful because using my cooley parts look up I could tell you how hard the ring is (which would give us an idea of how much it will compress?)

On mine, and all that I can remember, there are little tits that stick out on the bottom of the tank to control how far the ring can be compressed. I just keep tightening until the tank meets the bowl which compresses the ring a bunch. I've never broken one this way. I hate wobbly toilet anythings. A toilet seat needs to be substantial enough to accomodate bloke's brother in law.

.........veteran of many toilet wars.........

the elephant wrote:I just finished gutting and replacing all the hardware in my toilet in the small bathroom. (Fluidmaster W49AK kit - flush valve, fill valve, flapper, gasket from tank to bowl, flush handle, hardware)

The freaking tank wobbles because the rubber tank gasket is too thick and cannot be safely trimmed.

Question: for how long do I need to be checking for leaks at the tank gasket? Will I have to let it "seat" and then retighten (seems to be the wrong type of material for that) or will overnight do it or what? HELP!

The Fluidmaster stuff is intended as an approximate fit to accommodate as many different toilets as possible. The gasket between the tank and the bowl is manufacturer-specific, and the aftermarket gaskets usually don't work very well. I would try to find a direct replacement from the manufacturer, if you can identify who that is.

Don't overtighten the bolts. Ceramic is brittle.

Rick "who has rarely ever had to replace that gasket on even ancient toilets" Denney

I just replaced the tank gasket on one of my toilets. There are three in this house and apparently they all use the 'generic' gasket because the ordinary gaskets that ACE Hardware sells has always worked for me. On my last trip, the sales guy made sure I wasn't working on a Kohler, though.

I guess I've been lucky since there seem to be many different types of gaskets:

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/tank_gaskets.html

(never crossed my mind to use one as a sex toy! )

bloke wrote:

What about Loose Pickpockets?

I have had to buy a set of three new screws (with neoprene washers) to get the correct gasket compression. The neoprene washers for the screws help to cushion the ceramic tank, distributing the pressure to avoid cracking the ceramic tank. I do the final tightening with a level across the top of the tank, checking both directions.

time to replace the whole thing, pachy...







I can't believe no one beat me to this...

bloke wrote:..... Don't decide to change the gasket when your wife has diarrhea....

C'mon, Joe! I KNOW you've got more than one pot down there in 'Bloke Patch'!

Rather than too few pots, the problem might be too many women. Joe might be holding out on us.