How do you take the tank off a toilet?

Taking the tank off a toilet is a straightforward process that most homeowners can tackle themselves. The key steps involve shutting off the water supply, flushing to empty the tank, disconnecting the water supply line, removing tank bolts, lifting off the tank, and setting it aside. Care should be taken not to damage the wax ring seal when removing the tank. With some basic tools and caution, you can remove a toilet tank successfully.

Why Would You Need to Remove the Toilet Tank?

There are a few common reasons why you may need to remove the toilet tank:

• To replace a broken or faulty toilet tank component like the flapper valve or fill valve
• To fully clean the toilet tank and bowl
• To replace the toilet tank itself due to cracks or leaks
• To change the style or color of the toilet tank
• To replace the wax ring seal between the tank and bowl

Removing the tank gives you full access to inspect, repair, or replace any part of the tank, while also allowing more thorough cleaning. Replacing just a single component like the flapper is possible without removing the tank, but taking the tank off gives more room to work.

Prep Work Before Removing the Toilet Tank

Before starting to remove the toilet tank, there are a few steps to take:

1. Turn off the shutoff valve behind the toilet to disconnect the water supply. This valve is usually found on the wall or floor behind the toilet bowl.
2. Flush the toilet to empty out as much water as possible from the tank and bowl.
3. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank or bowl.
4. Place towels around the toilet base to catch any drips or spills.
5. Have a bucket ready to set the tank on once removed.
6. Make sure you have the necessary tools – usually a Philips screwdriver, adjustable wrench, putty knife, and replacement wax seal.

Taking these preparatory steps will make removing the tank go smoothly and prevent water from spilling out.

Disconnect the Water Supply Line

With the water shut off and tank empty, the next step is to disconnect the supply line that runs from the shutoff valve to the toilet fill valve:

• Locate the flexible water supply line on the bottom of the tank. This brings water from the home’s plumbing into the toilet.
• Loosen the coupling nut that connects the supply line using an adjustable wrench. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
• Once detached, set the supply line aside. Have a towel ready to catch a few drips.

The toilet tank can now be safely separated from the water supply. Take care not to kink or damage the supply line while disconnecting it.

Remove Bolts Securing Tank to Bowl

With the water line detached, the tank is held in place by two large bolts – typically made of brass or plastic – on either side:

• Locate the two tank bolts and use a Philips screwdriver to remove the nuts holding them in place.
• Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. Once unthreaded, set them aside with the bolts.
• The bolts can then be slid up and out of the holes on the tank sides.

Removing the nuts and bolts frees up the tank to be lifted off the bowl. Be sure to keep track of the tank bolts and nuts for reassembly later.

Lift the Tank Off the Bowl

With the tank bolts detached, you can now lift the tank off the toilet bowl:

• Grip the tank on opposite sides and gently begin lifting it straight up.
• As you lift, the tank will separate from the bowl. Take care not to let it tilt or fall.
• Lift slowly and watch for any caught fittings. Give a slight wiggle if needed to fully separate.
• Continue lifting the tank until it is fully clear of the bowl and set it upside down on your prepared surface.

Be very careful when initially lifting the tank, as it will still contain some water and will be heavy. Use good lifting technique to avoid back strain.

Inspect Wax Ring Seal

Once the tank is off, also take the chance to check the wax ring seal between the tank and bowl:

• Look at the bottom of the tank where it was seated on the bowl.
• Make sure the wax ring seal is still intact and has not been shifted or damaged.
• If the seal is damaged, you will need to fully remove it and replace it with a new wax ring.

The wax ring provides the watertight seal between tank and bowl, so this is an important part to verify when the tank is off.

Make Repairs or Replacements

With the toilet tank removed, you can now access all internal components and complete your intended task:

• Replace flapper valve or fill valve
• Clean out calcium/lime buildup
• Replace cracked or leaky tank
• Change style of toilet tank
• Replace wax ring seal
• Inspect fittings and bolts

Take your time and be methodical to ensure parts are replaced properly and everything is working correctly. Refer to manufacturer instructions for any new parts.

Reinstall Toilet Tank

Once repairs or replacements are complete, it’s time to put the toilet tank back on:

1. Set new wax ring seal in place on bowl outlet (if replacing).
2. Align tank over bowl, orienting properly.
3. Slowly lower tank straight down onto the bowl/seal.
4. Reinsert rubber washers and metal bolts into side holes.
5. Thread nuts back onto bolts and tighten down.
6. Reconnect water supply line and tighten coupling nut.

When lowering the tank, go very slowly to ensure the wax ring compresses evenly and makes a tight seal. With the tank secured, reconnect the components and you are done!

Turn Water On and Test for Leaks

The final step is very important to check your work:

• Turn shutoff valve back on to restore water supply to the toilet.
• Fill tank and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes, refilling as needed.
• Check toilet base, connections, and fittings for any drips or leaks.
• If leaks are detected, tighten connections or redo any seals.
• Perform a final flush test and look for problems.

Take the time to fully test out the toilet and verify no leaks are present before using regularly again. Also check that the fill valve, flapper, and all toilet components are functioning properly after your work.

Conclusion

Removing a toilet tank is a straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can tackle with some patience and care. Following proper precautions like turning off water supply, emptying the tank, and disconnecting supply lines allows the tank to be safely detached. Be sure to inspect the wax ring seal and replace if damaged. Reinstallation is the reverse process by lowering the tank onto a new seal, securing with bolts, and reconnecting water. Test thoroughly for leaks before using the toilet again. With the right preparation and care, you can detach and reinstall a toilet tank successfully.