Are Toilet Tanks Universal

Owning a home comes with a few minor stresses. One of the many areas that a homeowner should concern themselves with is the plumbing of the home. For the most part, plumbing maintains itself. However, you might experience a clog or other issue pertaining to your plumbing system. Also, in some cases, a toilet tank will end up needing some form of repair. Once you have replaced all of the parts inside a toilet tank, you will want to keep an eye on its longevity. In some cases, an older toilet tank could end up cracking at the tank. Are toilet tanks universal? In some cases, they are universal. However, most manufacturers want you to purchase their products.

Let’s take a look below at what a universal tank could be and whether is it even an option.

What Type Of Toilet Do I Have

Believe it or not, there are a variety of toilet tank options. Most homeowners assume that one tank fits all. However, there are a couple of tanks to choose from. Let’s take a look below at what those tank choices are.

• Dual flush toilet – this toilet has a two-button mechanism in the tank. You can push one button for less water to flow through and clean the bowl’s items. The other button is to flush a bigger amount of waste from the toilet bowl.
• Gravity toilet – this type of toilet is the most frequent toilet in a home today. Gravity uses water from the bowl to flush the waste down the plumbing system and into the city sewer system.
• Pressure-assisted toilet – the flushing mechanism flushes your water down the pipe and into the bowl, and then through the sewer.

What Do I Need To Know

Knowing certain things regarding your toilet tank will assist you in replacing a damaged tank. If you have a measuring tape, paper, and pen, you can calculate what your replacement toilet tank should be. The parts of the tank that you need measurements for are:

• Length
• Width
• Depth

Once you have the above-mentioned tank measurements, you will know which new tank to purchase as a replacement. Always ensure that you understand the pipes and the fixtures that you need to make a new tank fit the toilet bowl. Make sure that you know the tank bolt size and hole size for connecting the new tank. There is usually a standard bolt size of 1/4th of an inch.

How Do I Replace The Tank

If you are looking to replace a toilet tank, it is recommended that you follow the steps below:

1. Shut off the water – always turn off the water supply when working to replace any item related to plumbing.
2. Drain the tank – flush the toilet tank so that the water drains out of the tank. Whatever water does not make it into the toilet bowl, use a towel to soak up the excess water.
3. Remove the tank – at this point, you can begin to disconnect the toilet tank from the toilet bowl.
4. Remove the bolts – after you have worked to remove the toilet tank from the metal pipe, you can begin to disconnect the stability bolts that lock the toilet tank in place.
5. Remove the tank – once everything has been disconnected, you can remove the tank from the bowl.
6. Replace old parts – replace the old bolts and rubber gaskets with new ones on the new toilet tank.
7. Installation – Install the new toilet tank and connect it to the toilet bowl.
8. Tighten the bolts – make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened a seal has been created so that no water leaks.
9. Add new parts – install the new valve replacement part, chain, rubber stopper, and flush handle to the new tank.
10. Check it all – make sure that the tank flows smoothly and properly with the new parts.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you have an understanding of what is involved with a toilet tank replacement, it is a good idea to understand other plumbing issues that might arise. If you happen to own an older home, the plumbing issues could be a bit more complex. Knowing what happens to the plumbing in an older home is definitely important. Make sure to study up on the plumbing system in your home.

Next, while you are working on the new toilet tank replacement, you might want to upgrade your bathroom flooring. This might be a great time to remove the toilet bowl and the toilet tank at the same time so that you can install the new bathroom floor tile. Installing tiles before you place the toilet bowl and new tank back on the flange is a great idea. This can ensure that the tile cuts are blended under the toilet bowl and create a clean-looking set of lines.

Lastly, if you only focus on your plumbing systems, you will likely be very unhappy with future system malfunctions. As a homeowner, it is your duty to ensure that all systems are working properly. Home maintenance is key here and one of the big items that homeowners need to keep an eye on is the HVAC system. Always make sure that the HVAC system is maintained and working properly.

When Do I Call A Professional

The moment that you realize replacing a toilet tank is not going to be possible, is when you need to reach out to a professional plumber. Hiring a master plumber can save you the stress of making sure that you have purchased the correct replacement toilet tank and have the tools to replace the old tank. It is always in the homeowner’s best interest to reach out to a professional. When it comes to the plumbing system, you do not want to make an incorrect repair or replacement. If you aren’t sure who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect your plumbing system and recommend a reputable master plumber.

Conclusion

Homeowners that need assistance with home maintenance are typically just too busy or lack the tools and equipment to complete a project. If you need to replace a toilet tank or whole toilet system, it is a great idea to call on your local home inspection team. Not only can they recommend a reputable plumbing contractor, but they can also determine if your plumbing system needs more than just a toilet tank replacement. Call on Liberty Inspections to inspect your plumbing system during a home inspection in the Western, KY, Fort Campbell, KY, and Middle Tennessee areas.