Is there water pooling at the base of your toilet? This can be a source of great concern. It is often the result of a damaged or worn spud washer. This is the large rubber washer that creates the seal between the tank and the outlet to the toilet bowl. It is sometimes referred to as a tank-to-bowl gasket. 

Leaks can also occur as a result of the rubber washers that are located at the bolts on the underside of the water tank. These washers deteriorate over time. This happens even faster when they are exposed to hard water. The minerals in the water speed up the hardening and deterioration of the washers. 

To repair the water tank, you will need to replace the spud washer or the rubber washers around the tank bolts. 

 

Turn off the water supply and empty the water tank 

Begin by turning off the water supply to the tank. Locate the shutoff valve to the toilet. This is often located below the water tank. Turn the shutoff valve clockwise to turn the water off. Give the toilet a flush to drain the tank of water. A small volume of water will remain in the tank. You can remove the water using a sponge or rag to soak it up. 

 

Unscrew the tank bolts 

You will then need to remove the tank in order to replace the washers. Hold one of the bolt nuts located on the underside of the toilet tank firmly using an adjustable wrench. Loosen the tank bolt from the inside of the tank using a screwdriver. 

Repeat the above process for the second bolt. The toilet tank can then be removed by lifting it off the bowl. You may need a second pair of hands to help you do this safely. 

 

Inspect the rubber gaskets and spud washer 

Lay the tank on its side to expose the bottom of the tank. Remove the bolts and rubber gaskets and inspect them. If they are worn or hard, they will need to be replaced. Old gaskets may stick to the inside or outside of the tank. Use a wire brush to scrape them off the tank. Clean the surfaces to prepare for the placement of the new gaskets. 

Remove the spud washer from the base of the water tank. You can use your hand. However, if it doesn’t budge easily, you will need to use a wrench to turn it. Clean the surface to prepare for the placement of a new spud washer. 

 

Replace the gaskets and spud washer 

Replace the old spud washer with a new one. Tighten the new washer over the spud nut. Replace the old gaskets with new gaskets. Press down to ensure that they are firmly seated. Insert the bolts through the holes on the bottom side of the tank and reinstall the nuts. Use your hands to tighten the bolts until they are snug. 

Replace the tank on the bowl and tighten the bolts and nuts using an adjustable wrench and screwdriver. Fill the tank with water and observe for leaks.