Wax on tank bolts
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11-04-2009, 06:21 PM
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Wax on tank bolts
Several times I have broken down a tank, to replace the douglas valve, replace the tank to bowl gasket, or replace the tank to bowl bolts.
Only to have them (bolts) leak no matter how tight I tighten them. And yes I always use new bolts/rubbers
So I have started smearing wax first on the tank, insert bolt, tighten, and then smear wax all over the head of the bolt. And since doing this, I have never had a drip.
And as far as I know, this is going to keep the bolt from rusting in the future.
Anyone see anything wrong with this? I don't see the wax "melting" away from the bolt due to the temperature of the water, nor it leaving the tank and clogging up any of the holes that are around the rim.
Some of you are going to argue that a properly installed bolt/washer combo will not leak, but my luck is not the greatest sometimes. Even then, is this not a good way to keep the bolts from rusting?
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11-04-2009, 10:49 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
by rights, the tanks bolts are suppose to be non corrosive. typically brass.
in the thousands and thousands of toilets i've installed, i can't remember ever using wax to seal/ lubricate a tank bolt.
but then again i use wax for c/o plugs and compression angle stops to lube the threads.
rick.
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11-04-2009, 11:11 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
I have 2 totos in My home. I had to use rector seal on one to stop the weeking. Yes I dried and sanded the tank
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11-05-2009, 05:31 AM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
Quote:
Originally Posted by toolaholic
I have 2 totos in My home. I had to use rector seal on one to stop the weeking. Yes I dried and sanded the tank
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Not too long ago I had the same problem with a Toto Drake. I have installed hundreds of Toto's but this one kept leaking. I replaced the tank and it still had a small leak that took two days to develop. I ended up using pipe dope on the rubber washer.
I called Toto technical service and they were pretty much worthless. They gave me the old, "sand the tank with emery cloth" line, like I didn't already know that.
In the end I felt that the tank bolt holes did not align with the bowl holes causing the bolt to seat at a angle.
Some tanks are made in Vietnam and others in Mexico.
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11-05-2009, 07:01 AM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
Now I wonder , if it happens ,wax or rector seal ?
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11-05-2009, 04:08 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
First off the tank to bowl bolts are always brass in Canada...so no rusting issue. I had a few tanks leak after installation that I coud never get to stop leaking (the ceramic was not a perfectly flat surface and the rubber could not take up that uneven surface...yes I know I should have just brought the new toilets back). Instead I just used a bit of PREMIUM silicone and problem solved. Now I ALWAYS use a bit of premium silicone on the rubber seals and bolts and NEVER have any leak issues period! I don't fight it anymore...especially with these toilets coming from China and other countries with low or non existent quality control.  |
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11-05-2009, 04:54 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
I was surprised to see how many toliet parts are now only brass plated just because they are brass colored does not mean they are solid brass.
The package has to say solid brass otherwise you never know. 
My supply house does not even stock them anymore just the cheap-o plated ones
I order solid brass for about 3 times the cost of plated cheap-o's. |
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11-05-2009, 05:01 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
I use solid brass bolts from Wolverine Brass. They come with 2 extra nuts, washers, and gaskets. I through bolt the close couple bolts to the tank, and use the extra nuts and washers to secure the tank to the bowl. Have never had a leak that way. Less chance of cracking a tank, also. You only have to snug the tank enough to secure it, you dont have to compress the washers and put stress on the tank, and bowl.
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11-05-2009, 05:55 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
Quote:
Originally Posted by RealLivePlumber
I use solid brass bolts from Wolverine Brass. They come with 2 extra nuts, washers, and gaskets. I through bolt the close couple bolts to the tank, and use the extra nuts and washers to secure the tank to the bowl. Have never had a leak that way. Less chance of cracking a tank, also. You only have to snug the tank enough to secure it, you dont have to compress the washers and put stress on the tank, and bowl.
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Me too I never get a leak doing it this way.
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11-05-2009, 06:07 PM
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Re: Wax on tank bolts
I honestly don't have much problem with tank leaks on new installs.
I do hit the bolts with a little MegaLoc for me or the next guy.
Toto can suck it. Not gonna' "sand a tank with emery cloth". Yeah, that's been real necessary all of these years.
J.C.
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