Finding a crack in your toilet is extremely stressful. Even if it’s not leaking, it’s a promise of future problems. POM Plumbing is here to help answer some of your questions about what to do if this happens to you. Here’s how you can repair a cracked toilet.
How Big Is the Crack
The first step is figuring out if this crack is one that can be fixed or not. Finding the answer is simple: Is the crack leaking? If the answer is yes, your crack is too big to be repaired. A crack that goes all the way through the toilet bowl or tank will not be fixed by patching it. Patching it will only serve as a bandaid. This may be enough if you just need some more time to arrange for the fixture to be replaced. However, you can’t rely on this patch for long if the crack is big enough to leak water.
If the crack isn’t leaking at all, it’s probably just superficial. These cracks can be caused internally during manufacturing and may only appear on the surface of the toilet after years of use. Patching small cracks like this is a perfectly fine long-term solution. It will cover the crack back up and discourage growth, putting your toilet right back into the state it was in before the crack surfaced.
Repairing the Crack
If your toilet is cracked in a spot that isn’t usually underwater (e.g. up by the rim), you may not need to repair it at all. If the crack is only hairline, you can simply monitor it to make sure it’s not growing. However, if the crack is below the waterline, you’ll need to patch it with waterproof epoxy.
Cracks on the exterior of the bowl may not appear to go all the way through, but the shape of a toilet bowl can make it difficult to see very small cracks – especially if they’re underwater. If there’s any leakage or moisture around the exterior crack, either replace the toilet, or attempt to patch both sides.
Pushing the water in the toilet bowl down can be done with a plunger or toilet brush. Repeatedly shove downward and it will push water down the drain, giving you a dryer area to work with.
If your interior crack is visible and doesn’t go all the way through, patching it with waterproof epoxy will prevent water from getting into the crack and widening it.
If the crack is on the exterior and showing signs of moisture getting through, a temporary patch can be used. Apply your waterproof epoxy on the interior of the toilet bowl about where you think the crack would be. Even if you can’t see the interior side of the crack, this is more likely to help than doing nothing. Plus, this patch should be temporary, so it’s okay if it’s not perfect. The end goal with any leaking crack should be fixture replacement.
FAQ about How to Repair a Cracked Toilet
The severity and location of the crack will determine if the toilet can be repaired or not. In some cases, a simple repair may suffice, but if the crack is significant or near critical components, such as the bowl or tank, it may need to be replaced entirely.
The longevity of a repaired cracked toilet will depend on the quality of the repair and the severity of the crack. A professional repair using durable materials can extend the life of the toilet for several years, but eventually, the toilet will need to be replaced.
Yes, a cracked toilet can leak water and cause significant damage to your business. It’s crucial to have the toilet repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage or health hazards.
Toilet cracks can be caused by various reasons, including improper installation, age, impact or trauma, and exposure to chemicals or hard water.
