Sponge Washer - Toilette Tank

[Chris]

Hello,

I'm painting my bathroom (1 sink, 1 toilette). I removed the tank from the toilette so that I can properly paint behind the toilette. Before I removed the tank, I Googled and read that I should pick up a Toilette Repair Kit. So, before I removed the tank, I picked up the kit.

According to the article that I read, it said that I should replace the hardware (two screws, rubber washers and the sponge washer).

Is it necessary that I replace the sponge washer? The existing washer appears to be much bigger than the one in the repair kit. It appears to be in good shape.

Thanks,

[Joe]

You must have picked the wrong size kit. Makes sense to try a reinstallation of the old one and if you're lucky you'll be all done. If it diesn't seal well, don't compensate by overtightening the hold down bolts - too much of a chance to crack the porcelain. Take it back apart and take the old gasket to the store to compare to available parts. If the box store doesn't have the correct size, try Ace Hardware or a plumbing supply house. Good luck.

Joe

[Chris]

Thanks Joe for the advice. I'll go back and see if I can find one that is similar. Not sure if it matters, but I bought this kit from Kent hardware store. The kit is "MOEN M5890 Tank Seal Kit".

Again, thanks.

[Michael B]

Stop. Hold everything. I propose that there are not enough parts in your repair kit.

There are two ways to replace that tank.

The right way, and the way it's d> Hello,

[Chris]

The kit comes with 2 bolts, 2 hex nuts, 1 spud washer, 1 sponge washer, 2 wing nuts, 4 rubber washers, 4 brass washers. The original bolts appear to be in good condition.

The original bolts have a rubber washer that goes on the inside of the tank. On the underside of the tank there are two plastic wing nuts. Then the bolts pass through the bowl part of the toilette and are secured with another set of plastic wing nuts. I'm assuming plastic is good since that will not rust?

I think I may have the wrong kit after all. The kit is made by Moen and my toilette is a Gerber. When I lifted the tank off the bowl and looked under it, I was surprised that the sponge washer was much bigger. The diameter appears to be about the same. The depth of the original washer is deeper/longer than the one that is in the kit. Now that I know what the original one looks like, I can go back and see if I can find a comparable one I guess.