Factoring in the importance of the modern toilet with the increased possibility of an astronomical water bill, even the slightest malfunction in the plumbing system becomes what could be a total nightmare.
Taking it one step at a time, it’s best to start with the most realistic scenarios. Believe it or not, a cracked tank rates right up there on that list. One doesn’t need to be a professional plumber to start imagining the nightmarish results of a cracked tank. Increased water consumption is just one of the many potentials.
Can a toilet tank crack on its own? It is hardly doubtful because the porcelain and ceramic utilized in the construction of toilets are highly durable. It would take moderate impact, abnormally low or high temperatures, or another bazaar factor to crack a toilet tank.
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Toilet Tank Construction
Regular wear and tear aside, most homeowners find themselves asking, “Will my toilet tank eventually crack?” Even the sturdiest of materials will eventually give out under repeated use.
As far as design goes, there are hundreds of options. Despite this, 99% of them are constructed of porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain, also known as Vitreous China, is one of the sturdiest and most durable materials on earth. Only a small percentage of toilets and tanks are designed of steel, but these are only generally found in prisons, public rest areas, government entities, and commercial facilities.
Why Do Toilets Have A Porcelain Construction?
Besides being a highly durable material, porcelain is resistant to water. In addition to these benefits, start, porcelain is easily shaped and economically feasible.
Porcelain is a non-porous material that does not soak up moisture, water, dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. This alone makes it a more sanitary option than other similar materials.
To tie all these attributes together, porcelain offers an attractive, shiny, and inviting finish.
Tightening Bolts
A toilet tank can crack for a handful of reasons, but the most common is the fact that people have tightened the bolts too much. Many people mistakenly believe that bolts and nuts should be tightened to the maximum level. Although this is good in certain circumstances, it isn’t always the case. Instead, you may only need to hand-tighten the bolts to prevent leaks.
When working on a toilet, you should never tighten the bolts too much because this could cause the tank to crack. Use just enough force to stop leaks and hold the components in place. If the tank cracks, it will likely have to be replaced so you don’t want this to happen.
Aging
Unfortunately, no appliance is going to last forever. At some point, components are going to wear out and break down. Once this happens, there is little you can do to reverse the problem. The material is going to wear thin. Although it doesn’t happen often, your toilet tank could crack due to age. As the toilet gets older, the material will be more likely to develop cracks.
When you begin cleaning your bathroom, check the toilet carefully for signs of problems. If you notice any slight cracks, it would be wise to replace the toilet. Otherwise, you’re going to have to clean up a nasty spill soon.
Impact And Blunt Force
When you try to install a new toilet, there is always a risk that something bad is going to happen. Even if you work cautiously, problems can occur. Therefore, you should try to prepare for all possible problems. During the installation of the toilet, the bowl will be installed first. Then, the tank will be placed on top of the bowl before being bolted.
Toilet tanks are heavy so they might be hard to handle. Plus, they’re awkward and have to be placed correctly on the bowl. If the tank slips out of your hands, you’re likely going to drop it. Once it hits the ground, it could develop a crack. You also have to worry about dropping items on the toilet.
If you’re changing a light bulb in your bathroom, you may use a ladder. The ladder could fall and hit the toilet tank causing a crack. You might even drop a bucket of pain on the back of the tank. Anything is possible.
Avoiding Cracks
When you begin working on your toilet, you need to take steps to avoid possible cracks. Although the material is tough, it will still crack when exposed to substantial pressure. For instance, there is a possibility that the homeowner is going to over-tighten one of the bolts. Unfortunately, this could cause a crack in the surface of the toilet tank.
To prevent such issues, be sure to work carefully and precisely. Do not apply too much force to the bolts. Furthermore, you should avoid crashing into the toilet or letting your ladder fall on it. Finally, make sure that you get help when lifting the toilet tank and placing it on the bowl. If you drop the tank, it is likely going to break.
Repairing Cracks
Depending on the severity of the crack, you may be able to repair the problem temporarily. You should try using ceramic glue or super glue to seal the crack. These products may be strong enough to hold the toilet for a while and prevent leaks.
Nevertheless, it is best to replace a cracked toilet right away because the crack is only going to worsen with time.
Can A Toilet Tank Crack On Its Own? – Summary
Toilet tanks tend to be very tough and rugged. They’re made of strong, thick ceramic so it is hard for them to crack on their own. Nevertheless, there is always a chance that something is going to happen that will cause the tank to develop a small crack. Still, the chances are slim that your toilet tank is going to crack out of the blue.
Instead, there is a higher possibility that you did something to damage the toilet tank. If the tank is cracked, it is pertinent to replace it immediately. Otherwise, the old tank will begin leaking water.