Toilets play an important role in any household, even though we don’t give much thought to these appliances. You use them daily, forget they are there, and even take them for granted. That is, until something goes wrong, at which point your toilet will be the source of a great deal of stress. One toilet-related issue you are probably familiar with is a faulty, broken, or leaking toilet tank.
The tank or cistern is one of the most important components of your toilet as it’s responsible for overall flushing power. You essentially have a non-functional toilet if the tank doesn’t work properly. While purchasing a whole new toilet is a viable option, it makes more sense to replace the tank, especially if you are certain that’s the source of the problem.
One of the most important considerations you must make before you replace a toilet tank is an interchangeability. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal standard for toilet tanks. You have to make a well-informed decision, or you’ll end up with a non-functioning unit. Below is a comprehensive overview of the compatibility of toilet tanks and bowls that answers the question; do all toilet tanks fit all bowls?
Table of Contents
Can You Mix and Match Toilet Tanks and Bowls?
The short answer is yes. However, it is generally not recommendable, and there are caveats. If some conditions are met, mixing and matching toilet tanks and bowls is possible. You can purchase a new cistern and fit it on your old toilet. However, not all toilet tanks fit all bowls.
A toilet tank has to be compatible with the bowl for the unit to function properly. For the best outcome, you should opt for replacement components from the same manufacturer suited to your toilet model. Nonetheless, you can interchange toilet tanks depending on several factors, including the brand, type of flushing mechanism, toilet design, and dimensions.
Note that it’s important to ensure that replacing the tank is worth it in the first place. Inspecting the rest of the unit and checking if all the other parts are in good working order is advisable. If there are multiple faulty components, purchasing a new one may be more cost-effective.
Factors That Determine Toilet Tank and Bowl Compatibility
1. Flushing Mechanism
Toilet tanks have different flushing mechanisms depending on the type. If considering replacing your cistern, you must choose one that matches your toilet type. Fitting the wrong cistern can damage your plumbing or lead to an unflushable unit. There are three main types of toilet tanks – gravity, pressure-assisted, and dual flush tanks.
The most commonly installed toilet tanks in residential homes use a gravity flushing mechanism. These tanks feature a lever on the front of the cistern that you use to flush. Gravity tanks have two holes on the bottom. One connects to your toilet bowl, while the other connects to the water intake pipe.
In principle, dual flush tanks function almost similarly to gravity tanks. As such, it is sometimes possible to interchange standard gravity tanks with dual flush tanks. The advantage of dual flush tanks is energy efficiency.
This type of toilet features two buttons instead of a single lever. You push a separate button depending on whether you are flushing liquid or solid waste. This way, you can save water on liquid waste and still have sufficient flushing power for solid waste.
Pressure-assisted tanks are slightly more complex, even though they may resemble gravity tanks. You typically install these toilets in basements and other spaces below sewer lines. Water must be pushed up since it can’t flow downwards to the sewer. This is where the pressure-assistance tool that goes inside the tank comes in. As you can probably tell, installing a gravity tank onto a pressure-assisted toilet would be a terrible idea.
2. Manufacturer/Brand
Different manufacturers and brands provide a range of options when it comes to toilet cisterns. Using a new toilet tank from a different toilet manufacturer is possible. However, it’s highly advisable to replace a faulty tank with one from the same manufacturer to avoid issues with the unit’s functionality.
Most brands provide warnings about interchanging tanks and bowls, even though it’s possible. Each manufacturer uses different components and design processes for their models. As such, you shouldn’t be surprised if your replacement is not functioning properly after installation.
If you have to mix and match, there are some important considerations to make. Many homeowners have purchased tanks from different brands without looking into aspects such as type, size, and fittings. Toilet manufacturers use different measurements, sizes, and materials for their products.
Check the brand name, make, and model/serial number to be on the safe side of compatibility. If you still have your instructional manual or purchase receipt, you will find this information included therein. If not, check under your cistern’s lid or inside the tank. With the serial/model number, you can order the right tank replacement.
3. Tank and Bowl Dimensions
Unfortunately, toilet cisterns don’t have a standard size. Toilet tank sizes will vary depending on the toilet type and the bowl size. Different manufacturers and brands will typically implement different standardizations for their line-ups.
If you aren’t sure of your toilet model, you should measure your unit’s dimensions. Toilet cisterns range in length from 15 to 20 inches. It’s also important to measure the width and depth of the tank to help determine if it can match your bowl size-wise. Toilet tanks are sized in proportion to the bowl.
Large bowls will have a larger tank since they need more power and water to flush. The reverse is also true. As such, you should rush to purchase just any tank without considering the size of the toilet itself. If your toilet tank and bowl have the same dimensions and are the same type, they should be compatible.
If you purchase a wrong-sized tank, you will not only struggle with installation but may also have insufficient flushing power and plumbing. Again, it’s best to determine the model number to ensure a perfect fit. You can then visit your local hardware store, which will advise you on the best options.
4. Tank-to-Bowl Bolt Size and Position
The positioning and size of tank bolts and bowl bolt holes are not universal. Each manufacturer may also use different tank-to-bowl bolts for their units. The problem is they determine if you can properly secure the tank on the bowl, to begin with.
The most commonly used toilet tank bolts measure approximately ¼ inch and 5/16 inch in diameter. Before replacing your toilet tank, ensure that the tank-to-bowl bolts will fit securely onto the bowl. The bolt-hole layout and position of the spud gasket must match the new tank and your current bowl.
Similarly sized toilets usually use the same sized tank-to-bowl bolts and layout. A useful tip is to remove one of the bolts on your current toilet and take it to the hardware store when buying a new tank. If you’re purchasing the tank online, you can measure the bolt thread’s length and the bold head’s diameter.
5. Age of the Model
While the basic design and functionality of toilets haven’t changed much over the years, the technology changes with each new launch. Toilet manufacturers keep updating and improving their designs, flushing technologies, and systems to increase their efficiency or appeal. With newer technologies being unveiled regularly, it is highly likely that a newer model tank won’t match your toilet if it’s a considerably old model.
Manufacturers consider -obsolesce when developing new units and may provide options that can work with older models. However, it is not common for brands to offer universal options that are compatible will very old models. The more improvements a brand makes to its models, the less likely you are to find a replacement that matches your current unit. If your toilet is pushing a decade or more agewise, chances are you will have to replace the toilet entirely.
6. Toilet Design
Toilet Design
In terms of design, there are two 2 types of toilets – one-piece as well as a two-piece. One-piece toilets are constructed out of a single continuous piece of porcelain. The tank and bowl form one fused unit. You may have to replace the entire unit if you encounter a fault in your one-piece model.
With two-piece toilets, the cistern and bowl are separate, connected by a junction featuring a rubber gasket and set of bolts. Two-piece toilets allow you to replace the tank in case of a problem.
Conclusion Do All Toilet Tanks Fit All Bowls?:
Replacing a faulty toilet tank can be a hassle. However, if the rest of your unit functions fine, it is a great investment. However, toilet tanks and bowls are not standardized or universal, and as such, not all toilet tanks fit all bowls. Whether or not you can mix and match your tank and bowl will depend on various factors, including the type of toilet, flushing mechanism, the toilet manufacturer and model, toilet dimensions, and fittings.
You must carefully consider these factors or end up with a non-functioning toilet.
Most manufacturers and plumbing experts wouldn’t recommend interchanging toilet tanks and bowls, even though it’s sometimes possible. The ideal option is to purchase replacement units for the same model from the same manufacturer. You can always consult a plumber for guidance or advice if you aren’t sure where to start.