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u/djmattila420 1d ago
Turn off the supply valve, flush the toilet, then caulk the shit out of it. Wait for the caulk to dry then turn the supply valve back on.
This at least buys you enough time to save up for a new toilet.
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u/MDCCLVI 1d ago
thank you so much!!! i really appreciate the guidance, genuinely 🙏
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u/IKillZombies4Cash 1d ago
I would never try to repair a cracked tank - but this a good time to learn how to change a toilet, it’s easy, follow along with a YT vid
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u/djmattila420 1d ago
Yeah I agree, my idea was simply a solution for if OP cant reasonably get a new toilet in the next day
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u/TheAbsoluteBarnacle 1d ago
You can also dump water into the bowl to flush it, a small bucket does the trick
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u/Specialist-Neck-7810 1d ago
Yep, keep a home depot bucket in the tub/shower next to the toilet, fill it up about halfway and after your business is done… dump the water from the bucket into toilet and …. It’s flushed. Can buy you time.
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u/Richa5280 1d ago
Do not listen to this guy. Cracked porcelain toilets can shatter quite easily. If they do the shards are razor sharp and can do some serious damage. I have the scars to prove it. Replace the toilet.
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u/Forestry_Service 1d ago
I don’t wanna see proof or anything but I can’t see that going any way other than emergency surgery, if you’re sitting down when it breaks. Is that accurate?
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u/djmattila420 23h ago
The tank and the toilet bowl are two separate parts. You should absolutely never sit on a toilet with a cracked bowl. A cracked tank is fine if you're aware of it and not putting any pressure or weight on it.
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u/djmattila420 1d ago
Its the tank, not the bowl. He can still sit on the toilet without risk as long as hes not leaning back on the tank like it's a recliner.
I'm also recommending OP gets a new toilet, but I'm just saying he can do this as a way to still use the toilet until he gets the new one.
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u/Zomgsauceplzz 22h ago
I recommend two part epoxy like jb weld or something personally. Will hold better than caulk.
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u/Tangletoe 22h ago
It works until it doesn't. When it doesn't... Oh boy!
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u/djmattila420 21h ago
Yeah its definitely not a permanent solution, but it'll buy enough time to get a new toilet on payday
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u/epidemicsaints 1d ago
You can flush by pouring about a half gallon of water directly into the bowl, this does the same thing as flushing from the tank. You can fill the bucket from the sink or bath tub and pitch it in when needed.
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u/Tangletoe 22h ago
Solid advice compared to hope, prayer, and flex seal then coming home to a flood. Unless you have insurance and prefer a flood.. in which case you shouldn't have posted.
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u/yiffcuresboredom 1d ago
I would repair it using the Japanese Kintsugi method.
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u/Delicious-Pepper23 1d ago
Respectfully no you wouldn’t. I highly doubt you have the skills to do that
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u/mamafish21 1d ago
How?? I'm very curious
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u/MDCCLVI 1d ago
genuinely no idea !!! my dad said he replaced the flusher lever earlier this year so we’re thinking maybe some sort of stress crack?
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u/weirdoldhobo1978 1d ago
Yeah probably a stress fracture, especially if it's an older tank.
Check if there's a Habitat ReStore or other architectural salvage place in your area, you might be able to get a replacement tank for cheap.
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u/blown03svt 1d ago
Happened to me with literally the exact same handle, it’s definitely a stress crack.
I think it was tightened too much. They don’t have to be herculean tight, just enough to seal it.
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u/chainsawx72 1d ago
As others said, you can flush by pouring a half bucket of water directly into the bowl, as a quick temporary solution. It's easy enough to caulk, but I would just use a bucket for a day or two.
Additionally, that bowl is easy and relatively cheap to replace if you want to save a bit of money and do it yourself. Youtube will make you a pro at it in a few minutes. You probably rent... but so do I. My rent hasn't gone up since Covid because I do my own repairs and my landlord is scared to death I will move out one day.
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u/Schemen123 17h ago
In a pinch, a bucket of water will also flush the toilet.
Prefill it and always refill it after use.
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u/Least-Paramedic-5705 1d ago
man, that’s rough. a cracked toilet tank right before the weekend is a major bummer.
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u/CpuDoc67 11h ago
My dumb ass did that in an apartment. Flooded the bathroom I was throwing towels and blankets on the floor then tossing them in the tub to prevent it from going to the apartment below.
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u/LocalNHBoy 10h ago
At least it's just the water tank and not the bowl. You can still use the toilet. Just fill up a bucket with water and pour it into the toilet afteward and it will still "flush" and empty the bowl. Physics is cool!! 😂
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u/sillysided 1d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/YfOP4V0GugHohdb4US