Find the best solutions for your problems
Locknuts are integral areas of the toilet tank where the water supply hose attaches. How to remove plastic nut from toilet tank, it is very important to get rid of all the water in the tank. Once you’ve drained all the water, you’ll need some special equipment to screw off the nut. While this isn’t a very difficult task, you do need to follow a certain procedure.
Know how to remove plastic nut from toilet tank
This involves a simple procedure. You have to empty the tank of water and then remove the nuts with the help of certain equipment. Get yourself a good-quality plier, a heating torch, and an adjustable wrench.
Turn off the water supply
To remove plastic nuts from the toilet tank, you first need to turn off the water supply to the tank. This can be done through the water supply valve that brings all the water to your tank. This valve is located on the wall and the water supply can be shut by simply turning the valve to the right. This will turn off the water supply.
Drain the toilet by siphoning
Another way to drain the water in the toilet is by siphoning. However, this may not be the cleanest way to accomplish this task. You would require a flexible hose and some safety equipment like rubber gloves. Follow the essential steps:
Step 1: fill water in the hose
It is quite easy to fill water in the hose. You could block both ends of the short hose with your fingers and ensure that the water inside the hose doesn’t flow out. It is essential to ensure that no water gets out. Otherwise, the hose will be filled with air and the siphon will break.
Step 2: put one end into the toilet bowl
You must keep both ends of the hose blocked and position one of the ends into the toilet bowl. In case you are emptying the toilet tank, you’ll need to put the end in that.
Step 3: put another end in the bucket
As you’ve kept the other end blocked throughout, water will start draining out of the hose when it is placed inside an empty bucket.
Lift the lid
Your next step would be to lift the lid of the toilet tank. You can take off the lid and keep it aside. Once this is done, you only have to flush the toilet to drain its tank. You must keep flushing until all the water in the toilet is out. In case any water remains, it can be soaked up with a sponge or a towel.
Locate the lock nut
Next, you need to place another towel on the floor underneath the tank. A plastic piece connects the water supply hose with the lower part of the toilet tank. This plastic piece needs to be unscrewed. Now it is possible to locate the nut.
Know what you are looking for. The nut is large in size and made out of plastic. It would be situated above the connection point for the coupling.
Use your equipment
You can remove the plastic nut by turning it around with the help of certain tools. You need to turn it in a clockwise direction. you can utilize an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, or even a spud wrench to remove the nut.
Know what to do when the lock nut is stuck
If you have followed the above-mentioned steps and the locknut still doesn’t come out, you will have to employ some other means.
Lubricate the nut
One effective way of removing the locknut is by adequately lubricating it. Proper lubrication will make it easier to remove it. You don’t need any advanced means of lubrication. A simple rag or towel made wet with hot water would be sufficient.
Utilize proper tools
You may need the help of proper tools to effectively remove your plastic locknut. A basin wrench, pipe wrench, or strap wrench can be adequately utilized for this purpose.
Use pliers
If the lubrication and the tools don’t aid you in removing the locknut, you must employ regular pliers. We have explained a step-by-step procedure through which you can utilize these pliers.
Step 1: Open the pliers
The pliers can only be utilized in a wide setting. Carefully open the pliers a wider distance than the plastic lock nut you are aiming at.
Step 2: hold the pliers against the nut
Keep holding the pliers in an open position and approach the lock nut from the bottom. The pliers must be tightly held against the nut. Note that you must not approach the nut from a sideways position.
Step 3: rotate the pliers
Rotate the pliers with the help of both hands and take the nut out.
Know what to do when the screws are rusted
At times, you may come across a situation where you cannot remove the lock nuts because the attached screws are rusted. In such a case, there always lies a chance of fracturing the locknuts. Although, we’ll help you get past this situation as well.
Apply lubricating oil
A rusted lock nut might pose more hassle in its removal. It is suggested that you apply a good lubricating oil before attempting the removal. The WD-40 lubricating oil is recommended. A well-lubricated nut would become loose in no time. You can then remove it with the help of a plier or wrench.
Heat the corroded nut
It is always suggested that you adequately lubricate the corroded nut in the attempt to remove it. However, this method doesn’t work all the time. Sometimes, you’ll need to apply sufficient heat to remove the corroded nut. The heat may be supplied through a torch or through a towel wet with hot water. In any case, you must not cut or grind the nut as this might break it.
Know what to do when the lock nut is stuck under the toilet
It could be very difficult to remove a lock nut that is stuck under the toilet. The best way of removal is to cut it down. However, the use of a cutting saw is not recommended. The suggested way is to heat and meltdown the plastic nut. This can be easily accomplished with the help of a heating torch.
The hot torch may be directly applied to the locknut stuck under the toilet. You can remove the heat when it starts melting. However, you must be very careful during this procedure. It is important that you don’t melt other parts made of plastic. In the absence of a heating torch, you can also use a towel wet with hot water.
Know how to unscrew the water supply hose for your toilet
At times, the water supply hose gets stuck at the bottom of the tank and it becomes difficult to remove it. You can free your stuck water supply hose through the given steps:
Step 1: hold the interior piece
Check whether the entire assembly rotates when you turn the external nut. There may be some piece on the inside that prevents the whole assembly from making a turn. Attempt to firmly hold this piece.
Step 2: apply more force
It may not be possible to firmly hold the interior piece with simple tools. It is suggested that you apply more force with the help of a bigger wrench. Be careful to not damage any threading.
Step 3: Wrap the piece in a wet cloth
You ought to apply some sheer force with bare hands. Although, we suggest that you wear rubber gloves for your protection. Cover the piece with a wet cloth that has been soaked in boiling water for about twenty seconds. Loosen this piece by tapping it with a hammer.
Be careful!
It is suggested that you maintain caution during the entire procedure and avoid any damage. You must wear protective rubber gloves at all times. Note that these plastic nuts are sufficiently strong and wouldn’t break down so easily. However, you must not apply undue force. All the steps must be undertaken carefully.
Conclusion
Removing plastic nuts from your toilet tank isn’t a superbly difficult task. If you follow all the steps carefully, there is no chance of damage to any important component. Adequate carefulness would ensure that the minimum mess is made. Set up all the essential equipment before beginning the project.
If there occurs any unforeseen difficulty like if there is rust or if the nut is stuck under the toilet, follow the special guidelines. In no case should you need a professional to complete this task? It is suggested that you maintain extra caution when your plastic nut is stuck under the toilet tank because it could break. This could also result in water leakage. If things get out of hand, take the help of a professional before too much mess is made.