There are several nuts and bolts with a toilet set that attach to all the parts of the toilet mechanism. The different sizes of nuts and bolts must be rust-free and perfectly attached to the different parts of the toilet. But sometimes, they become corroded because of a random touch of water.
Repairing a toilet is not a pleasant task for the majority of homeowners. Sometimes it is terrible to work in a restroom when it becomes problematic on your busy days. What if there was an easy process for repairing the rusted wing nuts on the toilet cistern?
The best solution is to remove the wing nut and replace it with a new one. It will keep your toilet safe from any other friction.
If the rusted wing nut remains on the toilet, the other parts of the toilet will also be corroded. As a result, you will have to pay a lot of money after the toilet repair process.
Moreover, a corroded wing nut makes it impossible to attach a specific part of the toilet to another part. So, whenever you find it, do not be late to replace it.
How do I remove the wing nuts from the toilet cistern?
Now, we are going to discuss removing the rusted wing nut from the toilet. This process is very necessary to discuss because removing wing nuts is not similar to removing the nuts of any other device. The following steps will show you why the wing nuts are different and how to remove them.
Step 01: Remove the bolt
In the first step, you have to use a wrench to remove the rusted bolt from the nut. This bolt attaches the wing nut tightly and becomes stiffer when it gets rusted because the corrosion decreases its flexibility. So, hold the wing nut bolt tightly with your wrench and turn it counterclockwise. The bolt will come out gradually.
Step 02: Slide over the nut
The wing nut of the toilet is slightly different from the available nuts. You should turn it counterclockwise because it works with the slide-in and slide-over processes. As a result, slide over the nut, and it will come out.
Step 03: Slide in the new nut
Now, collect a new nut and install it on the toilet. This task is the reverse of the second step of this process. You slide over the nut to take it out, so you must slide in the new nut to install it. These steps are different from removing nuts from other devices.
Step 4: Attach the bolt
Use the wrench again, attach the bolt, and turn it clockwise. It should be tightened strictly so that the nut does not come out. However, more tightening is also harmful because it can cut the screw. So always try to maintain a balance.
Finally, the wing nut replacement process for your toilet cistern is complete. If you follow the process with much care, you should not call for a plumber.
What can I do with heavily rusted toilet screws?
A rusted wing nut is not difficult to remove from the toilet cistern. But sometimes, the rust becomes so extensive that it cannot be removed from the cistern despite using a wrench. Moreover, sometimes the rust spreads out and damages other parts of the toilet.
In this situation, you have to use penetrating oil on the nut and bolt. The oil smooths the nut and bolt and loosens them for swift removal. First, you will remove the plastic cap from the toilet seat screw and spray the oil on the bolts. Let the nut and bolt soak in oil for about 15 minutes. But the plastic cap removal process depends on whether the toilet model allows it to do this.
How can I remove a mounting nut from a toilet tank?
First, you have to manage an adjustable wrench and locking pillars. These tools will tightly grip the nut in order to remove it from the tank.
Hold the nut with your wrench and turn it clockwise. The nut will automatically come out. Now, you can easily clean the nut with oil or replace it with a new one.
How can I loosen the plastic wing nuts?
Plastic wing nuts cannot be turned counterclockwise by using a screwdriver or a wrench. So, you must find another way to loosen or remove it.
Take a hammer and a screwdriver. Now, attach the screwdriver to one side of the plastic nut and hit it slowly with the hammer. Therefore, the nut turns counterclockwise, loosens, and comes out quickly.
Can you apply WD-40 to the rusted nuts?
WD-40 is an ideal solution for rusted metals. Even if the toilet nuts are rusted and cannot be removed from the toilet cistern, you can apply WD-40 to them. Keep the nuts in this situation for several minutes. After that, you can notice that the nuts are loosening, and you will find it easy to take them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are wing nuts on a toilet cistern?
A: Wing nuts are fasteners typically found at the base of a toilet tank, used to secure it to the bowl.
Q: Why do wing nuts on a toilet cistern rust?
A: They rust due to prolonged exposure to moisture and the chemicals in water.
Q: Can I remove rusted wing nuts without professional help?
A: Yes, with the right tools and safety precautions, you can remove them yourself.
Q: What tools do I need to remove rusted wing nuts?
A: You’ll need a pair of pliers or a wrench, lubricant like WD-40, and possibly a hacksaw.
Q: How do I prepare to remove rusted wing nuts?
A: Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and place towels to absorb any residual water.
Q: What is the first step in removing rusted wing nuts?
A: Apply a lubricant like WD-40 to the nuts and let it sit for several minutes to loosen the rust.
Q: What if the wing nuts don’t loosen after applying lubricant?
A: You may need to gently tap them with a hammer or use a hacksaw to cut them off carefully.
Q: How do I use pliers or a wrench on rusted wing nuts?
A: Grip the nut firmly and turn counterclockwise, applying steady pressure.
Q: Is there a risk of damaging the toilet while removing the nuts?
A: Yes, applying too much force or using the wrong tools can crack the ceramic. Proceed gently.
Q: What should I do if the wing nut breaks during removal?
A: Remove any remaining pieces with pliers, and be prepared to replace the broken nut.
Q: Can I reuse the old wing nuts once removed?
A: It’s best to replace them with new ones to ensure a secure and leak-free fit.
Q: After removing the nuts, what’s the next step?
A: You can proceed with any necessary repairs or cleaning, then install new wing nuts for reassembly.
Bottom lines
First, you must turn off the power supply to remove the rusted wing nuts from the toilet cistern. Then you can remove the bolts and nuts. While removing the nut, you can also take a look at the other parts of the toilet. As a result, the entire toilet cistern system may be fine in a single operation.
Hi, I am Jose S. Franz. Currently, I am working as a professional plumber, and our team offers various plumbing services at an affordable price. After my college education, I completed a vocational certification course in plumbing systems and worked with several construction companies. Since then, I have fixed lots of different toilet models, from older to the latest versions. So I have more than 22 years of experience installing plumbing systems and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings.
