Plastic lock nut stuck in the toilet tank! How to remove it?

I know you can’t think about your single day without using the toilet. To maintain this part of your home is a responsibility. But sometimes, you face many problems while using the toilet or installing it in your washroom, just like that stuck toilet lock nut-on type. There are some tricks mainly a plumber follows to solve this issue. We talk about this in this article. So let’s see the reason for this problem and how to overcome this issue by yourself.

What is this lock nut, and Why do you need to remove it?

You must think about this toilet nut and why do you need it in the tank? This lock nut is made with plastic and secures various fixtures in the tank. This nut is too strong and provides excellent support to ensure the water in the tank and other fixtures. There is some reason you want to remove the nut from the tank. Like when you want to change the whole toilet. Those times you need to remove this plastic nut from the tank. With this nut, you can also adjust the water. Sometimes you need this to save some water from waste. This nut is mainly made with plastic, and sometimes it loses up very easily. At those times, hanging the nur is only one option for you.

Then you think, why do you need to fix this? Sometimes, any missed tape can ruin the whole lock nut, making it difficult to solve the issue. The plumber knows some tricks to repair the stuck nut in the toilet tank. And if you face the same problem, I think these tricks will help you solve this issue.

How to remove the stuck nut from the toilet tank?

There are many methods you can find to fix the nut of the tank. This method is the most popular and very easy. You need towels, regular pliers, or adjustable wrenches to loosen your stuck nut. Then follow these steps:

Step-1: Turn off the water supply lineHow do I shut off my water supply line?

At first, shut off the water supply valve on the toilet; otherwise, you end up with a mess in the washroom. Finding a water supply valve is a straightforward way. Follow the hse pipe to where it connects with the supply valve, which attaches to the wall. When you find the supply valve, turn the handle to the right to cut off the water supply.

Step-2: Drain water from the toilet tank

Empty the water tank, remove the lid, and carefully take it aside. For the draining process, press down the flush handle and continue this step until the tank is empty entirely. If there is some water left at the bottom, use a towel to soak them up.

Step-3: Locate the lock nut

Locate the toilet lock nut

After that, take another towel and lay it on the floor under the water tank. You find a plastic piece under the tank that connects with the water supply hose to the tank. Open this plastic piece. When you disconnect the water supply, you can locate the lock nut. It finds right above the coupling connected to the tank, and it’s a large plastic-made nut. Use the wrench or piler to remove the nut. Turn the nut counterclockwise; it easily unscrews from the previous position.

How to loosen the lock nut if it is too tight?

Sometimes the nut is stuck in its old place too tightly and hard to open. There is some option you use to lose the nut. If you go badly with plastic nuts, they can easily break. So this thing is used to loosen up the nut from the old place.

  1. Grease: most commonly, the plumber uses grease to solve this issue. Just apply the grease to lubricate the stuck plastic nut and give it a rest for 10-15 minutes. After some time, try to remove it with the help of your hand or any pliers.
  2. Hot rag: You know heat can loosen the plastic. For this reason, you can use a hot rag to remove a stubborn nut in the tank. It would help if you had a hot dumped rag and pliers. Hold the warm rag over the lock nut for some time. Then try to remove the nut with the help of a wrench or pliers.
  3. Locking pliers: if those two methods are not working for you, you can use the locking pliers available. Set the pliers on the narrow side around the nut and check it fits well. Now hold the pliers around it and come from top to bottom or one side to another. You can use both of your hands for a suitable grip.
  4. Calcium dissolver: sometimes, calcium is the reason behind the stuck nut in the washroom. This calcium dissolver can help you out with this issue. Just put some solution into the nut and give it a rest for a while. It needs a maximum of 10 minutes to dissolve. After that, you can easily remove the nut from the tank by only using your hand.
  5. Angle grinder: it’s the last try to unscrew the tight nut from the tank. This angle grinder is used to slice through the plastic. You need safety goggles, a screwdriver, and gloves for this. Wear the goggles and gloves, then use the angle grinder to cut the plastic nut carefully. For safety, use caution.

Do not go too deep or cut another element. After cutting through the nut, use a flathead screwdriver to push the nut that ends in two parts, then remove it from the tank with your hand.

Conclusion:

Removing a stuck nut from the toilet tank sounds very easy, but when you do it in practice, you can realize how hard this is. The nut is made with plastic, and you know it can easily be broken if you go hard with it. So always work with it very patiently. Otherwise, you end up with a broken one.

Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.