How to break plumbing glue?

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Oleg Volk

I am repairing a toilet tank for a friend. Got the replacement parts, but the entire flapper seal assembly seems glued in place. Prying it with a flathead screwdriver didn’t work. Any suggestions on how the glue could be broken down?

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9 Responses to How to break plumbing glue?

  1. Garrett Lee says:
    November 24, 2013 at 1:02 am

    Just to check: You have removed the tank and unscrewed the flapper valve assembly from the bottom, right? ‘Cause other than maybe some plumber’s putty, those things aren’t usually glued down.

  2. Miguel says:
    November 24, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Hmmmm… sounds like the gasket went stupid. Try heat in the form of hot water and see if it softens up.

  3. sean says:
    November 24, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Go to Home Depot at get a new toilet. The cheapest ones are like $39 for a complete toilet. Just easier than fixing.

  4. Joe S. says:
    November 24, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    Acetone or fingernail polish remover should be enough of a solvent to loosen things up for you. And as already mentioned there shouldn’t have been any glue/sealant there.

  5. Jason says:
    November 25, 2013 at 6:20 am

    As mentioned, it should have a rubber gasket the seals it in. And a big nut underneath that holds it in place. You have to separate the tank from the bowl to replace the whole assembly.
    http://www.plumbingsupply.com/images/ur-toilet-parts-4421-4434.gif

  6. Black Raven says:
    November 26, 2013 at 9:07 am

    Acetone can damage the plastic. Maybe try to start with alcohol, mineral spirits or kerosene.

  7. Sid says:
    November 26, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Sean is correct. It should not be glued and replacing it is easier. Not only easier, imagine you do somehow break the glue seal. What is the chance that you do not damage the assembly and that it will go back together as designed?

  8. Lyle says:
    November 26, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    I’ve replaced several flapper valves and complete valve assemblies. Never found one that was glued in place, but then someone may have been a bit over-zealous and used epoxy or something and you won’t loosen epoxy without a lot of heat. Bust the whole assembly out if necessary, or cut it off from below the tank, and replace it all. Or get a new toilet as said above.

  9. Matt says:
    November 27, 2013 at 11:25 am

    Get a new toilet, as mentioned a few times above, is exactly how I fixed the last three toilets (two of mine, one of my dads). It sucks putting a toilet in, but is technically and easy job and the innards are normally already installed.

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