Warning: Replacing a toilet flapper took me 4 hours yesterday

I thought it was a 10 minute job, but the old nut was corroded on so bad I had to make 3 trips to Lowe's for different wrenches. Ended up using a $8 breaker bar to finally crack it loose. Has anyone else had a simple plumbing fix turn into a whole afternoon project?

3 comments

3 Comments

dianaanderson6d ago

Did you try a heat gun on the nut?

miles_roberts6d ago

Heat gun can work but it's risky on older plastic parts. Sprays right next to the exhaust manifold might catch fire too. Penetrating oil and patience usually does the job without the danger.

vera5144d ago

Roll your eyes at me if you want, but I really think people overblow the danger sometimes. I've used a heat gun near plastic hoses and wiring plenty of times, just gotta be smart and keep it moving so nothing melts. Penetrating oil is great and all but it can take days of soaking and still not break the rust free. A little heat for a minute or two usually does the trick without any issues in my experience.