How to Remove A Stuck Plastic Lock Nut from A Toilet Tank

In each toilet tank, there are plastic locking nuts that hold the various fixtures in place. They are strong enough to provide solid support to hold the fill valve and other fixtures in place. However, one wrong step can damage the locknuts and make them a nightmare to remove.

No matter why you need to remove the plastic locknuts from your toilet tank, we’ll help you with that.

How To Properly Loosen The Plastic Locknut

To loosen the plastic locking nut on your toilet tank, you will need a number of items, including.

• Towel
• Regular pliers, an adjustable wrench, or a nail wrench

First, you will need to turn off the water supply and drain the tank unless you are prepared to deal with the following hassles. The water supply valve on the toilet is easy to find. Just follow the water supply line to where it connects to the water supply valve, which is located on the wall.

Once you have found the water supply valve, turn the handle all the way to the right to shut off the water supply.

Next, drain the water from the toilet tank. Remove the lid of the toilet tank and carefully set it aside. To drain the water from the tank, press the handle to flush the toilet. Continue to do this until all the water has been drained. If there is any water left in the bottom of the tank, soak it with a towel.

Take another towel and lay it on the floor underneath the tank. Underneath the toilet tank, there is a plastic piece that connects the water supply line to the tank. Unscrew this plastic piece.

Once you have disconnected the water supply line, find the lock nut. It should be just above where the coupling attaches to the tank. It is a fairly large plastic nut.

To remove this nut, you can use any tool of your choice: a pair of pliers, a spigot wrench (specifically for removing hex nuts), or an adjustable wrench. Remove the plastic nut by turning it counterclockwise.

How To Remove A Jammed Jam Nut

Now, if you have completed the above steps and the locknut refuses to move, you have a few options you can try. Plastic locknuts can be tricky, as they are easily damaged.

Plumber’s Grease

Using plumber’s grease is one of the best ways to remove a difficult locknut. Simply use plumber’s grease to lubricate the plastic nut, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Once it has sat for a while, try to remove it with your hands or pliers.

Try Using A Hot Rag

To remove a stubborn locknut, you can try using a hot, wet rag or towel to lubricate it. For this method, you will need.

• A hot, wet rag or towel
• A strap wrench, basin wrench or pipe wrench

Put the rag under hot water until it is saturated, then wring it out. Hold the hot, wet rag or towel against the locknut for a few minutes. This should help lubricate the locknut enough to remove it.

Once you have heated the locknut, use a strap wrench, a basin wrench, or a pipe wrench to try to remove it. Do this by turning it counterclockwise.

Try Locking Pliers

Now, if the locknut is still firmly in place, you can try to unscrew it with a pair of pliers. For this method, you will need a pair of locking pliers.

Set the pliers to the narrowest position that fits the locknut. Place the pliers around the locknut. Come from the top or bottom, not from the side. Hold the pliers with both hands while rotating them to spin the nut up.

Angle Grinder

If all else fails, you can try using an angle grinder to cut through the plastic. This method may not always work because some angle grinders do not fit into the tight spaces of the tank.

For this method, you will need to.

• Angle grinder
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Flat head screwdriver

Wearing your safety gear, use an angle grinder to carefully cut through the plastic nut. Be careful not to cut too deep or cut into anything else. Once you have cut the nut, use a flathead screwdriver to push the ends apart and remove the locknut by hand.

How To Loosen A Faucet Mounting Nut

Removing the faucet mounting nut is somewhat similar to removing the locking nut on a toilet tank. As with any project involving the removal of a faucet, toilet, or similar, remember to turn off the water supply to the faucet.

To loosen the faucet mounting nut, use slotted pliers to grip the nut holding the faucet body in place. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove it. There may also be a spout mounting nut. If so, use the same technique.

How To Remove The Plastic Nut From The Faucet

Plastic nuts on faucets can be a bit tricky, as the shape of some nuts may make it impossible for a basic basin wrench to get them out effectively.

However, that said, you can try using a faceplate wrench, which can be used as a tool to remove plastic faucet nuts. Place the jaws of the wrench on the faucet nut. Orient them in the proper direction so that they will allow you to turn the nut counterclockwise.

If this doesn’t do the trick, you can also try using a screwdriver and a hammer. Use a flathead screwdriver on the plastic nib of the nut and a hammer. Tap the screwdriver to loosen the nut.

Another method you can try is to use heat or a calcium dissolver. A hair dryer can soften the nut and make it easier to remove. Calcium dissolver may also help with removal – let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove the nut.

You can also try using a lubricant like WD-40 to help loosen the nut. However, if you choose to use a lubricant, don’t follow the heat, as many are flammable.