Are Toilet Tanks Universal?

Toilet tanks are not something we think about on a daily basis. At least, not unless they start to leak, refuse to flush or won’t stop running. 

If you are looking to replace your toilet tank, the question that will naturally arise is whether toilet tanks are universal, and will just about any tank fit onto your current toilet bowl. 

Are Toilet Tanks Universal? 

Toilet tanks are not universal. While tanks made by the same brand may be interchangeable, your toilet tank will need to be fitted to your specific toilet model. When on the market for a new tank, measure your current one and consider the type of tank you need.

There are three common types of toilet tanks: gravity, dual flush and pressure assisted. The toilet tank you buy will need to be of the same type as the one you already have, as they flush very differently. 

Toilet tanks belonging to the same category may be quite similar to one another, so you may be able to find one rather easily. However, you do need to take the required measurements (length, width and depth of your current toilet tank) and determine what type of flushing system you have to get it right. 

Can You Put Any Toilet Tank on a Toilet?

No, you can’t put any toilet tank on a toilet. You will need to match the type of flushing system you have and the dimensions of your current tank. 

When you are looking to replace a toilet tank, you need to make sure that you get the same type as the one already installed in your bathroom, as different tanks flush in different ways. You can of course change the entire flushing system, but that will take a bit more time, and also be a costlier process. 

Do All Tanks Fit All Toilets?

Not all tanks will fit all toilets. The main differentiator is the type of flushing system your toilet uses, but there can also be discrepancies in size. 

While this does make shopping for a new toilet tank slightly more difficult, all you need to do is take a couple of measurements and identify the type of flushing system you have. 

Your first port of call should be the manufacturer of the toilet and tank you already have, as they are likely to have a model you will like and be able to fit easily. 

Can You Mix and Match Toilet Bowls and Tanks?

You most likely won’t be able to mix and match a toilet bowl and tank. In order for it to work properly, you have to align both the dimensions and the flushing system of your tank and toilet.

If you get the wrong toilet tank, you probably won’t even be able to install it. If you get the size right but the flushing system wrong, it won’t flush properly, and you will probably need to replace it quite soon. 

To save yourself the time and effort, always make sure that you know what type of toilet tank you need, and of what size. 

Can You Buy a Toilet Tank From a Different Manufacturer?

You most likely won’t be able to use a toilet tank made from a different manufacturer, although there could be exceptions. If you can though, stick with the brand you own.

Toilet tank manufacturers have their unique parts and sizings, so a tank made by Ideal Standard will likely not fit a Villeroy and Boch toilet. You may of course be able to find a perfect match, but that would be an exception that proves the rule. 

Even if your toilet is rather old, the same brand will likely have a newer model of tank that will still fit, as they usually consider their older products when developing a new line.

However, you may need to replace both your toilet and tank, if you aren’t able to find a model that works, but this is usually only the case with truly ancient toilets. 

Are Kohler Toilet Tanks Interchangeable?

You may be able to interchange Kohler toilet tanks. As long as all the parts are similar and located in the same place and have the same bolt pattern, you could get away with it. 

If you are really stuck on mixing and matching your Kohler tank and toilet, make sure to double-check where every part is located in the model you currently use. Take a photo and compare it to the model you are interested in. 

Kohler has great guides on their website that will tell you exactly what a model looks like inside, so with a bit of research, you should be able to fit two different models together. 

Are American Standard Toilet Tanks Interchangeable?

There are some American Standard models that allow you to interchange the toilet tank and bowl, but most of their products are meant to work as indicated by the brand. 

To make sure you get the best flushing experience, aim to purchase the kind of toilet tank that aligns with your current American Standard bowl. 

Can You Put a New Tank On an Old Toilet?

Yes, you can put a new tank on an old toilet, as long as you get the size right and choose the flushing system correctly. 

When replacing a toilet tank, first check if the brand that has made your toilet has a tank you like. This will give you the highest chance of matching the tank in the least amount of time. 

The manufacturer and model number are usually found somewhere at the base of the toilet and inside the toilet tank itself. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find the same tank model. If not, you can go for a newer model that fits. 

Can You Buy Just the Tank For a Toilet?

Yes, you can buy just a toilet tank and don’t need to replace the bowl too. You just need to make sure you choose the right size of toilet tank, and the right flushing system.

Ideally, you want to find a toilet tank made by the same brand, but if that’s not possible, you can arm yourself with the measurements of your tank (width, length and depth) and look for a model that will fit your bowl and use the same technique to flush. 

Are Tank Bolt Sizes Standard?

Similar-size toilets and tanks will usually have bolts of the same size. The most common bolt sizes are 1/4 inches and 5/16 inches in diameter. 

Toilet tanks that greatly vary in size will naturally come with different bolts. To make sure you get it right, just remove one of the bolts on your current tank and take it with you when you buy a new one. 

If you are shopping online, you can check what the user’s manual of your current toilet tank says about the size of bolt you will need. You can find this online too. Then just look at the manuals of the models you are interested in to make sure they match. 

Are Toilet Tank Parts Universal?

Most toilet tank parts, especially those made by the same manufacturer, will usually be universal. However, to make sure you get the right part, take the one you want to replace when going to the store with you.

There are all kinds of floats and flappers, varying in both size and shape. Brands will aim to offer several different products that can fit a range of their toilet tanks, but you may discover that your chain doesn’t have enough power to pull your new flapper up. 

Removing the part you need replaced and going to a physical store is usually the best way to ensure you match it perfectly. 

Are Toilet Tank Levers Universal?

There are universal toilet tank levers on the market that will fit just about any type of tank that has a standard lever. Levers from the same manufacturer will also usually work. 

Unless you have a dual flush toilet tank that doesn’t actually have a handle, you can find one that fits in your local store. 

To be on the safe side, take your broken or malfunctioning lever with you, to get the size just right. 

Wrapping It Up 

While toilet tanks are far from universal, if you correctly identify the type of flush system you have, you should be able to find a new model that will fit your toilet bowl perfectly. 

Since you are already replacing your tank, you may also be wondering are toilet seats universal, and want to replace that too?