Answer:
Follow these steps for a secure, leak-free installation:
1. Position the Tank: Carefully place the tank onto the bowl, guiding the bolts through the holes in the bowl.
2. Hand-Tighten First: Thread the nuts onto the bolts and tighten the nuts by hand until they are snug.
CAUTION: Tank bolts should be held in place from the top, and the nut should be tightened from under the tank. Turning the bolt inside the rubber grommet can damage the grommet, resulting in a leak at the tank bolts.
3. Alternate Sides: Using a deep-well socket or wrench, tighten the nut on the right side a little (e.g., a quarter-turn). Then, tighten the nut on the left side by the same amount. Continue alternating between the bolts. This ensures even pressure on the gasket and prevents the tank from tilting.
4. Perform the Wobble Test: After a few turns, gently try to rock the tank side-to-side. If it moves, continue tightening in small, alternating increments until the wobbling stops.
5. China to China Contact: Once the tank feels solid and you have china to china contact, then you are finished.
NOTE: Overtightening is the most common and costly mistake when installing a toilet. If you overtighten when installing, you could crack the porcelain on either the tank or the bowl.