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You definitely can over-tighten toilet tank bolts. Unlike some other materials, porcelain can’t bend or flex, so when you over-tighten a screw into it, it could break against the added pressure. Only tighten them as much as needed to keep them in place and firm; any more and you could risk breaking the porcelain.

If you’ve accessed the bolts and nuts that hold your toilet seat in place and can’t unscrew them, it’s possible that they were overtightened or that the material corroded over time, making it impossible to unscrew. If that’s the case, you can either call in a plumber for help, or you can DIY a solution if you’re careful. Lay down masking tape around the mounting bracket and then use the tape as a surface to lay a hack saw blade. Move slowly to cut through the bracket and bolt, being careful not to damage the porcelain in the process.

Common causes include hair buildup, soap residue, food particles, and foreign objects. Older pipes can also contribute by facilitating buildup more easily.

No—you should always shut off the power and the water supply to the tank. Shutting off the water ensures that your water heater won’t continuously refill while you are trying to drain it, which would likely cause a big mess! Make sure to allow the hot water to cool completely before continuing the process of draining the heater.