Post By Admin
August 1, 2024Aren’t you tired of that annoying pool around your toilet base? The smell and the mess are getting unbearable.
You’re not alone. Many face this frustrating issue and seek simple toilet repair tips.
Fear not! Our trusted plumbing service has got you covered. With experts who have years of experience as our team, we ensure you’re on the right page.
Let’s discover the causes and solutions to banish your leaking toilet base for good!
Why Is Your Toilet Leaking at the Base?
Let’s break down the reasons behind a toilet leaking from bottom when flushed and what you can potentially do about it.
1. The Wax Ring Seal is Failing
The most frequent culprit is a damaged or worn-out wax ring. This ring sits between your toilet base and the drainpipe, creating a watertight seal. Over time, the wax can degrade, shift, or become dislodged, leading to leaks. You’ll often notice the leak worsen during or immediately after flushing.
2. Loose Tee Bolts
This is another common issue that might cause your toilet leaking from the bottom. Your toilet attaches to the floor using tee bolts. If these become loose, the toilet can wobble, disturbing the wax ring seal and causing leaks.
Check to see if you can tighten the bolts a bit – but be careful not to overtighten, as this could crack the toilet base.
3. Condensation
If the water pooling around your toilet base is clear and the air in your bathroom is humid, condensation might be the issue. This is more common in warmer months or poorly ventilated bathrooms. Condensation doesn’t pose an immediate risk, but it can damage flooring over time.
4. A Cracked Toilet Base
While less common, a crack in the toilet base can also lead to leaks. These cracks are often small and hard to spot, but they can allow water to seep out when you flush. If you suspect a crack, try wiping the base dry and then flushing. If water reappears in the same spot, it’s likely a crack.
5. A Loose Water Supply Line
Sometimes, the leak isn’t coming from the toilet itself but from the water supply line that connects to it. Check for any drips or dampness around the connection point. If you spot any, tightening the connection might solve the issue.
How to Fix Leaking Toilet Base
Dealing with a toilet leaking at the base can be a nuisance, but fixing it yourself is totally doable. This section will show you how to fix toilet leaking, even if you have little DIY experience.
1. Identify the Problem
First, you need to determine the cause of the leak. Check if the water is coming from the base of the toilet, not from the tank or the pipes. Place some paper towels around the base and flush the toilet.
If the towels get wet, you likely have a leak at the base. If not, the issue might lie elsewhere, such as needing to unblock a toilet or fix a pipe connection.
2. Gather Your Tools
To fix the toilet leaking at the base, you’ll need a few tools and supplies. These include:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Sponge or cloth
- New wax ring or rubber seal
- Latex gloves
3. Shut Off the Water Supply
Before starting, turn off the water supply to the toilet. You usually find the shut-off valve behind the toilet near the floor. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Flush the toilet to drain the tank and bowl. Use a sponge or cloth to remove any remaining water in the bowl and tank.
4. Remove the Toilet
Next, you’ll need to lift the toilet from its base. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the nuts from the bolts at the base of the toilet. Keep these nuts and washers in a safe place, as you’ll need them later.
Gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal, then lift it straight up and place it on an old towel or blanket to avoid scratching your floor.
5. Replace the Wax Ring
The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the floor flange. Over time, it can deteriorate, leading to leaks. Use a putty knife to scrape off the old wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and the flange.
Once you’ve removed the old wax, place the new wax ring on the toilet flange. Some people prefer using a rubber seal instead of a wax ring for a cleaner installation.
6. Reinstall the Toilet
Carefully lower the toilet back onto the flange, ensuring it aligns with the bolts. Press down firmly to compress the wax ring and create a good seal. Reattach the nuts and washers to the bolts, tightening them evenly.
Avoid over-tightening, as this can crack the porcelain. Once secure, reconnect the water supply and turn the valve counterclockwise to open it.
7. Check for Leaks
After reinstalling the toilet, flush it several times to ensure the seal is watertight. If you notice any water seeping out, you may need to re-tighten the bolts or re-seat the toilet. If everything is dry, you’ve successfully fixed the toilet leaking at the base.
8. Clean Up
Finally, clean up any tools and materials you’ve used. Dispose of the old wax ring properly and give your toilet and surrounding area a good clean. Now, you know how to fix toilet leaking issues and keep your bathroom in good working order.
How to Prevent Leaking Toilet Base?
Preventing a toilet base leaking situation can save you from unnecessary headache and trouble. Here are some simple steps to keep your toilet in top shape:
- Regular Inspections: Check for any signs of leaks around the base. Early detection can prevent bigger problems.
- Tighten Bolts: Ensure the bolts at the base are snug but not over-tightened. Loose bolts can cause a leak, while overtightening can crack the porcelain.
- Replace Wax Ring: Change the wax ring every few years or if you notice any leaks. A worn-out wax ring is a common cause of leaking.
- Avoid Overloading: Be cautious about what you flush to prevent an overflowing toilet. Blockages can cause water to escape from the base.
- Use Quality Parts: Invest in high-quality seals, gaskets, and wax rings. They last longer and provide better protection against leaks.
- Fix Issues Promptly: Address any minor leaks or loose parts immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to more serious problems.
Conclusion
Fixing the leaking toilet base needs a little bit of skill and time, isn’t it? If you want to kiss those long steps goodbye, Neighbourhood Plumbing is only one call away. Save your precious time and let us do all the work!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
