Dealing with a leaking toilet is not only an unpleasant experience, but it can also lead to water accumulating on your bathroom floor. Luckily, if you see your toilet leaking at the base area, it can be fixed quite easily. In this post, we'll go over the potential causes of these leaks, what tools you need and the steps on how to fix toilet leaking at the base.
When you have a toilet clogged and leaking at the base, it’s a sign that there are underlying problems with the plumbing connections. It would be best if you get to the root cause of the problem to fix the leak completely.
Here are some of the potential causes of a leak at the base of your toilet:
Fixing a toilet leak will require a complete set of DIY plumbing tools. Depending on the severity of the problem, you will need some of the following items:
Some of the tools and equipment mentioned above are essential for fixing toilet leaks, like gloves and wrenches. You may not have to use a hacksaw for every toilet problem, but it may be useful for cutting down rusted toilet bolts
Now that you know the potential causes and the tools you'll need, here are some easy fixes for a toilet clogged and leaking at the base. Choose the solution depending on the potential cause you have spotted.
We have arranged the solutions below in a step-by-step fashion. It means you can go over one fix after the other. Follow the steps below on how to fix a toilet leaking at the base.
This is the easiest fix on our list. If you suspect condensation, you should insulate your water tank or install a tray to gather the condensation. You should also check for a faulty flapper inside the tank and tighten loose water supply lines if you find any.
Remove the plastic covering of the tee bolts located at the base of the toilet bowl. You can use a screwdriver or putty knife to remove the cover and tighten the screws with a wrench. Next, flush the toilet to check for a leak. If this doesn't fix the problem, the wax ring may need to be replaced.
Now you're moving into the more nitty-gritty part of getting rid of moisture around the base of toilet fixtures. Shut off the water first before attempting to remove the toilet. You'll find the shutoff valve near the water supply tube on the left side of the toilet.
Follow the steps below to remove it:
If you're installing a replacement toilet, the next step is to get the new one and set it in place of the old one. Then, follow the steps in the next section that describe how to reinstall the toilet.
Use your putty knife to remove the old worn-out wax ring and make sure you get all the wax. Next, install the new wax ring with the plastic cone facing downward into the drain. Finally, inspect the flange for leaks. If it's leaking, you will need to call for professional help. But if the flange is okay, just make sure that all the tee bolts are positioned correctly before reinstalling the toilet.
These are also the steps you'll use to install a new replacement toilet. First, lift the toilet carefully – have someone help you if the toilet is too heavy. Then, place it over the drain. Ensure that all the tee bolts go through the holes properly at the base.
Press the toilet down on the wax ring to create a tight seal. Use your wrench to tighten the nuts and tee bolts. Be sure not to make it too tight, or else the porcelain will crack.
Reconnect the supply lines to the valve. Turn the water on and do a test flush. Inspect the base of the toilet for leaks.
Apply some caulking at the base of the toilet. This step helps to prevent further leaks, and it also creates a seal to prevent any odors coming from under the toilet.
If you still have a leaking toilet at the base after following all the fixes mentioned above, then it's time to call for professional help. Sometimes diagnosing the underlying problem without the necessary skills and expertise can be complicated.
Alliance Service Pros has professionally trained plumbers who can fix all types of toilet leaks, clogs and other plumbing issues quickly and considerately. In addition, we provide preventative maintenance tips to ensure you don’t deal with leaking toilets in the future. You can rely on our years of expertise and highly trained plumbers to get the job done the first time around. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Alliance Service Pros is a full-service plumbing company committed to providing the fast, friendly, and cost-effective home services you deserve. Call (609) 739-9899 for immediate assistance.