Is there standing water near the toilet bathroom floor? This is a serious problem that should not be ignored! This is an indication that the toilet base is leaking and the toilet bowl is not clean. Even sewage may smell from contaminated water. If the toilet is not cleaned up, it will continue to leak water with every flush. This can cause damage to the floor, ceiling, and subfloor.
Toilet leaks can be very distressing, especially when the water comes from the base of the toilet. You may find it difficult to keep your schedule on track and may worry about damaging your bathroom tile and floor. The solution is usually straightforward and doesn’t require the assistance of a plumber.
Most repairs can be done in less than half an hour. What should you do if your toilet’s base is leaking?
How to repair a toilet base leak and the common causes
Floor Condensation Collections
It is reasonable to assume that the toilet has leaking water because it contains water. This is not always true in all cases. The toilet bowl and tank may have moisture-laden air. Drops of moisture can form and flow down the tank or bowl, and then settle on the floor. This could be caused by a constantly running toilet, or a temperature difference between the temperature of the room and the water in your tank.
This problem can be solved by reducing or redirecting bathroom condensation. It is important to address the issue if there is a constantly running toilet.
Loose Tee Bolts
Is your toilet leaking? Does it move when you stand on it? It could be loose tee bolts. It is possible that the toilet is not properly anchored to the floor if it continues to leak at its base after flushing. Two tee bolts may be hidden with covers at the base. If the wax ring underneath these bolts is not water-tight, the toilet will leak when you flush it . To resolve the issue, simply tighten the bolts connecting the toilet to the ground. You may need a putty knife, or a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps.
Turn the bolts slowly, moving between the right and left bolts. Over tightening the screws can cause the foundation of your toilet to crack. You may need to replace the bolts if they spin only when you tighten them.
Worn Wax Ring
If water is still accumulating at the base of the toilet after you have checked for dampness, tightened the tee bolts, and then it’s time to replace your wax ring seal. If the wax seal has been damaged, there isn’t anything you can do but to replace it. Wax rings are affordable, which is the good news. To replace the toilet, you will need to take it out. This is not a simple task. We recommend that you hire a local Long Beach Plumber to install the new wax ring seal.
You can always hire a plumber if you aren’t feeling up to it. These do it yourself instructions will help you.
- You can purchase a replacement wax ring at your local home improvement store.
- Turn off the water supply to the tank and flush the toilet. Use an old towel to remove any water from the bowl and tank.
- After removing the toilet from the ground, place it on its side and unscrew the tee bolts.
- Replace the old wax ring on the toilet base. If the toilet tee bolts are rusty, replace them as well.
- Reinstall the toilet in its original place. Secure the tee bolts by tightening them gradually, alternately, until they are snug.
- To check for leaks, reconnect the water supply.
- Give it a few more days before you confirm that the problem is solved. To prevent water from seeping underneath the toilet, and mold and unpleasant odors, place caulk around its base.