What to Do When a Toilet Leaks from the Base
There are two possible solutions to the toilet leaking from the base.
If a toilet leaks from the base, the first thing to do is stop using it and turn off the water at the valve behind it. Water from the toilet base is directly from the bowl, so that it can be dirty; it can also have a slight odor and cause damage to the floor.
Most times, it’s best to have a licensed plumber complete toilet repairs, as what a homeowner thinks may be the problem might be something else entirely.
Following is what to expect from the plumber who comes to repair the toilet.
Determining the cause
Before assuming the leak is from the base of the toilet, the plumber will check the toilet hardware higher up, as water can drip down the sides and pool on the floor, making it look like it is leaking from the base.
Repairing the leak
There are two possible solutions to the toilet leaking from the base. One is a simple fix that requires tightening the base connections, and the other involves moving the toilet and replacing the wax ring. It’s best to start with tightening the base connections.
The simple fix
One possible reason the toilet leaks from the base is a loose connection between the tank and the toilet. A plumber will assess the bolts that connect the tank to the base and the toilet to the floor. If needed, they will use a screwdriver to tighten them. The bolts are located inside the tank and are screwed downwards to make the seal.
Once the bolts have been tightened, the plumber will turn the water back on to see if the toilet continues to leak. If it does, then they will turn the water back off, drain the toilet, and prepare to replace the wax ring to reseat the toilet.
The trickier fix
A more advanced fix may be needed to resolve a toilet that leaks at the base. It requires picking up the toilet, installing a new wax ring, and setting it back in place. This process isn’t as simple as it sounds.
To uninstall a toilet, the plumber will:
Drain all the water, utilizing a plunger to ensure all is cleared from the toilet
Disconnect the supply line from the toilet tank by loosening the nut and sliding it out completely
Loosen the toilet mounting bolts (tee bolts) that hold the toilet to the floor
Rock the toilet gently to break the seal, lift it off the flange, and move it aside.
Stuff a rag in the exposed sewer pipe to eliminate gas entering the bathroom
Replacing the wax ring
One can’t simply add a wax ring on top of the one in place. Instead, the plumber will use a putty knife to remove the old wax from the flange and its grooves, toilet horn, and floor.
The plumber installs the new wax ring over the flange and presses it into place. Then, they will slide the tee bolts into the slots on the flange and remove the rag from the sewer pipe. From here, they will reverse their steps to reinstall the toilet.
They will wait for the tank to refill and flush it to check for other places where the toilet leaks.
Clean up
Once the plumber has completed the repairs, the homeowner should disinfect the area with chemical cleaning solutions or environmentally friendly solutions.
Seeking professional assistance
Having a business relationship with a reliable, licensed plumber who can help when plumbing system elements fail is always helpful. Talk with neighbors, friends, and family members for references, and use online services to see what others have to say about the services offered.
If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.
