If you have noticed water pooling around the base of your toilet, don’t panic! It is a common problem that can be fixed with a few quick and easy steps. Here are some things you can try before calling in a plumber.
The bolts connecting the toilet base to the floor can loosen over time, causing water to seep out. Use a wrench to tighten them, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain. If the bolts are rusted or damaged, replace them.
The wax ring between the toilet and the drainpipe can degrade or become misaligned, causing leaks. Turn off the water supply, flush, and remove the toilet. Remove the old wax ring and replace it with a new one. Reinstall the toilet and check for leaks.
The flange is the fitting that connects the toilet to the waste pipe. If it is too low or uneven, water can leak out. Use shims or a flange extender to adjust the height and levelness of the flange. Don’t forget to tighten the bolts after making adjustments.
If none of the above fixes work, you can try caulking around the base of the toilet. Use a waterproof caulk and apply it around the entire base to create a seal. Smooth it with a caulk tool for a professional finish. Allow it to dry before using the toilet.
If the leak persists or if you’re not comfortable tackling the repairs on your own, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They will be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and effectively.
Tighten the Bolts
If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet, loose bolts connecting the base to the floor could be the reason why. Over time, bolts can become loose and cause water to seep out. You can tighten them up using a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten, which can cause the porcelain to crack. If the bolts seem rusty or corroded, it’s best to replace them altogether. Before tightening or replacing the bolts, be sure to turn off the water supply and drain the toilet water to avoid any unnecessary messes.
Replace the Wax Ring
If you’ve tried tightening the bolts at the base of your toilet and it’s still leaking, the wax ring might be the culprit. Over time, this ring can degrade or become misaligned, which can allow water to seep through. To replace it, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. Then, use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line and the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Carefully lift the toilet off the wax ring and set it aside.
Remove the old ring and clean any remaining debris from the flange and drainpipe. You can use a putty knife or scraper to do this. Place the new wax ring on the flange with the plastic sleeve facing up. Then, gently lower the toilet onto the ring, making sure that it lines up with the bolts and is level. Push down on the toilet to compress the ring and create a tight seal.
Tighten the bolts by hand at first and then use a wrench to finish the job, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain. Finally, reconnect the water supply line and turn the water back on. Give the toilet a test flush and inspect for any potential leaks.
Adjust the Flange
The flange is a circular fitting that connects the toilet to the waste pipe. If the flange is too low or uneven, water can leak out of the toilet. Before adjusting the flange, turn off the water supply and remove the toilet. Check the levelness of the flange with a level and determine if it needs adjusting.
You can use shims or a flange extender to adjust the height and levelness of the flange. Shims are thin pieces of material that can be stacked to level the flange. A flange extender is a piece of plastic or metal that can be attached to the top of the existing flange to raise its height. Once you have adjusted the flange, check its levelness again and tighten the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
Be sure to use non-corrosive and waterproof materials when adjusting the flange. This will ensure a tight and long-lasting seal between the toilet and the waste pipe, preventing any leaks.
Caulk Around the Base
If you have tried tightening the bolts, replacing the wax ring, and adjusting the flange, but there’s still water pooling around the base of your toilet, then caulking around the base may be your solution. Caulking is an easy fix that creates a seal to prevent water from escaping. Make sure to use a waterproof caulk and apply it evenly around the base of the toilet. Use a caulk tool to create a professional-looking finish. Before caulking, ensure the area around the base is clean and dry. Remember that caulking around the base is a temporary solution and may not fix the root cause of the problem.
Call a Professional
If none of the above quick fixes solve your toilet leak problem, it’s important to call in a professional plumber. Fixing leaking toilets require specific skills and equipment, and if you’re not confident in your abilities, attempting to fix it yourself could lead to further damage and higher repair costs. A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and suggest the most appropriate and cost-effective solution. They have the necessary tools, experience, and training to fix the problem quickly and effectively, saving you time and hassle. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re unable to fix the problem on your own.