Toilets leaking at the base can be a frustrating issue, leading to water damage and the potential for mold growth. Fortunately, it’s a problem that can be fixed. There are several reasons why toilets may leak at the base, and it’s important to identify the underlying cause to effectively address the issue. One common cause is a damaged wax seal that sits between the toilet and the flange. In other cases, loose bolts connecting the toilet to the flange, an old wax ring seal, a cracked flange, or uneven flooring beneath the toilet can be the root of the problem. This article will discuss each of these causes and provide solutions to fix them.
Waxed Ring Seal
The waxed ring seal is a crucial component in preventing leaks between the toilet and the flange. Over time, wear and tear can damage the ring, causing leaks at the base of the toilet. Factors like improper installation, movement of the toilet, and rough handling of the wax ring can contribute to damage.
If you suspect the wax ring is the cause of the leak, you will need to replace it. Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet and draining the tank and bowl. Remove the nuts and bolts that secure the toilet to the flange, and carefully lift the toilet off the flange. You will find the wax ring attached to the toilet flange. Remove the damaged ring and clean the area thoroughly. Then, place a new ring onto the flange and lower the toilet onto it, pressing it down until it is seated firmly on the wax ring. Tighten the nuts and bolts evenly and carefully to avoid damaging the wax seal. Finally, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to check for leaks.
Loose Bolts
Loose bolts connecting the toilet to the flange is a common reason for base leaks. This commonly occurs when the toilet becomes slightly loose over time, with the bolts becoming loosened from their original position. One possible reason for this may be corroded washers, which elevate the nuts and loosen the space between the bolts and the toilet. When the toilet moves, even slightly, the wax seal can be broken, resulting in a leak. To secure the bolts properly, you need to first remove the caps covering the bolts. Then, use a wrench to tighten the nuts, but take care not to overtighten them as this could damage the toilet. Check the bolts after a few days and tighten them again if necessary to ensure the toilet is secured in place.
Old Wax Ring Seal
If you have an old wax ring seal, it’s likely the culprit behind the toilet leak at the base. Over time, the wax can dry out, crack, or break down, causing it to lose its seal. Luckily, replacing the wax ring seal is a relatively straightforward process that you can do yourself. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to empty out the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the tank and remove the nuts holding the toilet to the flange.
- Lift the toilet off the flange and place it on its side on a towel or drop cloth.
- Remove the old wax ring seal from the flange and the bottom of the toilet.
- Install the new wax ring seal onto the flange, making sure it’s centered and aligned with the waste pipe.
- Lower the toilet carefully over the new wax ring seal, making sure the bolts align with the flange holes.
- Secure the toilet to the flange with the nuts and washers, but don’t over-tighten them, as this could crack the toilet or damage the flange.
- Reconnect the water supply line, turn on the water supply, and check for leaks.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps, refer to your toilet’s installation manual or call a licensed plumber to help you with the installation.
Cracked Flange
A cracked flange can cause leaks at the base of your toilet. It is important to identify if this is the reason for the problem so that you can fix it promptly. The flange is the part of the toilet that connects it to the drainpipe in your bathroom floor. If it is cracked, it could cause the toilet to become unstable, which may create leaks at the base.
To identify a cracked flange, you should first shut off the water supply to the toilet and remove it from the floor. Check if the flange is cracked, or if it has any other visible damage. If it is indeed cracked, you should replace it immediately, as it can cause further damage to the bathroom’s plumbing. You can replace the flange by carefully removing the old one, cleaning the area, and installing a new flange securely.
Uneven Flooring
Uneven flooring can be a major cause of a toilet leak at the base. This problem occurs when the flooring underneath the toilet is not level or has shifted, causing the toilet to become unstable and the wax seal to compress improperly, resulting in leaks. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible to prevent water damage to the surrounding area.
To fix uneven flooring, the first step is to identify the cause of the unevenness. This could be due to a variety of factors such as settling of the foundation, damage to the flooring, or poor installation. Once the cause has been determined, the next step is to level the flooring using shims or by installing a new subfloor under the toilet area.
Installing shims is a common solution to this problem. Shims are small plastic or wooden wedges that can be placed under the toilet to level it out. To install shims, first, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it. Then, remove the toilet by unscrewing the bolts and lifting it straight up. Next, place the shims under the toilet until it is level. Finally, replace the wax ring seal and secured the bolts tightly.
If these solutions do not work, it may be best to call a professional plumber to help fix the issue and prevent any further damage from occurring.
Shim Installation
Shims are thin pieces of material used to level uneven surfaces. To install shims to fix the problem of uneven flooring that causes toilet leaks at the base, follow these steps:
- Measure the gap between the toilet base and the floor on each side of the toilet.
- Cut the shims to fit the measurements of each side of the toilet base.
- Place the shims under the toilet base where needed to achieve a level surface.
- Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet to the flange and the shims to the floor.
If shims do not fix the problem of uneven flooring causing toilet leaks at the base, there may be other solutions to consider such as:
- Removing and leveling the existing flooring beneath the toilet
- Re-securing the existing subfloor or installing a new one
- Consulting a professional plumber for advice and assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re dealing with a toilet leak at the base, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we get asked:
- What should I do if the toilet leak persists after I have replaced the wax ring seal?
If the wax ring seal replacement doesn’t solve the problem, it’s possible that there is another underlying issue causing the leak. You may need to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem. - Can a cracked toilet bowl cause leaks at the base?
Yes, a cracked toilet bowl can lead to leaks at the base. If you suspect a cracked bowl, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet. - Do I need to replace the entire toilet if I have a cracked flange?
It depends on how severe the crack is. Small cracks may be able to be repaired, but if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the flange and possibly the entire toilet.
What should I do if the toilet leak persists after I have replaced the wax ring seal?
If the toilet continues to leak after replacing the wax ring seal, there may be other underlying issues causing the leak. It is crucial to carefully inspect the flange to ensure there are no cracks or damages that could cause the leak. If the flange is damaged, it may need to be replaced, and the toilet reinstalled using proper techniques. Additionally, ensure that the toilet is level and that all bolts connecting the toilet to the flange are secure. If the leak persists, it may be necessary to call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Can a cracked toilet bowl cause leaks at the base?
Yes, a cracked toilet bowl can lead to leaks at the base. Cracks in the bowl can allow water to seep out, leading to a leak. If a crack is detected, it is crucial to replace the entire toilet as repairing the crack is not effective. It is recommended to inspect the entire toilet periodically to detect cracks and other issues that may lead to a leak.
Do I need to replace the entire toilet if I have a cracked flange?
If a cracked flange is the cause of the leak, it may not be necessary to replace the entire toilet. Instead, the damaged portion of the flange can be removed and replaced with a new flange. However, if the cracking is severe, it may be necessary to replace the entire flange and reinstall the toilet. It is best to seek professional advice to determine the best course of action if a cracked flange is suspected.