how to repair toilet leaking at base

^{How to Fix a Toilet Leaking at the Base: Step by Step Guide}

1. Turn Off Water. Shut off the water supply running to the toilet. ...
2. Empty Tank. Put on your gloves. Flush the toilet to empty the majority of water from the tank. ...
3. Unhook Water Line. Now you can unscrew the water line that attaches to the bottom of your toilet tank. ...
4. Loosen the Tee-Bolts. Pull off the plastic caps over the nut and bolt found on each side of the toilet base. ...
5. Remove the Toilet. Prepare a space in your bathroom to set the toilet while you work on fixing the wax ring. ...
6. Remove Old Wax Ring. Plug up the open sewer line with a rag to prevent sewer gases from filling your bathroom, which can make you sick.
Install New Wax Ring. Open the box and remove the new wax ring, pulling off any plastic cover. These are quite sticky, so handle carefully.
Install Tee-Bolts. Take the new tee-bolts and washers from the packaging and slide them into place on the flange, as shown on the instructions.
Replace the Toilet. Lift the toilet and hold it a few inches over the new wax ring, lining up the bolts so they will come through the holes ...
Tighten Tee-Bolts. Place the washers and nut onto the bolts and slowly begin to tighten them down—work from both sides of the toilet to keep the wax ring ...
Attach Water. Reattach the waterline to the underside of the toilet tank, making sure the seal is tight. ...

Full Answer

How to repair a leaky toilet base?

How to Fix a Toilet that Leaks at the Base When Flushed

1. Disconnect Water to the Toilet Look for the toilet shut off valve. It is located at the rear wall of the toilet mostly on the left hand side. ...
2. Drain the Toilet Tank Flush the toilet and hold the lever down to flush down as much water as possible. ...
3. Remove the Toilet

How do you stop a toilet tank from leaking?

• Shut off the water supply.
• If you followed our colored-water test, flush the toilet after 10 to 15 minutes. ...
• Next thing you want to do is to disconnect the inlet tube. ...
• Check on the line now. ...
• And now, you can start working on the repair. ...
• Look inside the toilet tank. ...
• Drill at least 1/4-inch holes through each screw and point at the center. ...

More items...

How to fix a toilet that leaks without flushing?

Use a Piece of Toilet Paper

• Cut about 10 sheets of toilet paper and fold them together into a roll.
• Use a dry piece of cloth (or just toilet paper) to wipe dry the inside of the bowl and especially around the rim of the bowl.
• Place and hold the toilet paper roll on the rim of the toilet bowl for about 10 minutes. ...

How can I Fix my leaking toilet?

• Shut off the water supply.
• Flush the toilet.
• Disconnect the water supply.
• Unscrew the nuts holding the tank to the bowl.
• Lift the toilet tank.
• Replace the bolts with the new, brass ones.
• Place the new gasket over the drain valve on the bottom of the tank.
• Replace the tank to its original position.

Why is my toilet leaking from the base?

Why is the toilet is leaking from the base? The leak is usually caused when the seal under the toilet fails. Below you'll learn how to install a new wax gasket to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the closet flange and install a new flexible water-supply tube.

How do you reseal a toilet to the floor?

0:592:20How to Replace a Toilet Seal Ring : How to Fix Toilets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your wax ring and firmly. Press it on the hole. On the bottom of the toilet. So it sticks thereMoreTake your wax ring and firmly. Press it on the hole. On the bottom of the toilet. So it sticks there by itself twists toilet out and you're going to put it back in place making sure that the flange.

How do you fix a toilet leaking from the bottom of the tank?

One reason for a toilet leak from the base might be a loose connection where the tank meets the toilet. Check the connecting bolts. If they seem loose or you can see water gathering in that area, use the screwdriver to tighten them. Approach the bolts from inside the tank and screw downward to create the best seal.

How much does it cost to fix a toilet leak at the base?

The national average materials cost to repair a leaky toilet is $18.55 per toilet, with a range between $17.36 to $19.75. The total price for labor and materials per toilet is $223.63, coming in between $202.77 to $244.49.

How do you know if the wax ring is leaking?

The first sign of a failing wax ring is water that seems to be seeping out of the base of your toilet. Other signs to look for include: Water stains on the ceiling from the floor below. A lingering, unpleasant bathroom odor from escaped sewer gasses.

Should you seal around the base of a toilet?

Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.

What is underneath the toilet that connects it to the flange?

0:445:17How to Fix a Toilet - Parts - Flange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe toilet flange the sewer inlet and the sewer line the toilet flange which is sometimes referredMoreThe toilet flange the sewer inlet and the sewer line the toilet flange which is sometimes referred to as a sewer or closet flange can be secured to either cement.

How long do toilet wax rings last?

2 days agoindefinitelyThe short answer is, indefinitely. Wax, unlike rubber, doesn't deteriorate. Unless there's another problem with the toilet, it won't spring a leak on its own.

Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom when I flush?

If the toilet continues to leak at the base when flushed, it might not be bolted tightly to the floor. Look at the base of the toilet, and you'll see two tee bolts, which might be covered with caps. If the wax ring under these bolts doesn't form a water-tight seal, the toilet will leak from the base when you flush it.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking at the base?

The main signs of a leaking toilet may include a damp area on the floor around the bottom of the toilet, a spongy feeling in the floor at the bottom of the toilet seat, signs of dampness on the ceiling in the room underneath your toilet, or the occasional smell of sewer gas and the flooring coming up in the area around ...

How much does it cost to replace a wax ring on a toilet?

Replacing a wax ring, also referred to as a wax seal, will run between $50 and $200, including labor and materials. While the ring itself is inexpensive at $2 to $10, replacing it takes time and expertise.

How often do toilets need to be replaced?

Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

How much does it cost to repair a toilet flange?

around $145 to $165If your toilet is creaking or wobbling, you may need to replace the flange. For a plumber, replacing a toilet flange is a quick and easy job. Assuming no other complications pop up, you can expect to pay around $145 to $165 for this simple repair.

How much does a dripping toilet cost?

Typically, a running water toilet will waste thousands of gallons of water per month which translates to approximately $200 unnecessarily tacked onto your monthly water bill-- that's nearly $2,500 dollars a year down your toilet bowl. The above scenario is in the case of an extreme toilet leak.

How much does it cost to reseat a toilet?

While a professional plumber can change as much as $200 for a service call to reset a toilet, a DIYer can do it for just $10 to $20, the cost of a new wax ring. It does require careful work, however, to ensure that you don't crack or otherwise damage the toilet as you move it.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet fill valve and flapper?

Toilet Repair Cost by Type of ReplacementPartReplacement Cost (Labor Included)Flapper$60 - $120Seat$60 - $150Flush Valve$60 - $150Fill Valve$60 - $1509 more rows•Mar 28, 2022

Why is my toilet leaking from the base?

Here are some of the reasons why your toilet might be leaking from the base. 1. The Tee Bolts Need to Be Tightened. The base of your toilet is held to the ground with two bolts called tee-bolts. If these bolts loosen, the toilet will likely rock, causing the seal formed by the wax ring to break.

How to get a tight seal on a toilet?

Lift the toilet carefully, and place it back over the drain so that the tee bolts can go through the holes on the base of the toilet. Press the toilet down onto the wax ring, rocking it gently so the toilet compresses the wax to create a tight seal.

What to do if tee bolts are tight?

If the tee bolts are already tight or can't be tightened, you may need to remove and reinstall the toilet to install a new wax ring and new bolts.

Why does water seep out of the base of my toilet?

Drain water may seep out of the base each time you flush the toilet if your tee bolts are very loose.

Why do toilets clog?

Flushing items that don't belong in a toilet can cause major plumbing problems and clogs because they don't break down the way toilet paper does. Clogged pipes can cause more than a minor leak in the base of your toilet.

What does it mean when your toilet is leaking water?

If there's a loose water supply line, you'll notice that the water is leaking from the base of your toilet all of the time, rather than just when you flush it.

Why does water drip down the toilet?

Water Is Condensing on the Toilet and Dripping Down. Water in a toilet tank and bowl is usually fairly cold, and so is the porcelain. A humid room causes water to drip down from the porcelain on the bowl, and you'll notice water pooling at the base of your toilet.

Why does my toilet leak?

Your leaky toilet could stem from a faulty wax seal. It does get old over time. The toilet could also leak because the toilet’s base has loose bolts.

How to get water out of toilet tank?

Take the lid off the toilet tank. Flush the toilet and hold down the level until as much water as possible has flowed out of the tank .

How to stop a toilet from wobbling?

If the toilet wobbles, use rubber shims to eliminate the wiggle. Use a razor blade or utility knife to trim the shims.

How to put a toilet on cardboard?

Put your cardboard beside the toilet. Lift the toilet straight up off the bolts. Put the toilet on its side or back on the cardboard.

What does it mean when you notice water around the base of your toilet?

When you begin to notice water around the base of your toilet, do not panic. Your bathroom isn’t falling apart. Instead, your toilet is leaking .

How to disconnect a tank supply line?

Completely disconnect the supply line from the tank by twisting the nut counterclockwise.

Can you fix a leak under a toilet?

Before panicking yourself into a toilet replacement, this can be fixed. You can fix a leak under the toilet by following these basic steps.

Common Signs That a Toilet Is Leaking

The most common sign that you probably have a leaky toilet is water on the floor. You might also notice wet spots on the ceiling if the bathroom is located upstairs.

Reasons For a Leak at the Base of a Toilet

What causes a toilet to leak from the base? Well, the simple answer is that parts can wear out or come loose over time, especially when you've lived in your home for many years.

Tools You'll Need for the Repair

You won't need to spend a small fortune on tools or repair supplies, but there are a few basic things you should invest in to fix the problem correctly.

The Basic Steps for Repairing a Leak at the Base

The first step is to shut off the water valve on the wall behind the toilet. Now flush out the remaining toilet water.

Call a Plumber

The best strategy for fixing a toilet that's leaking at the base is to let the professionals handle the job. After all, plumbing experts understand exactly what the task requires and have the tools to fix the problem quickly.

Tips for How to Fix a Toilet Leaking at the Base

It's no secret that every homeowner dreads experiencing a leak when they flush the toilet bowl. Fortunately, these tips for how to fix a toilet leaking at the base will help make your next bathroom emergency a little less traumatic.

Causes of Toilet Leaking from Base

Before you can fix this problem, it’s important to know how to tell if your toilet is leaking at the base and why is this happening.

How To Stop Toilet from Leaking at Base

When you want to fix the toilet leaking from base, you need to consider what’s causing the leak. Without understanding what lead to the puddle on the floor, you won’t know how to properly fix it.

Can A Wall-Mounted Toilet Leak from the Base?

Just because they are not fixed on the floor doesn’t mean that wall-mounted toilets cannot experience leaks and othe problems. However, as their base isn’t touching the floor, the leak might be easier to locate. You’ll probably see the water dripping from the tank or the base all the way to the tiles below.

Can A Leaky Toilet Cause Water Damage?

When you see a toilet leaking from base, you might think that this isn’t a big deal. You can just wipe the water and the toilet will be clean. However, this isn’t the point. A single toilet can waste up to the 22 gallons of water. [ 5]

How to clean a leaking toilet?

Be aware that often the leaking water at the base of the toilet water may look clean, but it is dirty. Wear gloves and clean up with bleach to dis infect the area .

How to get rid of water in toilet bowl?

Step 2: Empty Tank. Put on your gloves . Flush the toilet to empty the majority of water from the tank. Using a sponge and bucket, soak up the remaining water from the bottom of the tank. If there is water in the toilet bowl, fill the bucket with water and slowly dump it directly into the bowl from a height of 18-inches.

How to remove wax ring from toilet?

Lay down an old towel for the toilet to sit on. Parts of the old wax ring may stick to the underside, so having it sit on a large rag or towel will make clean-up faster. To remove the toilet, grab the bowl on both sides and lift upwards until free of the tee-bolts.

Why does water puddle on the base of my toilet?

The first is loose bolts that hold the toilet secure to the floor, which causes the base to shift or rock when you sit down.

How to stop sewer gas from filling bathroom?

Plug up the open sewer line with a rag to prevent sewer gases from filling your bathroom, which can make you sick. Make sure you don’t push the cloth down into the pipe so you can’t get it back out.

Where are the bolts on a toilet?

Look for bolts at the bottom of the tank that unscrew from the underside of the bowl. Sometimes the location of the toilet makes reaching these bolts difficult. Keeping the toilet intact makes the whole job quicker. TIP: For tight bathroom spaces, consider placing the toilet into the tub or shower.

What to do if plastic caps don't snap?

If the plastic caps don’t snap over the bolts, they are too long. Use a hacksaw or power cut-off tool to trim them down. Replace the caps.

How to check for a leak in a toilet?

Another way to check for this type of leak is to mark the level of water in the inside of the bowl. If the water goes down without having used the toilet, it means there’s a leak on the toilet seat. In most cases, most toilets won’t experience leaks from the P-trap.

How to tell if a toilet is leaking?

You can check whether the toilet is leaking on the underside through a small test such as simply cleaning up the water on the floor then flushing the toilet again. If you see more water on the floor, it’s a leak from the toilet.

What happens if a toilet bowl cracks?

When the toilet bowl is cracked, it can be hard seeing the actual crack since they often occur at the very base of the toilet bowl and can be very small. With cracks on the toilet bowl, water will leak to the floor depending on the location of the crack.

How does a leaking toilet tank lead to water on the floor?

Another way a leaking toilet tank can lead to water being found on the floor of the toilet is when the seal around the pipe from the toilet tank isn’t in good condition. Water will then leak from the tank, trickle down the pipe and onto the floor around the toilet seat.

What are the bolts on a toilet?

The toilet’s connection bolts are what hold the seat of the toilet to the drainpipe and the floor. These bolts need to be very tight in that they don’t allow water or air to pass through the connection between the floor and the toilet seat.

Why do toilet bolts need washers?

The connection bolts need to have washers on them and should always be tight enough to keep the water stored in the P-trap of the toilet bowl from leaking out. This connection is a delicate one which needs to have the wax ring and other gaskets and seals properly together. When the leak occurs accompanied by a foul smell, it’s usually a loose connection bolt or two.

What is the wax ring on a toilet?

The wax ring of your toilet is one of the seals between the toilet seat and the drainpipe. As its name suggests, it’s made up of wax to both provide a watertight and airtight seal at the connection. The wax ring is a unique type of seal in that it’s a solid ring when new but disintegrates with time.

Gather Tools and Materials

You will need multiple cleaning cloths to complete this project. Both terry cloth and microfiber will be useful.

Check the Connection Bolts and Tighten or Replace

One reason for a toilet leak from the base might be a loose connection where the tank meets the toilet.

Disconnect the Toilet

More advanced phases of curing a toilet leaking from the base will require moving the toilet itself.

Clean Thoroughly

Clean the area thoroughly with disinfectant cleaner, especially the floor. Rinse well, and then dry with microfiber towels or paper towels.