Although toilet leaks shouldn't be a cause for concern, it is not something to worry about. However, no one likes going into the bathroom wearing dry socks and then coming out with wet socks. Most toilets with a leaky base can be fixed easily using these DIY steps.
4 Reasons Toilets Leak at Base
These are the possible reasons your toilet could be leaking at the base.
1. You must tighten the Tee Bolts
Two bolts, called tee bolts, hold the toilet's base to the ground. The toilet may rock if these bolts become loose, and the wax ring seal will break.
If your tee bolts have become loose, water could seep from the base every time you flush the toilet.
2. It is time to replace the wax ring
Because the toilet is not flushed, it's common to need to replace the wax ring.
Another reason a wax ring might need to be replaced is that it has become hardened over time and is no longer flexible. The seal may also be damaged. It allows water to seep into the base.
3. There is a loose water supply line
You'll notice a leaky water supply line if your toilet is not flushed every time it's used.
Make sure to inspect the connection between the supply line and the tank to ensure that the rubber seal is tight.
4. Water is condensing on the toilet and dripping down
The porcelain and water in the toilet bowl and tank are usually quite cold. You'll see water pooling at your toilet's base if you have a humid environment.
Once you have identified the source of the problem, you can get the tools necessary to repair the toilet.
The Tools and Supplies to Stop Your Toilet from Leaking
These are the essential supplies that you will need to fix a leaking toilet.
Wrench
You will need a wrench to remove the bolts and nuts that hold your toilet closed to the ground. The wrench should be open-ended.
Screwdriver
Depending on your toilet, you might need a set of screwdrivers to remove various toilet parts and repair them.
Bathroom Cleaner
Anti-bacterial bathroom cleaner should be used to clean the area around your toilet. This will ensure that you clean up any leaking water.
Cleaning Cloths
To complete this project, make sure you have several cleaning cloths. Microfiber towels and Terry cloth are the best.
Gaskets, Toilet Bolts and Toilet Wax Rings, as well as Putty Knife
A toilet repair kit is required. It includes all the necessary tools and supplies. You can also buy washers, bolts, and other parts individually.
Cordless Drill/Driver
It may be difficult for some nuts and bolts to be removed manually. To make tight bolts more accessible, use a power tool such as a cordless drill.
Hacksaw
Bolts can be stripped or corroded. A hacksaw can be a great tool to reduce frustrations when trying to remove corroded bolts.
You can use the hacksaw to remove bolts from the toilet base, plastic bolts on the seat, and any other bolts for your toilet.
Rubber Gloves
It can be messy to fix a toilet base leak. To protect your hands, make sure you have gloves.
Caulk
Caulking is necessary to reseal the toilet's edges.
You have all the tools and materials to stop your toilet from leaking.
Stop your Toilet from Leaking around the Base
These steps will help you to fix your toilet leak.
1. Check For Condensation
To ensure your toilet problem isn’t condensation, inspect the toilet bowl from the outside.
These tips can help prevent condensation from causing the problem.
- Place a tray.
- Insulate your water tank
- Check that your flapper is not damaged.
- Use shorter, cooler showers and then turn on the fan.
- Continue to search for the root cause of the problem if this is the case.
2. Tend to tighten the Tee Bolts
Take off the plastic covers on the toilet's base from both sides. To tighten the tee bolts, use an adjustable open-end wrench. To ensure that the wax ring sealing the toilet drain outlet is compressed, tighten the toilet against the flooring.
You may have to remove the toilet and reinstall it if the tee bolts are not tight enough.
3. Disconnect the toilet and take it out
Before you start disconnecting the toilet, turn off the water supply. The shutoff valve can be found on the left side, near the water supply tube tailpiece and the water valve tailpiece.
- To drain the toilet tank and water, flush it. To drain excess water from the bowl and tank, use a sponge or cloth.
- Next, take a screwdriver and unscrew the bolt that connects the supply tube to fill the valve tailpiece.
- You can remove the nuts at the toilet base by using your wrench. If the bolts won't turn or are corroded, you may have to use a hacksaw.
- Lift the toilet from the floor drain. You may find it easier to hire someone to help you move the toilet.
- To prevent any damage, place the toilet on its side.
4. Take out the wax ring and install a new one
Use a putty knife to remove any old wax around the drain opening. Be sure to get rid of all the wax.
Once all the putty has been removed, you can install the wax ring. Place the ring with the plastic cone facing toward the drain. Place the tee bolts correctly in the keyholes on either side of the drain.
5. Reinstall the toilet
The toilet should be lifted carefully and placed back over the drain to allow the tee bolts to pass through the holes at the base. To create a seal, press the toilet onto the wax ring.
Use a wrench to tighten the tee bolts or nuts. Over-tightening them could cause cracking in the porcelain.
6. Connect the Water Line
Turn the water on again by connecting the water supply tube to the fill valve. After the toilet tank has filled back up, flush the toilet and inspect for leaks.
After making sure that there are no leaks, seal the toilet base with caulk.
How To Prevent Future Toilet Leaks
These five tips will help you prevent leaks from happening in your toilet.
Repair Leaking Toilets Now
Do not wait for your toilet to leak before you repair it. To prevent any future leakage, you must keep up with your toilet's maintenance.
You can save money by fixing the leak immediately.
Do not flush items other than human waste and toilet paper
Toilet paper doesn't break down like toilet paper, so it's important not to flush items in the toilet. A clogged pipe can lead to more than a small leak at the base of your toilet.
Do not use chemical drain cleaners to unclog your toilet
To flush down the toilet, chemical drain cleaners can be too harsh. These cleaners can cause damage to pipes and fixtures.
Every six months, inspect the components of your toilet
To avoid unexpected toilet problems, make sure that your toilet components function correctly at least twice per year.
This proactive approach will allow you to solve small problems before they become significant.
Get a Plumber when You Need It
You cannot control some toilet plumbing issues. When it comes to plumbing repairs, hiring a professional plumber will alleviate your stress and worries.
A professional plumber will fix your toilet leak right the first time.
To avoid more significant plumbing problems later, addressing common plumbing issues, such as a toilet that leaks at the base is essential.
A professional plumber can handle all your plumbing issues, large and small.