Did you just discover that your toilet is leaking downstairs? Don't waste any more time and read this guide to find out the reason for the leak and how to fix it.
One of the worst things you can encounter is a toilet with a leaking floor.
A leaking toilet can quickly become frustrating as water can flood the bathroom floor. And it's far from ideal to continue using the toilet in such an unsanitary situation.
Therefore, for an easier solution, it is better to fix the problem immediately. But many people later discover the leak or ignore it. It can also be difficult to explain the leak to a professional plumber.
So we've put together this handy guide to help you learn more about the issue. We even added some possible DIY solutions to fix the problem.
CAUSES OF A LEAKING TOILET BASE
There can be several reasons why your toilet floor is leaking. Note that in some cases the leak can be difficult to detect. And in bathrooms with a shower area next to the toilet, accumulated water can be mistaken for a leak.
So before you figure out the reason for the leak, make sure it is actually a leak and not standing water. In any case, the situation is undesirable and you may need a better drainage system. Likewise, poor ventilation systems can cause water to pool on the floor.
It would be helpful if you pay attention to these points as standing water in the bathroom can damage the flooring. Mold can also form, which could have serious health consequences. And unfortunately, an exhaust fan in the bathroom can't do much. So if you find that this is the problem behind the water on the bathroom floor, contact a plumber immediately. If you can, close the main shutoff valve to prevent water from your leaking toilet from being wasted while you wait for a professional.
COMMON CAUSES OF A LEAKING TOILET BASE
1. A LOOSELY-ATTACHED TOILET
A typical reason for a leaking toilet base is improper installation. As you may know, toilets are typically attached to the floor using screws to a metal or plastic cabinet flange. And the plastic cabinet flange sits over the sewer pipe.
If you have used the toilet for several years, the screws may have become loose. However, it could also be due to a rushed installation where the screws were not fully secured to the cabinet flange. The screws can also come loose due to other factors, such as the wax seal falling off.
You can check the toilet to see if there are any loose parts. You can also discuss how to properly reinstall the toilet with your local plumber.
2. BROKEN WAX SEAL
We often don't pay attention to toilet facilities and very few people know how the system works. And if it's the first time a toilet has leaked, problems like a broken wax seal may escape your attention.
A broken seal is one of the most common reasons why your toilet is leaking at the bottom. This seal sits between the toilet base and the cabinet flange and ensures that no dirty water can leak out of your toilet.
Since this problem is common in most homes, most plumbers can remove the toilet to install a new wax seal or silicone ring. If you are doing it yourself, clean the cabinet flange thoroughly to ensure the gasket and wax ring are secure. To do this, you will also need a screwdriver or spatula.
It should also be noted that most of us usually clean toilet bowls in our homes with heavy chemicals to kill germs and bacteria. In fact, this is detrimental to the wax seal and can cause it to break. So if you have a toilet with a broken wax seal, you may want to consider using milder cleaning products after installing a new wax ring.
3. A LOOSE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TOILET BOWL AND TOILET TANK
Interestingly, you can trace a toilet leak from the floor to the washer that connects the tank to the rim of the bowl. If water is dripping and pooling at the bottom, you might think that the toilet is leaking at the bottom. Note that this problem does not occur with toilets that already have the tank and bowl attached in one piece.
Such a leak could be due to problems such as a loose screw or a cracked O-ring. Although tightening the toilet screws can solve the problem, a gasket needs to be replaced to stop the water leak. In any case, it is best to hire a professional plumber who is trained to give you the right solution and is able to find leaks with the right equipment.
4. A LOOSE WATER SUPPLY LINE
Although rare, a broken water supply line can be another cause of a leak near the toilet base. Fortunately, diagnosing this problem is easy. However, in the event of a damaged water supply line, your toilet will still leak instead of leaking when you flush the toilet.
To fix this problem, you need to make sure that the connecting screws are tight and in good condition. If you have called a plumber, remember to close the main water supply valve to prevent water from flooding your bathroom.
FAQs about Why The Base Of Your Toilet Might Be Leaking:
What are the signs of a leaking toilet base?
There are a few signs that your toilet base might be leaking:
- Water on the floor around the toilet: This is the most obvious sign of a leak.
- Wetness or stains on the walls or floor near the toilet: This can be caused by water seeping through the base of the toilet.
- Musty smell: This can be caused by mold or mildew growing in the wet area around the toilet.
- Loud noise when the toilet flushes: This can be caused by water leaking into the overflow pipe.
What are the causes of a leaking toilet base?
There are a few causes of a leaking toilet base:
- Damaged wax ring: The wax ring is a seal that goes between the toilet and the floor. If the wax ring is damaged or worn out, it can leak.
- Loose bolts: The bolts that hold the toilet to the floor can loosen over time, which can cause the toilet to leak.
- Cracked toilet flange: The toilet flange is a ring that sits on the floor and supports the toilet. If the toilet flange is cracked, it can leak.
- Damaged toilet tank: The toilet tank can leak if it is cracked or if the seals are damaged.
- Clogged toilet drain: If the toilet drain is clogged, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the base of the toilet.
How can I fix a leaking toilet base?
The best way to fix a leaking toilet base depends on the cause of the leak. If the wax ring is damaged, you will need to replace it. If the bolts are loose, you will need to tighten them. If the toilet flange is cracked, you will need to replace it. If the toilet tank is leaking, you will need to repair or replace the tank. If the toilet drain is clogged, you will need to clear the clog.
FIXING YOUR LEAKING TOILET BASE
That's all we had to tell you about the reasons for a leak at the bottom of your toilet. Toilets can leak for many different reasons, but when water builds up on your floor, you need to get it fixed! Remember to diagnose the problem correctly. If you are confused, contact us. Our team is happy to help you repair a leaking toilet floor!
And since a leak in the toilet creates an unsanitary situation, it's important to clean up thoroughly afterwards. Cleaning includes disinfecting the area around your toilet and bathroom floor. We also recommend wiping with bleach to kill germs.
