Water leaks are a common problem in many homes. In most cases, a water leak can be easily fixed if you have the right tools and know-how. You may see water come from the bottom of the toilet and at times it flows too much. There are many causes behind this toilet leaking at base. Some of the reasons for this are very simple such as the bolts are not tight and some are quite major in which the internal system of the toilet has to be repaired and others.
If you’re experiencing a leaking toilet at the base, it’s important to troubleshoot and fix the water supply line as soon as possible. Leaks can cause significant damage to your flooring, so it’s best to take care of them right away. In this blog, we’ll outline the best ways to troubleshoot and fix a toilet leaking from base. We’ll also provide some reasons and tips on how to prevent future leaks from happening. Keep reading for more information!
All Possible Reasons for Toilet Leaking At Base
Although many reasons for toilet leaking at the base can be informed, without wasting your time, we will understand only those reasons which are most common.
Bolts Not Tightened Properly
By using tee bolts, the bottom side of your toilet is attached to the floor. Whenever the two bolts are loose, the toilet starts rocking and damages the seal of the wax ring. If your tee bolts are too loose then the water can also seep from the base whenever you flush the toilet.
Wax Rings Not Replaced
Over time, a defect occurs in the wax rings, which becomes very necessary to replace. Even a small leak in the wax rings can cause problems and if this happens the seal will not be properly adjusted. The result is the toilet leaking at the base.
Water Supply Line is Not Tight
Due to loose water supply lines, the water will come out from the bottom side of the toilet. This thing happens all the time instead of when you flush the toilet. For repairing it, you need to notice the connection of the water supply line joins to the water tank so that it will be clear whether the seal and nut are tight or not.
Water Condensation is Dripping Down
Generally, the water that is in the bowl and tank is very cold. The same thing happens with porcelain. Then water keeps dripping from the porcelain vessel on the bowl due to this humid area. And in this way water starts collecting at the base of the toilet.
When you are completely sure what the problem is with the leaking toilet base, then you will need some necessary tools to fix it, so gather them.
How Do You Fix Toilet Leaking at Base
Have a look at these steps as we are sure after following these steps, you will be able to repair your toilet leakage on your own.
1. Stop Water Puddling
When you begin the repair process of your toilet first examine whether there is any issue due to the condensation. Check the outside of the toilet bowl to be sure that there is no issue of condensation.
If you found condensation having an issue then follow the steps mentioned below to get rid of the problem of the toilet base.
- Tray Installation
- Make your water tank well-insulated.
- Check the flapper is not having an issue.
- Take cooler showers.
- Take shorter showers
- Switch on the fan
2. Tightening Tee Bolts
To tighten the Tee Bolt first from both sides of your toilet, remove the plastic covers that are at the bottom side of the toilet. Tight the Tee bolts with the help of an adjustable open-end wrench. To make the toilet drain outlet leakproof, the wax ring needs to be sealed well. For that, tighten the toilet by compressing it against the floor. In case the Tee bolts are tight to their maximum limit, you will have to install a new wax ring and bolts by removing and reinstalling the toilet.
3. Remove the Toilet
Before you disconnect the toilet, you need to stop the water supply to the toilet. To stop the water supply, the valve is provided on the left side of the toilet, adjacent to the water valve tailpiece and the water supply tube.
- Firstly flush the toilet and use toilet paper or anything else to wipe out extra water from the toilet and tank.
- Unscrew those nuts which are situated on the water supply tube.
- Remove the nuts from the tee bolts that are present on the base of the toilet. If the bolts do not turn because of corrosion, you will have to cut them off with the help of a hacksaw.
- Lift the toilet up and separate it from the floor drain. It is suggested to take someone’s support to move it.
- Set the toilet aside so as not to crack.
4. Installing New Wax Ring
You need to remove the old wax ring from the opening of the drain. Do it with a putty knife and then attach a new wax ring in replace of the old one. Now check if the position of the tee bolt is correct or not, and set the tee bolts on all the sides in the key opening of the flange. Install the new wax ring, place the ring, and keep the plastic cone facing downward towards the drain.
5. Toilet Reinstallation
If your toilet leaks at the base, you may install a toilet again. Move the toilet and set it carefully over the drain so that the T bolts can easily reach through the bottom holes of the toilet.
- Now, you need to push the toilet onto the wax ring.
- In creating the seal tight, you need to rock the toilet.
- Tighten the tell bolts and nuts
Note:- Do not over-tighten them otherwise porcelain can be cracked.
6. Reconnect the Water Supply Line
In order to fill the valve, make a reconnection with the water supply tube. Then you have to turn the water supply on. Flush the toilet after filling the toilet container. Check whether the leakage problem is gone. When you are completely sure about no toilet leaking at the base then strongly seal the toilet base with the help of caulk.
How to Avoid Toilet Leaking From Base?
Do you want the problem of toilets leaking from the base cannot be faced again? If yes, then you should also pay attention to these 3 solutions which neither require much money nor effort.
Do not Use Chemical Drain Cleaner
To encounter a clog, it’s very common to use chemical cleaners in the drains. Although these chemical drain cleaners are very effective to get rid of the blockage problem, they are extremely harsh on your toilet body and pipes. Frequent use of these chemical drain cleaners can damage the pipe and plumbing fixtures, causing leakage with the passage of time.
Do Not Flush Any Unnecessary Items In Your Toilet
A very common problem we face in toilets is leakage and blocking. This problem occurs due to our carelessness. Some points you should keep in your mind while using the toilet. You should never flush any item which does not belong to your toilets such as wet wipes, hair, and any other unnecessary item into your toilet bowl.
Otherwise, with time these kinds of items will get stuck into the toilet pipes instead of decomposing paper and human waste and cause leakage by blocking the pipes. So, you should not throw any items into the toilet bowl that can’t be dissolved.
Troubleshoot Issues Immediately
Whenever you realize that there is a leaking toilet base, you must try to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. The more time it takes to fix the issue, the higher chances to have other toilet issues, and also will not sound economically good.
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Conclusion
Over time, damaging toilet equipment is a common problem for toilet leaking at base but sometimes it also happens due to wrong plumbing. The solutions mentioned here are enough to fix the leaking toilet base, even if there is too much water leakage. If you get any problems while applying any of these solutions, then you can get back to us with your further issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 How to fix a toilet leaking from the base?
Read the below-given steps for repairing the leaking problem of your toilet by yourself.
- Stop Water Puddling
- Tightening Tee Bolts
- Installing New Wax Ring
Q.2- How to fix a leaking toilet seal?
If water is coming from the bottom side of the toilet then you should tighten the closet bolts that hold your toilet to the floor. In prying off the caps that cover the bolts, you need to use a slotted screwdriver. Now you have to tighten each bolt one after another by using a wrench. Do not put too much force else the toilet may break from the bottom. If this way helps you fix the leak seal then good otherwise you should install a new wax gasket in your toilet.
Q.3- Why is the toilet leaking at the base?
The toilet on the floor is attached with the help of bolts. These bolts are then attached to a closet flange. Then, the flange of the toilet connects to the floor around the upper side of the sewer pipe. With time, bolts get loose. So sometimes when this problem occurs, tighten the bolts & it will not leak water. Sometimes this issue occurs because the seal is getting loose. So in such a situation, you will have to replace the seal itself.