Is there standing water around the base of your toilet? If that’s the case, it’s not a good indicator. This indicates that there is a leak in your toilet, most commonly towards the base of the fixture. Instead of letting your bathroom turn into an indoor swimming pool, get out your favorite tool belt and begin repairing that leak!
TEE BOLTS COULD BE LOOSE
Are you familiar with the plastic caps that go around the base of your toilet? Those covers cover tee bolts, which help keep your toilet in place. When these bolts become loose or broken, the seal on the toilet can break, resulting in leaks. Tighten the bolts and reposition your toilet so that it is level and centered. If the bolts continue to spin freely or if they are broken, go to the store and get a new pair.
A BROKEN WAX RING IN YOUR TOILET
You’ve checked the condition of your tee bolts and tried tightening them, but your toilet is still leaking at the base. The wax ring is most likely to blame and will need to be changed.
- Shop for a new wax ring for your toilet. If possible, photograph the toilet’s base and ask a store employee to assist you in finding a comparable replacement.
- Start by turning off the water to your toilet using the water valve located behind the toilet. Then flush the toilet to remove as much of the standing water as possible. To remove any remaining water, unscrew the nut that holds the fill valve in place and collect the surplus with a small pail. Finally, remove any remaining water from the toilet’s base by plunging it for a few seconds.
- Remove the Toilet and Old Wax Ring – Unscrew the water supply line from the toilet and unscrew the floor tee bolts. The toilet should now be lifted and removed from its customary location. Place the toilet on its side and begin removing the old wax ring. Before inserting the replacement wax ring, make sure you remove any dried-on wax and residue.
- Install the New Wax Ring – Place the freshly purchased wax ring over the flange and secure it with the tee bolts. Reposition your toilet in its customary location after installing the new wax ring.
- Reinstall Your Toilet – Make sure the toilet is in the proper position before pushing it into the wax ring to form the new seal. Screw the tee bolts into place (be careful not to overtighten), having in mind that the toilet must be properly centered and leveled. Reconnect your water line, reopen the valve, and flush it. Examine your toilet carefully to determine if any water is leaking from the new seal.
A toilet leak can cause mold to grow and raise water bills, therefore any leak should be repaired right once. If you want your toilet repairs to be done without any hassle, contact us today! We’re happy to help!
