As you step into your bathroom, your nose is met with the faint scent of moisture and a pool of water at the base of your toilet. This is not a welcomed sight. It is evident that there is a leak in your toilet, most likely originating from the base of the fixture. Your once pristine bathroom tiles are now slick with water, and you can hear the steady drip-drip-drip of wasted resources. Without hesitation, you grab your trusty tool belt and prepare to take on the task of fixing this unfortunate situation before it turns your bathroom into a slip and slide.
THE TEE BOLTS MAY BE LOOSE
Have you ever noticed the plastic caps around your toilet's base? They are there to cover and protect the tee bolts, which play an important role in keeping your toilet firmly in place. When these bolts become loose or break, the seal of your toilet can be compromised, leading to potential leaks. If you notice any issues with the bolts, reposition your toilet so it is level and centered, then begin tightening the bolts. If they continue to spin freely or if they are broken, it may be time to head to the store for a replacement set.
YOUR TOILET COULD HAVE A DAMAGED WAX RING
After evaluating the condition of your tee bolts and attempting to tighten them, you may find that your toilet is still leaking from the base. In this case, the wax ring is likely the culprit and will need to be replaced.
- Make your way to the store - And buy a new wax ring for your toilet. If possible, snap a photo of the base of your toilet and seek assistance from an expert at the store in finding a suitable replacement.
- Prepare the Toilet - Begin by turning off the water supply to your toilet using the valve located behind it. Then, flush the toilet to drain as much water as possible. To get rid of any remaining water, unscrew the nut holding the fill valve and collect the excess in a small bucket. Lastly, clear out the remaining water from the base of the toilet by plunging it for a few seconds.
- Detach the Toilet & Old Wax Ring – First, unscrew the water supply line from the toilet and remove the tee bolts from the floor. This will allow you to lift and remove the toilet from its usual position. Carefully place the toilet on its side and start removing the old wax ring. Be sure to thoroughly clean off any remaining wax or residue before installing a new wax ring.
- Replace the Wax Ring – Carefully position the new wax ring over the flange, ensuring that the tee bolts are securely in place. Once the new wax ring is positioned, return your toilet to its original placement.
- Reposition Your Toilet – Check that the toilet is correctly aligned and use your weight to press it onto the wax ring, creating a new seal. Carefully screw in the tee bolts (avoid over-tightening), making sure the toilet is centered and level. Reattach the water line, turn on the valve, and test with a flush. Thoroughly examine the base of the toilet for any signs of water leakage from the new seal.
A leaky toilet can lead to mold growth and higher water bills, making it important to address the issue promptly. For optimal repairs, it is recommended to contact a local plumber for assistance, but we all know how costly that can be. That's why Pipeline Streams created our video consultations. Schedule to have a licensed plumber on video with you while you complete these repairs. Reach out for more information and to see how we can save you time, energy, and a headache.
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