What Do I Do if My Toilet Leaks at the Base?

If you notice that your toilet is leaking at the base, it is important to take immediate action to prevent any further damage to your bathroom floor and to ensure the safety and health of your household. The water leaking from the bottom of the toilet is likely contaminated with waste and can potentially cause unpleasant odors and even health hazards. Therefore, the first step you should take is to stop using the affected toilet as soon as possible to prevent any further leakage.

 

Continuing to use a leaking toilet can cause significant damage to the subfloor and other parts of the bathroom, resulting in costly repairs. Moreover, it can pose a risk to the health and safety of anyone who uses the bathroom. To avoid such consequences, it is essential to address the issue promptly and efficiently.

First

Before attempting to repair a leaking toilet, it’s important to determine where the leak is coming from. Check the toilet thoroughly to make sure that the water is not coming from somewhere higher on the toilet and dripping down the sides. If the leak is indeed at the base of the toilet, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

 

One common cause of a leaking toilet at the base is loose T-bolts, which are the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. If this is the case, simply remove the plastic covers at the base and tighten the bolts, being careful not to overtighten and damage the porcelain.

 

However, if tightening the T-bolts doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the drain pipe. To do this, first, turn off the water supply to the toilet, disconnect the water supply line, and unscrew the T-bolts. Then, carefully remove the toilet and place it on its side. Clean away the remnants of the old wax ring and replace it with a new one. Finally, reset the toilet, tighten the T-bolts, replace the caps, reconnect the water supply line, and turn on the valve. Test the toilet for leaks.

 

If you have attempted to fix the leak, and it still persists, it may be time to contact a professional plumber for assistance. A licensed and experienced plumber from Top Notch Plumbing, LLC can identify the root of the problem and make necessary repairs to ensure that your toilet is functioning properly.

Contact us today for toilet installs and repairs!

When it comes to the functionality and comfort of your home or business, one of the most important elements is a fully operational and efficient toilet. At Top Notch Plumbing, LLC, we understand the importance of having a reliable toilet that meets your needs, whether it be for residential or commercial purposes.


If you’re in need of toilet installation or repair services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with the reliable and efficient service you need to keep your home or business running smoothly.