Toilet leaking at the base? To help you figure out whether your leaking toilet is a serious issue or a minor inconvenience, let’s review four common reasons for a toilet leaking from the base.:
- Toilet Bowl or Tank Condensation
- Toilet Water Supply Hose Damage
- Loose Toilet Closet Bolts
- Toilet Wax Ring Issues
1. Toilet Bowl or Tank Condensation
Potential for Damage: Minimal
Professional Intervention Recommended: Sometimes
Condensation is a common cause behind a suspiciously wet toilet. It tends to look a bit like dew forming on your toilet base.
To determine whether the water around the base of your toilet is condensation or a plumbing problem, use a paper towel to wipe up the water and the toilet base. Once you've dried the area, flush the toilet.
If water does not pool at the base, your leaky toilet problem may be condensation.
Just keep an eye out for moisture buildup around the base, as it could potentially damage the flooring around the toilet. If the condensation persists throughout the year, use a dehumidifier in your bathroom to prevent it. Condensation on the base of a toilet is extremely common in humid areas. If you’re uncertain whether it’s condensation or another problem, then contact a professional
2. Toilet Water Supply Hose Damage
Potential for Damage: Low to moderate
Professional Intervention Recommended: Yes
A damaged water supply hose will cause water to pool at the base of your toilet. This tends to happen with older supply lines that have worn out, or with newer supply lines that were improperly installed. Call a professional plumber, who will perform the following steps:
- Close the shut-off valve near your toilet to stop water flow.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the water supply line at both ends.
- Apply plumber's tape to the threading at the wall pipe and the toilet hookup.
- Screw the supply line back in on both ends and tighten it with a wrench.
- Once everything is in place, turn the water supply on to see whether the seal is watertight.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, a professional plumber will take further steps
3. Loose Toilet Bolts
Potential for Damage: Moderate to severe
Professional Intervention Recommended: Yes
Toilet bolts can loosen over time, leading to a wobbly or leaky toilet base. These bolts can be tightened.
Look under the base of the toilet to locate two bolts, which are sometimes covered with caps. If these bolts are too loose, your toilet may leak from the base.Though tightening these bolts may sound simple, you need to ensure that the toilet is properly aligned. Additionally, you run the risk of over tightening the bolts and causing damage As such, call a plumber to ensure this is done properly and the leak stops.
Related Topic: What Causes Toilet Flange Leaks?
4. Toilet Wax Ring Issues
Potential for Damage: Moderate to severe
Professional Intervention Recommended: Yes
If your leak is persistent and all other possible causes have been ruled out, the culprit may be a failing wax ring.Wax rings need to be air- and water-tight to prevent leaks. If you smell rotten eggs near the toilet, that's a good sign you have a wax ring issue.
To fix this issue, you need to hire a plumber. They'll remove your toilet and inspect the wax ring. If necessary, they will replace the wax ring to stop your toilet from leaking.
Another sign that your wax ring may need replacing is when your toilet wobbles. This means it's likely sitting on a broken flange. A wobbling toilet can become even more serious if rocking causes it to crack.
Is It an Emergency if My Toilet Ss Leaking from he Base?
A toilet leaking from the base mightbe an emergency. There are many causes behind this issue, and you need to pinpoint the culprit before determining whether the leaking is a major problem.
If you have a problem with the wax ring or the bolts holding the toilet in place, it's an emergency. A broken wax ring will cause the toilet to leak whenever it is flushed. It can also let sewer gases into the home.
Loose toilet bolts cause your toilet to rock, which leads to leaks and increases the risk of the toilet base cracking. If your toilet is leaking from the base, call a plumber as soon as possible.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Toilet Leaking Troubles
A leaky toilet is a nuisance, but a flooded bathroom can be a disaster. For a toilet that's leaking around the base, call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We have the experience and expertise to diagnose the problem and fix it right the first time.
