The water turns filthy and can be absorbed into the subfloor and leaked below the ceiling. It will eventually pool around the toilet if it is left unattended. If your toilet is leaking at the bottom, this can result in water accumulation and ultimately damage from water. Many homeowners overlook the issue but do not see it as a concern and expect it to disappear.
Toilet is leaky. Based on the severity of the problem, savvy homeowners can conduct their investigation to find out the start of the leak and what caused it. A trained technician can identify the leak, pinpoint the leak’s source, and address the issue appropriately.
How to Repair a Toilet Leaking at Base
The first step in evaluating the situation is to avoid using the toilet as much as possible. Keep in mind that we’re talking about water here! At the very least, the trapped moisture can protect your home and fixtures from further damage to the bathroom floor.
The water currently flowing towards the bottom of the toilet will become filthy and smelly and could damage your subfloor, floor, and ceiling below it. Make sure you clean the area with disinfectants to eliminate any remaining mold.
Ensuring the Toilet Is Tight Tee Bolts
The proper tightening of the tee bolts can be helpful when your toilet leaks at its base. Because of wear and strain, the bathroom can be shaken loose from its seal, resulting in a leak. It won’t always resolve the issue if the gasket gets sealed correctly. It becomes crushed between the flanges and the toilet’s base, and while tightening the toilet bolts can help, drawing it won’t help unless the gasket gets sealed correctly.
While tightening the toilet screws, ensure the toilet is placed correctly on the floor. Then, take the plastic covers from the bolts to the tee and use an adjustable wrench till the bolts become secured.
Replacing the Gasket
After correctly tightening the bolts, check the leak by flushing your toilet. If the leak continues, then you may need a replacement gasket. The seal between the bottom of the bathroom and the gasket should get replaced if it has become damaged.
Find the correct gasket for your toilet. It isn’t an easy fix and requires professionals to assist you with your leaky toilet. There are a series of steps that are needed to repair a gasket in the bathroom:
- Find the correct gasket for your toilet.
- Take your toilet off the floor and place the bathroom on it. Ensure you drain the toilet and then shut it down before taking it off – get assistance!
- Make sure to clean the old gasket made of rubber or wax off the toilet’s base.
- Replace and install new tee bolts if they have rusted.
- Install the gasket at the toilet’s base.
- Bring the toilet back to its initial position.
- Verify that there’s no more leakage around the toilet’s base after the water has to get turned back on.
Caulking the Toilet Base
Caulking the bottom of the bathroom stops further water from getting onto the floor. Caulking gets to prevent water from further destroying the bathroom floor, but in no way is it the solution to controlling your toilet from leaks! Ensure that the bathroom is fixed correctly and is not leaky before sealing it with caulk.
The fact is that various reasons can cause toilets that leak at the bottom and can be assessed and rectified with the help of a professional. If you’re looking to evaluate and fix your bathroom, ensure that you use the correct measures and preventive measures before jumping into improving your toilet!
Ottawa Plumbing Service is providing plumbing services for residential customers in Ottawa. Please call us at (613) 317-1682 or info@ottawaplumbingservice.com if you require the services of a plumber in your region, and one of our professional and certified specialists will assist you.
