Key Reasons For A Toilet Leaking At The Base

By Author: Citywide Plumbing
Total Articles: 5

Did you notice water on the floor around the base of the toilet? If so, it is not a good indication. It signifies there is a leak in the toilet – probably around the base of the fixture. Rather than letting the bathroom turn into an indoor swimming pool, call an expert for leak detection in San Francisco and get the issue fixed right away.

However, you must be aware of the reasons why a toilet actually leaks at the base. And, in case of an emergency or until a plumbing contractor reaches your place, you can simply try out the temporary solution mentioned in this quick guide.

The tee bolts are loose

Do you know those plastic caps around the base of the toilet? Those caps are covering tee bolts that facilitate to hold the toilet tightly in place. The time these bolts are broken or loose, the seal of the toilet can simply break, resulting in leaks to take place. The toilet must be repositioned so it is centered and leveled, and start to tighten the bolts. In case the bolts keep on spinning freely or are broken, mull over heading towards the store and get a replacement set.

It has a damaged wax ring

Once the circumstance of the tee bolts have been evaluated and have made an effort to make them tighter, but the toilet is still leaking at the base, it is most likely the sign of a wax ring that is supposed to be replaced with a new one.

 Head to the hardware store – Buy a new wax ring for the toilet. If it is possible, take a photo of the base of the toilet and ask the professional at the hardware store to assist you to get a similar replacement.

 Prepare the toilet – You need to begin the process simply by shutting off the water to the toilet passing through the water valve situated at the rear of the toilet. Now flush the toilet in order to get rid of as much of the sitting water as possible. In order to eliminate any surplus water, remove the nut holding the fill valve in place and catch the surplus water with a small bucket.

 Install the new wax ring – Take the wax ring and put it over the flange with the tee bolts secured in place. With the ring in position, relocate the toilet back in its standard placement.

 Reinstall the toilet – Ensure the toilet is in the correction place and start using the weight of the body in order to push it into the wax ring for creating the new seal. Fasten the tee bolts into place and keep away from tightening it in excess. Take into account that the toilet has to be centered and leveled appropriately. Connect the water line again, turn the valve back on, and give it a flush. Closely check for any leaks.

Even though it seems to be really easy, however, you must hire a specialist for leak detection in San Francisco, CA and get the issue fixed quickly.