Why Is My Toilet Leaking at the Base?
If you’ve discovered a leak at the base of your toilet, we know it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that with the right knowledge, a leaking toilet bottom can often be resolved without professional assistance. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your toilet is leaking at the base, alongside instructions for how to fix each situation:
- Worn wax ring
- Loose bolts or nuts
- Cracked toilet base
- Faulty tank-to-bowl gasket
A leaking toilet shouldn’t be ignored. While many of these issues can be addressed with some DIY effort, it's important to know when to call in a professional. If the repair seems daunting or beyond your comfort level, seeking the expertise of a licensed plumber is advisable.
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If you're not comfortable attempting to fix your leaking toilet, Jon Wayne’s expert plumbers are here to help with trusted plumbing services. We have more than 20 years of experience serving Texas homeowners who appreciate our commitment to honesty and integrity in every job we perform.
Worn Wax Ring
The connection between your toilet and the closet flange below it is sealed with a large wax ring (also called a wax gasket). The wax ring can fail for several reasons, but it's often due to improper installation, movement from a loose toilet that compromises the seal, or simply wear and tear over time.
How to Fix
- Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the flow of water to your toilet.
- Flush your toilet to remove as much water as possible from the bowl and tank, then use a cup to remove the last of the excess water.
- Unbolt the toilet from the floor and rock it gently to break the wax seal. Lay it sideways on a trash bag, towel, or other item that can be washed or thrown away.
- Scrape old wax from the toilet base and closet flange. This way, you have a flush surface to work with.
- Check the integrity of the toilet flange. If it needs to be replaced, you’ll need to do the replacement before installing a new wax ring.
- Place the new wax ring on the closet flange, ensuring all sides have contact.
- Place your toilet carefully onto the wax ring so that it presses the wax and forms a seal.
- Bolt the toilet down, turn the water on, and flush a few times to check for leaks.
Loose Bolts or Nuts
Sometimes leaks are caused by something as simple as your bolts or nuts coming loose. This one is an easy fix if you have a wrench handy.
How to Fix
Pull the caps off the base bolts and use a wrench to tighten them a little at a time until they seem firmly in place. Be careful not to overtighten so you don't accidentally crack your toilet's base. Replace the caps and flush a few times to see if the leak is fixed.
Cracked Toilet Base
If you've discovered a crack in your toilet base while searching for the source of your leak, the severity of the crack will determine whether it can be repaired. A hairline crack, even if it goes all the way through the thickness of the bowl, can sometimes be repaired, but more extensive cracks often require replacement.
How to Fix
For a hairline crack, use a plumber's epoxy to reseal the line. It's important to note that this works best if the crack is above the water line but can be used as a temporary fix if below. For more significant damage, it's best to replace the toilet entirely.
Faulty Tank-to-Bowl Gasket
The gasket that seals the connection between your tank and toilet bowl can also be the source of your leak. These gaskets are made of sponge rubber and can lose their seal over time.
How to Fix
- Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the flow of water to your toilet.
- Flush your toilet to remove as much water as possible from the tank, then use a cup to remove the last of the excess water.
- Loosen the screws inside the tank to remove it from the bowl and lay it gently on a trash bag, towel, or cardboard.
- Remove the rubber gasket from the underside of the tank and replace it with a new gasket.
- Carefully replace the tank and tighten the screws to connect.
- Turn the water back on and flush to check for leaks.
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After more than 20 years of delivering trustworthy plumbing services, we know how to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Call Jon Wayne for toilet repairs and enjoy quick response times, honest prices, and accurate workmanship done right the first time. We’re committed to solving your plumbing issues on the first visit to avoid unnecessary follow-ups.
