Toilet Base Leaks

Problem: Leak develops at the base of the toilet, between toilet and the toilet flange of the waste pipe.

Background: Occasionally the wax ring between the toilet and waste pipe will lose its seal and allow leak age. New wax rings are available at hardware stores and home centers, however, the toilet must be removed to install the new ring. Before re moving, make sure any moisture is not due to tank condensation, or to a leak between the tank and base on a 2-piece toilet.

 

What to do: Buy a replacement wax ring. Turn off the water at the sup ply valve near the toilet or at the main water supply valve. Disconnect water supply at the base of the tank. Drain the toilet tank by flushing and remove the remaining water using sponges or rags. Take the caps and nuts off of the toilet’s mounting bolts, and lift the toilet off its mount. Temporarily stuff a rag into the opening in the floor to keep sewer gas from escaping, then clean up the old gasket or setting compound on the floor.
   Turn the toilet upside down (being careful to prevent scratches), then remove the old wax ring. Slightly warm the new wax ring and press into position. Turn the toilet right side up and place it into position, allowing the toilet bolts to protrude through the holes in the base. Press down, with your full weight, in a slight twisting motion on the center of the top of the toilet. Re place the washers and nuts and then the caps.

Special advice: The toilet may have been installed with a gasket, not a wax ring. A gasket is formed by the toilet bowl setting compound in the circular recess in the base of the bowl. Simply remove this material before installing the new wax ring.

Helpful hint: If bolts were difficult to turn or were damaged when re moved, use new bolts after replacing the wax ring (liquid products that loosen rusted bolts are available at your local hardware store). When replacing the bolts that hold down the toilet base, tighten only until a snug fit is reached. Do not over tighten because you may crack the porcelain base.