Reasons Why Your Toilet Is Leaking at the Base

Among the most crucial fixtures in your bathroom is the toilet. A toilet leak can be an annoying and inconvenient problem to deal with. A leaking toilet can also cause damage to your walls and floors. In order to resolve the issue before it becomes a problem, you need to identify the possible causes.

Fortunately, toilet leaks can be easy to diagnose and repair. Discover some of the most common reasons your toilet leaks from the base.

Tank Condensation

The surface temperature inside your toilet tank changes when cold water enters the tank. In warm weather or if the air inside your house is warmer, condensation may begin to form on your tank's outer surface.

To determine if tank condensation is the problem, wipe down the base of your toilet with paper towels. As soon as all the water at the base of the toilet is gone, flush the toilet. Condensation might be the cause of your leaky toilet problem if water doesn't leak at the bottom after you flush.

Ensure the floor around the toilet does not accumulate moisture around the base, as moisture can cause damage. To avoid floor damage, place a drip tray around the base until the condensation subsides. Your bathroom may benefit from a dehumidifier if condensation is a regular occurrence.

Wax Ring

Wax rings seal the bottom of the toilet to the waste pipe on the floor. The ring consists of wax that gives it a sticky surface. The ring ensures that the toilet and drainpipe to the sewer are watertight and airtight.

The wax ring can become worn out and brittle with time, leading to leaks. Leaks may occur around the toilet base if the seal deteriorates. The problem often occurs after you flush the toilet. A compromised wax ring seal may also cause your toilet to emit a sewer odor and wobble.

Wax ring replacement requires disassembling and reassembling the toilet, which can take a few hours. An expert's help will save you time and prevent future problems.

Toilet Bolts

Your toilet should have two bolts, often covered by caps, at the bottom of your toilet. Tightening the bolts ensures a seal between the toilet's bottom surface and the wax ring seal. Over time, the bolts may loosen, which results in a less effective wax seal. Consequently, water can escape out of the base when you flush. 

A tight fit between the toilet and the floor restores the seal, which prevents a leak around the toilet. If the bolts don't tighten, you can replace them.

Water Supply Hose

The pipe that runs from the wall to your toilet might be the culprit if you have a leak problem with your toilet. Joints in the supply line can become weak or loose, which can result in a leak onto your floor. You can feel along the supply line to determine where a leak is if it isn't visible.

You can fix the leak by gently tightening the supply hose connections to the fittings. With the right tools, you can tighten the connections yourself. The replacement of the water supply hose may be necessary if tightening the fittings does not stop the leak. To avoid costly mistakes, have the replacement done by a professional.

Besides the reasons listed above, many other factors can cause your toilet to leak. Get a professional who can help you diagnose and fix the problem promptly so your toilet is back to a leak-free state. If you have a problem with a toilet leak or any other plumbing problem, contact us for help. We have the experience and expertise to repair, replace, or install your plumbing.