How To Stop a Leaking Toilet

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our Professionals know how to Stop a Leaking Toilet. Just follow our Tips.

It's never a good sign to discover a puddle of water on your floor in your West Valley City, UT, bathroom. You know you have a job ahead of you if it's originating at the base of your toilet. Fortunately, though, there's a good chance you won't need a plumber. A leaking toilet can definitely be a hassle but is often a relatively simple fix. Discontinue use until it gets repaired because the problem can quickly worsen. Here are a few steps to resolve the issue if your toilet is leaking from the base. 

Toilet Repair Steps for a Base Leak

1. Determine the Cause of the Leak

There are several reasons why your toilet has started leaking. Even a tiny leak can turn into a disaster if left, so it's critical to find the problem and repair it as soon as possible. The toilet is not the most sanitary place in your home, to begin with, but excess moisture can also lead to secondary damage like mold. An issue like this usually requires the services of water damage restoration professionals.

2. Inspect the Inside of the Toilet Tank

Carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and keep an eye on the float and inlet valve. The inlet valve, also known as the fill valve, brings clean water into the toilet tank and bowl from the water supply line. Then, the water empties out of the tank and into the bowl when you flush.

The float on the inlet valve goes down and back up with the water, which allows the water to go into the tank. It controls the quantity of water allowed to flow into the bowl. If the inlet valve or the float are not working correctly, the result can be a leaking toilet. 

3. Tighten the Base Bolts

A toilet has bolts on the base to hold it securely to the floor. You may notice the toilet rocking back and forth if the bolts are loose. An unsteady toilet isn't the worst problem resulting from loose bolts. The wobbling can break the wax seal between the toilet and the septic pipe. This will likely result in a leak at the toilet's base.

To tighten the base bolts, remove the plastic lids that are on top of the bolts. Two tee bolts must be tightened to properly create a water-tight seal. These bolts will keep the wax ring in place. 

4. Replace the Wax Ring

The wax ring attaches the toilet to the drain and seals the water from seeping into the bathroom floor. The ring could be worn or damaged, which is a sign that you need to replace it. Ensure with the hardware store employee that you get the right ring to fit your specific type of toilet, as they can vary from different toilet models. You can also take the old ring with you.

Whether an old toilet or a newer one, it is always possible for it to malfunction. Therefore, it's good to know some tips on handling it beforehand in case you have to deal with a leaking toilet.