Walking into your bathroom and seeing a large puddle of water around the base of your toilet can make anyone cringe. Your first response: why is my toilet leaking at the base? Once you clean up the standing water, you will be able to tell almost instantly if the water is coming from the base because the water will start pooling around the base again. Now that it is established this is where the problem is, it is time to fix the issue.
Where to Check for a Leaking Toilet Base
The T-bolts are the first thing to check when your toilet is leaking from the base. The T-bolts are the bolts located on each side of the base of your toilet. If your base is loose, it could be because the T-bolts have loosened or have broken. Start by tightening these bolts down to see if that stops the leak.
If the bolts will not tighten or if they turn freely, they may be broken. If that is the case, you will need to replace the bolts.
Make Sure Bolts Are Tightened
If your toilet is still leaking after tightening the T-bolts, the cause may be a damaged wax ring. The wax ring creates a seal between your toilet and the sewer pipe. If this ring cracks, it will leak from the base.
Fixing this problem will be a little more complex than tightening the T-bolts. You will need to remove the T-bolts and take the toilet up off the floor. Once you have removed the toilet, you will need to clean the base of the toilet by removing the wax seal. You will also need to clean the top of the sewer pipe to ensure all the wax is removed.
Replace the Wax Ring to Re-Seal a Leaking Toilet Base
Next, you will need to purchase a wax ring to replace the seal. Make sure that you purchase the right size and thickness for your brand of toilet. If you are unsure which one to purchase, take a picture of the base of your toilet. The service reps at the hardware store may be able to help you find the right one based on this picture. Replace the wax ring on the base and pipe and secure the toilet back to the floor. Your toilet should stop leaking.
Contact Horn for Toilet and Plumbing Services
If you ask, “Why is my toilet leaking at the base,” it may be time to call Horn. Unless you are familiar with plumbing repairs, it may be more beneficial to contact a plumber to correct the problem. Stopping water leaks quickly will help prevent mold and mildew from starting in your bathroom and will protect your flooring and walls.
