Why is my toilet leaking at the base and how can I solve it now? (2023)

July 8, 2019, Updated:26. November 2019

If water accumulates regularlyyour toilet, that could be a bad sign. It is very likely that your toilet is leaking at the base. Does it happen when you flush your toilet? If so, you need to fix this leak before it turns your bathroom into an indoor pool!

The leak at the bottom of the toilet usually occurs when the gasket wears out and fails. That can happen sooner or later. A toilet can last more than 30 years with minimal care.

However, if for some reason the seal under the toilet fails, water will begin to leak and splash onto the floor. This can cause structural damage and wreak havoc in your bathroom.

Fortunately, this type of leak is not difficult to identify and repair. In most cases, all you have to do to fix this problem is replace the wax ring and tighten your toilet's T-bolts.

Easier said than done, especially if you're new to toilet plumbing. Don't worry, we'll help you fix a leaking toilet.

In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to fix your leaky toilet after flushing. You'll learn how to install a flexible water supply hose, apply a toilet wax seal, tighten T-bolts, make a watertight seal, and more.

Ready to start? Let's examine in a little more detail why this is happening.

Why is my toilet leaking around the base and how can you fix it?

Before proceeding with the toilet repair, you should understand exactly why your toilet is leaking.

As we mentioned earlier this can be due to loose T-bolts or a damaged wax ring which can cause the seal to fail.

Loose T-bolts

You may have noticed plastic caps on the toilet floor. These caps cover T-bolts that hold the toilet securely in place.

If the T-bolts become damaged or loosen, your toilet's seal will rupture and cause leaks.

You'll need to reposition your toilet slightly - by leveling and centering it - before you start tightening the T-bolts. If they are broken or spin freely, you need to buy a new replacement set.

Damaged wax ring

If water continues to seep out of the bottom of your toilet after tightening the T-bolts, there is a good chance that the wax ring is the source of the problem.

The wax ring tends to get damaged over time which can cause your toilet to leak at the base.

Be sure to replace the damaged wax ring as soon as possible. In the meantime, avoid using the toilet if possible.

The dirty water leaking from your toilet makes your bathroom an unhealthy place. In addition, it can damage the flooring, sub-floor and ceiling under the toilet if left untreated.

How to fix a leaking toilet floor

Now that you know what can cause your toilet to leak at the base, it's time to look at how to fix a leaking toilet. Without further ado, let's get into that.

Locate the problem

First you should find the problem and identify the cause of the leakage.

Water buildup on the toilet floor usually indicates that your toilet's wax seal has failed. But sometimes the problem lies elsewhere.

Water on the floor can also come from other leaking parts of your toilet. That's why you need to check if it's coming from the bottom of your toilet. So how to localize the problem?

Use a sponge to soak up the water around the toilet and dry with a rag or towel. If a puddle forms on the floor again, take a closer look to see where the water is seeping out. Make sure it's not coming from a sweaty bowl, a cracked tank, loose supply hoses, or faulty shut-off valves.

If water leaks from the toilet base, simply tighten the screws that attach your toilet to the floor. Unscrew the caps covering the screws with a flathead screwdriver or spatula.

Then gradually tighten each screw alternately with a wrench. The leak will stop if you are lucky. However, if it didn't help, you will need to replace your wax seal.

Tighten the T-bolts

Once you've located the problem and verified that water is leaking from the bottom of your toilet, you need to fix the source of the leak. Check that your toilet is firmly bolted to the floor.

If it comes off, the wax ring will not provide the proper seal and your toilet will start leaking at the base.

The T-bolts are used to securely attach your toilet to the floor. You should tighten these screws to stop the leak unless the problem is in a wax ring. Here's how it works in a few simple steps:

• Make sure your toilet is positioned correctly.
• Remove the plastic caps from the screws.
• Tighten the T-bolts with an adjustable wrench to keep your toilet securely attached.

You will need to replace the anchor bolts if they spin freely or have frozen. It won't be a difficult task if your toilet is already removed. On older toilets, be careful not to damage the T-bolts when removing the rusted nuts.

Replace a wax ring

When the toilet seal is broken, it is important to replace a broken wax ring to prevent a toilet from leaking around the base.

This isn't expensive damage as the wax rings only cost a few dollars. However, it is a time-consuming repair that can take a few hours. Basically, this job involves removing and replacing the toilet.

Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing the old wax ring:

• Step 1:Before replacing a wax ring, you must loosen the nut on the shut-off valve. This valve is usually placed in the basement or behind the toilet. Simply turn the handle clockwise to turn off your water supply.
• Step 2:Drain the sedentary water from the tank by holding down the handle and flushing your toilet. You should also loosen the nut holding the valve in place to remove any residual water at the bottom of your toilet.
• Step 3:Now you can unscrew your water supply to raise your toilet off the ground. This includes some minor operations like prying open the screw caps, removing the t-nuts and breaking the wax seal.
• Step 4:Remove the toilet from the floor and carefully lay it on its side. You can put it on a cardboard box or blanket.
• Step 5:Remove the defective wax seal. Clean the wax ring with a spatula. Make sure there is no residue or dry wax on the flange and bottom of your toilet.
• Step 6:Replace corroded T-bolts if present. Also replace the entire flange if it is bent or cracked. You can also fill the gap with crescent-shaped repair tape (a cheaper but less reliable solution).
• Step 7:Attach a new wax ring by placing it over the cabinet flange. Make sure the wax seal is properly centered before repositioning the toilet.
• Step 8:Install your toilet in its primary position. Press it into the wax ring with your body weight to create an airtight seal. You should consider replacing your toilet with a new one if it has chrome plated copper pipe.
• Step 9:Tighten the toilet screws and turn on the water supply by opening the shut-off valve.
• Step 10:Finally, check the bottom of your toilet for leaks. Flush it several times and check if the seal is leaking. If you notice a puddle, try pressing on the toilet bowl. Tighten the nuts a little more. Before sealing the toilet, you should wait a few days to make sure the leakage problem is really solved.

Seal your toilet

It should be noted that caulking is not a solution for toilets that leak at the bottom.

Instead, the aim is to prevent various sources from reaching the toilet floor.

Once the water is trapped under the base, it can cause odors and mold.

Caulking can make it easier for you to clean the water by keeping it on the ground.

This is a double-edged sword. While caulk can prevent the spread of bacteria, it will hide any leaks. Some homeowners are required by building codes in some communities to caulk their toilets.

If you decide to caulk your toilet, or if you are required to do so, it's wise to use a mildew-resistant, high-quality caulk.

Be sure to fix the leaking floor before caulking the toilet. Do not lift the tank whenRemove your toilet.

Toilets where leaks can occur

• Compact toilets
• 10 inches rough in toilets
• Dual flush toilets
• Comfort level toilets
• Macerating toilets

A leaking toilet will not only cause mold to grow in your bathroom, it will also increase your water bill. Because of this, you should fix any leak around your toilet quickly.

While many people can fix a leaking toilet base themselves, it's best to call a professional local plumber. Aside from saving you time by doing the repairs for you, it will ensure the job is done properly.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer or looking to save on toilet repairs, read our guide again. This problem really only occurs on domestic toilet models, doesn't itportable camping toilets.

Whether you just need to tighten T-bolts or replace that old wax ring, take the time to examine each step. Worth it.