Reasons Why Toilets Leak at the Base and How to Fix It

Toilet leaks are not only annoying but can also cause serious damage that can be very costly to fix. If you know why toilets leak at the base, you’ll have a better idea of how to fix the issue and avoid it in the future.

Reasons Your Toilet is Leaking at the Base

Bolts Need to Be Tightened

Toilet bases are held to the ground with two bolts known as tee bolts. When these bolts get loose, the toilet will likely start to rock. That could lead to the wax ring breaking, and then drain water can seep out of the base any time the toilet is flushed.

The Wax Ring Needs to Be Replaced

Wax rings can be worn down over time and can no longer act as a proper seal. If that is the case, the seal will not be intact anymore, and water will seep through the toilet base. You will have to replace the wax ring.

There’s a Loose Water Supply Line

You will find that water leaks from the base of your toilet if there is a loose water supply line. This is easy to spot: water will always leak from your toilet base, not only when you flush the toilet.

If this is what’s happening, you should check the connection where the supply line and tank connect. Ensure that the nut and rubber seal are nice and tight.

Water Is Condensing on the Toilet and Dripping Down

Condensation can be a problem for a porcelain toilet. When the bathroom becomes humid and water drips down from the porcelain on the bowl, this water will start to pool at the toilet base.

How to Prevent Future Toilet Leaks

Now that you know the main reasons why toilets leak at the base, you can look at ways of preventing future leaks. Prevention is always better than treatment, especially when it comes to plumbing. Here are a few things you can do:

Fix Leaks Immediately

If you notice a leak, get it fixed as soon as you possibly can. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and minimize the long-term damage.

Flush Only Toilet Paper and Human Waste

Toilets are made to flush human waste and toilet paper, nothing else. Don’t flush any other items like food or you could cause serious plumbing problems and clog your pipes.

Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a good idea, but they’re very harsh and can damage your plumbing fixtures and pipes.

Inspect Your Toilet Every 6 Months

You should regularly inspect your toilet components and make sure they’re still working properly. This way, you can pick up on small problems much faster. Checking your toilet every six months is a good idea.

Hire a Plumber When You Need To

If you are unsure of what’s happening with your toilet or need some guidance and assistance in dealing with your plumbing problems, there are experts in the greater Sacramento area you can call on.

A professional plumber will fix your toilet and get it right the first time, so you don’t have any repeated problems.Contact Contact Ace Plumbing to hire a professional plumber to handle all of your plumbing issues, small and large.