Are you experiencing plumbing issues and don’t know how to fix them? Contact Triangle Plumbing Services for long-lasting and professional solutions.
Imagine walking into your bathroom to find a large puddle of water on the floor surrounding your toilet. The first thing you ask is, “Why is my toilet leaking at the base?” Turn to Triangle Plumbing Services, the leading plumbers in Midlothian, VA, to resolve this issue and keep your toilet leak-free in the future.
Discover the possible reasons why your toilet is leaking and learn how experts repair a leak in this helpful guide.
Confirm the Source of the Leak
More often than not, a toilet leaks at the base because of a faulty wax ring. You’ll find out if this causes the pooling water by flushing the toilet and watching for any water that comes out at the base. Until you replace the wax ring, your toilet will continue to leak water every time you flush.
Other possible reasons behind the leak could be a faulty shut-off valve or a loose water supply line. The hoses behind the toilet will be loose if these issues are to blame. Tighten the hoses if you see that water is dripping from them rather than the base of the toilet.
You never want to ignore a leaky toilet. Not only will this increase your home’s water usage but as water seeps beneath your floors, it can cause extensive damage and run the risk of mold formation.
Tighten the Toilet’s Bolts
Once you determine that the leak isn’t from your water supply line or shut-off valve, you can start to repair the leak by adjusting the tee bolts at the base of the toilet. If you’re wondering “Why is my toilet leaking at the base?” it could be because the bolts have become loose and are impacting the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor.
Use a flathead screwdriver or putty knife to remove any caps on top of the bolts and then gently tighten the bolts with a wrench. Be careful not to twist the bolts too much as this could end up cracking the porcelain toilet. Contact a professional plumber to ensure that the bolts become secure without damaging the fixture.
Replace the Wax Ring
Why is my toilet leaking at the base after tightening the tee bolts and hoses? If water continues to collect on your floor with each flush, it’s time to get a new wax ring on your toilet. This crucial piece of equipment forms a seal between the base of the toilet and the drain pipe.
The seal can lose strength over time and allow water to flow onto the floor. Wax rings are inexpensive to replace but require the help of a professional plumber for accuracy. Plumbers fix this problem by completing the following steps:
- Disconnect the water supply and flush the toilet.
- Mop up any remaining water in the toilet tank and bowl.
- Unscrew the tee bolts and move the toilet away from the floor.
- Remove the old wax ring and install the replacement.
- Put the toilet back into position and tighten the tee bolts again.
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When the new wax ring is in place and the toilet connects to the drain pipe, you can turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. No water should escape from the base when you flush thanks to the air-tight seal around the wax ring.
Tips for Preventing Leaky Toilets
Along with “Why is my toilet leaking at the base?” homeowners often ask plumbers, “How do you prevent toilet leaks?” Periodically check your toilet’s tee bolts, valves, and hoses to make sure they’re in the right position. Performing regular toilet maintenance can help you avoid a flooded bathroom and significant water damage.
In addition, watch out for any shakiness or small movements when you use the toilet. This indicates that the wax ring is starting to become loose, making the toilet’s position less stable. Call a plumber to inspect the seal and replace the wax ring if necessary.
Contact Triangle Plumbing Services for Superior Toilet Repair in Midlothian, Virginia
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Why is my toilet leaking at the base, and how do I fix it?” Let the experts at Triangle Plumbing Services take care of your plumbing needs, including leaky toilet repair. We specialize in a wide range of plumbing services and love to help Midlothian residents experience the benefits of regular plumbing maintenance.
Pick up the phone and call (804) 293-3213 to request same-day service.
