Toilet help!!!?

Question

My toilet is leaking and it is damaging the downstairs ceiling. I don't know how long it has been going on but I just noticed it today. I want to know if I can fix the problem myself. Can anyone help me before the ceiling is destroyed!!!

Answer 1

Shut off the water and call a plumber. The problem you need to be worried about is how much water damage has been done to the wood beams underlying your bathroom floor. The longer they are in contact with water, the greater the chance of wood rot, and/or warping when dry.

If your ceiling is drywall, you might also have mold issues if it doesn't dry completely. A general contractor might be able to suggest some solutions - maybe removing the damaged drywall and leaving the beams exposed for a bit to help them dry more quickly.

Answer 2

I'm not positive on this, but the wax ring that acts as a seal, is probably going to need to be replaced. Look for where it is leaking. If it's around the base of the toilet, the ring is bad. You could also have a cracked tank. There are lots of reasons. Your main things right now is to find the leak.

Answer 3

Where is it leaking from on the toilet?

If it is coming from a crack on the toilet you will have to replace the toilet. I would call a plumber for this (replacing a toilet can be difficult).

Replacing the wax ring is also a possiblity, but it can be just as difficult to properly replace as getting a new toilet. If not done properly it can still leak and cause more damage and more in repair costs.

http://www.eriewater.org/leak.htm

Answer 4

thats easy dont get worried.
turn off the water supply to the toilet get out as much water as possible disconnect the water supply from the toilet then disconect the two bolts that hold the toilet to the floor pick up the toilet (there not that heavy) you may have to lift it side by side till the gasket gives way once it's loose from the gasket place the toilet out of the way and inspect the gasket i would replace it even if it looks good just go to a home improvement store or a plumbing store and ask for a toilet gasket (also called a beeswax gasket) the gasket is probably bad

Answer 5

Find out where the leak is coming from before turning the water off. Once determined, most toliets are easy to repair from a flapper to the wax seal.

Repainting ceiling are much more difficult.

Answer 6

It sounds like a water intake pipe or your drain pipe is leaking. Find the faucet that turns off the water going into the tank. If it still leaks then it's probably the drain. In either case, call a good plumber.

Answer 7

replace the wax seal under the toilet, and while your there check the area around the pipes, you may have a serious problem or only a poor seal. If the area around the flange is rotted you need major work done and judging from the question, you may not be up to it, not to be mean but replacing the pipes and flooring is not for the novice. good luck, hope it's simple.

Answer 8

First you have to find where the leak is coming from. most likely its the wax ring that is bad. to install a new one you will have to shut the water valve off and disconnect it from the tank. then you have to take out the 2 bolts that anchor the toilet to the floor. replace the wax ring and put everything back together.
good luck.

Answer 9

sounds like the wax ring between the toilet and the floor is not making a tight seal. wax rings are cheap at the hardware store, probably less than $5, but if you are not handy then call a plumber NOW. a rotted out subfloor will cost you a ton, I know from experience.

Answer 10

probably the seal on the bottom is leaking .It's a wax seal between the toilet and the floor remove the two screws that are there and lift up the toilet remove the old seal and replace the seal shouldn't take more than thirty minutes if you are slow