What do you do about a leaky toilet, without having to call a plumber?

Question

You see, we just put down new title in our bathroom. And when we put the toilet back in its place, after a week it began to leak at the base. So we thought it was the toilet ring. So, we replaced the ring with a bigger one. And it was fine, no leak or smell. But now, a few months later, the smells coming back and we believe its starting to leak again. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I understand about not wanting to call plumber. It can be expensive. but you tried twice to fix it. DO NOT caulk around the base as suggested. That will only cause any leak to build up under the toilet. It actually sounds like your floor flange is set a little too deep now that the tile is down. You could check to see if it can be raised a bit. Sometimes they can and sometimes they can't. Without actually seeing it I can say for sure. One more thing, there are different quality of wax rings if your trying to use the cheapest one you can buy that may be part of your problem. Even the best of them are cheap. The best of them have a rubber flange insert. Be careful seating the toilet over the seal and carefully tighten the bolts properly.

Answer 2

If you just used a wax ring and not a ring with an extended dump pie in it, this might be the problem.The extended pipe only goes into the sewer about an inch or so but will keep splash from getting past ring and under the toilet itself.

If I had done it twice, and the problem was still there, I'd call a plumber. May cost a hundred bucks but if it isn't fixed properly, you'll be replacing the floor down to the floor joists.

Answer 3

If you are saying that you replaced the wax ring and I have to assume that the new tile was very thin, then you may have damaged the wax ring and will need to replace it again being VERY careful when setting the stool on it. If your new tile is very thick, then you may not be sealing well and may need to install an adapter for the added thickness of the new thicker tile. As far as the smell, the toilet acts as a trap and if there is no water in the toilet as it should be normally, you will get a sewer smell. I hope this helps even though I may have covered areas that I believe you have already done.

Answer 4

The Clown is right (no insult intended). To fix it right, you'll need to shut-off the incoming water to the tank. Before you do, fill a container with some water (a liter will do) to check for a leak when you're done. There should be a shut-off valve below the tank, or turn off the main valve where your water enters the house. Let all the water out of the tank & sponge up the rest. You'll need a screwdriver and adjustable wrench to remove the bolts and rubber washers. If they're rusty, you might even have to cut them with a hack-saw. Replace them with the new bolts (buy brass ones) and rubber washers, don't over-tighten them, that can crack the tank. Just snug them. Now pour in some of the water you set aside earlier to check for any leaks.....if there aren't any.....turn on the water. If it still drips, tighten the screws a little more till it stops, then turn on the water. Now give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Answer 5

Use a pair of wax rings rather than just one. Also, when re-installing the toilet, be sure that the hold-down bolts are securely tightened so that the toilet does not rock. (Be careful not to over-tighten, of course, as you could fracture the base.)
Postscript: one responder has advocated sealing around the base. BAD IDEA; this will hide the problem without fixing it, and rot will result.

Answer 6

When you replace the wax ring make sure that you have a flat surface underneath so the toilet won't rock.

Answer 7

The wax ring should be higher than the floor just set it on the floor flange and see if it is lower than the tile if so you may have to use two. I have had this problem where I had to double up.

Answer 8

You need to coulk around the base. The water is leaking because there is not a seal between then toliet and the floor.

Answer 9

"A stitch in time saves nine," it is better to solve this problem now with what seems to be an expensive plumber than to have to call in both the plumber AND a floor repairman later.

Answer 10

Go to lowes and get a tube of silicone and a gun, slop a bunch of it on the hole, put the gasket down and slop silicone all over it, then set the toilet down.