Toilets are some of the most reliable systems in any home. They serve you well for a long time, even with the most minimal care, and don't easily break down.
Still, it's not unusual to see your toilet leaking at the base and have water spilling onto the floor. If you see such an occurrence, it's best to call a professional to assess and repair the damage before you incur huge repair or replacement costs.
Maybe Why Your Toilet Pipe is Leaking When You Flush?
A toilet leak typically happens when the seal under your toilet fails. If you see water pooling around your toilet base, it's a good sign because it means your wax seal is failing and needs replacing.
However, in some cases, the issue can arise from somewhere else. Here are some possible reasons why your toilet is leaking at base anytime you flush:
Your fill or supply valves are loose
A cracked toilet tank
The flapper isn't shutting as it should over the valve seat, causing the flush valve to leak
The nuts and bolts aren't tight
Sweaty bowl
To check whether your toilet is leaking when you flush, soak up the water from your floor using a dry sponge and a towel. Wait until you see the puddle again and check where the water is coming from. A leaking toilet can cause potential damage to your subfloor and bathroom tile, not to mention that it is also unsanitary.
This Old House gives you a visual on where to see those potential leaks:
Some of these issues are easily fixable at home. Like in the video, if you just completed a remodel product and the floor is not leave - don't just hope the wax ring will fix your leveling problem; call in a professional plumber.
However, we don't recommend trying to fix a plumbing issue on your own, especially without relevant experience, as it could lead to even more damage. Always call a professional to help with any plumbing work to get quality service.
Before you call the plumber, though, here are some steps to take to solve the issues temporary:
Stop Using the Toilet
Until you can pinpoint the source of the issue, avoid using the toilet and flushing it. Continual usage of a leaking toilet could worsen it and damage the floor.
Also, shut off the water supply into the toilet by turning the valve on the wall water supply line into the back of the toilet hopper. Give it a final flush, then mop up any spillage.
Assess The Tee Bolts
Loose tee bolds can break the seal, causing a leak. The good news is that it's easy to fix a loose tee bolt. You only need to reposition the toilet then tighten the tee bolts.
You may have to remove the caps to access the bolts. If the bolts are broken, you may have to replace them.
Check The Tank and Bowl Connection
Bolts loosen with time, causing water to leak. If the tee bolts aren't the issue, check the tank and bowl and set and tighten the two or three-bolt nuts underneath the tank.
If they keep spinning, tighten them from inside the tank. If the connections feel secure, but the leaking continues, it's time to replace the washers.
Replace The Wax Ring
If the leak only occurs when you flush, it means the wax ring is eroded and needs replacing. You might need to remove the toilet from the floor to access the wax ring.
Wax rings are affordable, and generic ones fit most toilets meaning there's no going wrong. Just remember to describe your toilet model to a hardware store clerk, so they can give you the right fit.
We'll help you with any toilet problems
Toilets can be complex. Often your best bet is to get a reliable plumber to get the job done right.
The licensed specialists at G&C Plumbing & Heating are available to help you with any of your toilet plumbing needs. We will assess and determine the best way forward to prevent your toilet tank leaking and get you using your toilet again in no time.