Why your toilet is leaking at the base

Toilet leaks can come from the supply line or tank, but the most expensive leak homeowners face is the base leak.

Toilets are the 2nd leading source of all residential water losses, with supply line failures being the first.
Water damage from toilets average $2,000-$10,000 per incident.
78% of toilet incidents are caused by faulty supply lines, fill valve assemblies, toilet flanges and clogged toilets that overflowed.

*Stats from IBHS Water Damage Studies

1. toilet base leak - facts

Toilet flange and wax ring

As water leaves the bowl, it exits through the trap and down the drain. Connecting the toilet to the drain is the flange, sealed by the wax ring.

The flange mounts the toilet to the floor and connects the toilet to the drain. The toilet is bolted to the flange, not the floor.

The wax ring, sits on top of the flange and seals the gap between the flange and the bottom of the floor.This creates a water tight seal so that waste water can safely exit the home.

Base leaks need to be resolved as quickly as possible. A small leak will eventually rot the floor surfaces and framing, making this the most expensive toilet leak homeowner face.

2. toilet base leak - signs

Pool of water or water damage around base of the toilet
Odor, smell of sewer
Ceiling stains (upstairs bathroom)
Rocking toilet - if there isn't a leak already, there will be soon.
The toilet rocks when the flange is no longer holding it secure. The wax ring seal can break, water can begin to seep out.

3. Toilet base leak - Causes

Broken flange
Broken wax seal
Flooring - too low, or rotten

3. TOILET BASE LEAK - next steps

If there is a leak at the base of the toilet, the toilet must first be pulled to diagnose the cause of the leak.

Before you try to tackle the toilet leak yourself, we strongly recommend calling a licensed plumber

schedule service online with KMP - Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing

If you are the DIY type and want to attempt to make the repair yourself, we found this article helpful.

Remember

Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance.
The best way to prevent toilet related water damage - take care of the toilet repair as soon as plumbing problems occur.

Download the complete home plumbing checklist.

Plumbing problems can be so frustrating they can 'drive a preacher to drinkin'. When you realize it's time to call a plumber: how do you know who to call? Do you need a 24-hour plumber ? Before you open your pocket book be sure to do your research and know your plumber. Choosing a reliable plumber: 5 key things...

KMP makes scheduling plumbing repairs easy SCHEDULE PLUMBING SERVICE ONLINE

Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing