Fixing Your Leaky Toilet

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet in Ogden, UT.

Suddenly discovering a puddle of water in the bathroom can be concerning. In most cases, the cause of a bathroom leak is the toilet. While a leaking toilet is a problem you’ll want to address as quickly as possible, it isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Here are steps you can take to stop the leak and minimize the impact of water damage to your home.

4 Steps to Stop a Toilet Leak

1. Find the Leak

The first visible indication that your toilet has a leak is the presence of water on your bathroom floor. However, sometimes, you won’t see any water at all. That’s because leaking water can get trapped between your flooring and underlayment. If you suspect a leak, probe the floor for spots that feel soft or spongy. If the toilet is on an upper floor, water can leak down the flange and stain the ceiling below. You can’t miss the unmistakable odor of sewer gas when a toilet isn’t seated properly.

2. Tighten the Bolts

Once you’ve determined the toilet is the culprit, inspect its fit. Is it stable, or does it rock? If the anchor bolts on either side are loose, tighten them down. Alternate when tightening to ensure you don’t overdo it. Too tight, and you could break the flange.

3. Replace the Wax Ring

If the leak persists after tightening the bolts, you’ll have to replace the wax ring that sits between the toilet and the flange. Over time, this ring can dry out and break the seal, resulting in a leaking toilet. You’ll need to uninstall the unit, remove the old ring and install a replacement.

4. Beware of Hidden Damage

Hopefully, you’ve caught the leak early enough. If the toilet leak has exposed your subfloor and structural supports to water, however, there may be larger issues you need to consider. If there’s any question whether the leak has caused rot or damage, contact a restoration specialist in Ogden, Utah, who can assess the situation and suggest the proper repairs.

If you find you have a leaking toilet, address the issue as quickly as possible. If necessary, call in a professional for expert help.