How To Fix a Leaking Toilet
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 A. Leak at the shut off valve B. Leak at the water inlet to the tank C. Leak at the tank / base joint at the rubber gasket D. Leak where the toilet attaches to the floor with a wax ring (see photo) There may also be a leak that allows water to escape the tank and drain into the base. This leak requires the replacement of the flushing mechanism including the rubber flap that seals this area. This leak wastes water and can cause a serious problem in conjuction with a leak at the wax ring (D). The combination of two leaks will allow continuous water flow into the subfloor. It?s best to begin the repair by first ensuring that all connections are tight. This will usually fix A and B. If the outside of the tank drips, it is probably condensation, and can be fixed by insulating the inside of the tank with foam panels. If the tank is cracked, it must be replaced. If there is water seeping at the base of the toilet, this can be caused by an old wax ring that no longer seals properly against the drain. If the seeping is constant, this is caused by a cracked toilet base and needs to be replaced immediately. Many toilets are sold with valves and parts already installed so be sure to check that no additional parts are necessary when purchasing your toilet. What You Need: Materials: rag, plumber's putty, toilet liner kit, wax ring, and abrasive cleanser Tools: putty knife, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, ratchet wretch, and sponge 1: To insulate your toilet tank and prevent tank condensation, first shut off the water, drain the tank, and then clean inside with abrasive cleanser. 2: Cut the plastic foam panels to size to fit front, back, bottom, and sides of tank. 3: Attach the panels to inside of tank with adhesive included in kit and let cure. 4: In order to remove the toilet and replace the wax ring, follow step one, and then disconnect the supply tube with wrench. 5: With the ratchet wrench, remove all the nuts from the tank bolts, then carefully take off tank and set aside. 6: Detach the floor bolt trim caps at the toilet's base and then remove bolts. 7: Rock the toilet bowl from side to side by straddling with legs until the seal breaks. 8: Gently lift the toilet off the base bolts and place on its side. 9: With the putty knife, scrape and remove the old wax ring the toilet flange in the floor. Be sure to plug the drain opening with a damp rag to prevent sewer gases from entering the room. 10: If you are reusing the old toilet, completely clean the old wax ring debris and plumber?s putty from the interior base of the toilet. 11. When reinstalling the new or used toilet, turn the toilet upside down and place the new wax ring with sleeve onto the toilet horn. Then put plumber's putty around the bottom edge of toilet base. 12: Position the toilet over flange and floor bolts and secure bowl to the floor. Press down firmly to compress plumber's putty and wax ring. 13: Replace and tighten all washers, nuts, and bolts along with trim caps. 14: Place the tank upside down and connect the tailpiece of the flush valve with washer. 15: Set the tank back into its position on the bowl and reconnect all bolts and tighten. 16: Finally, reconnect the supply tube and turn the water back on then make sure toilet has stopped seeping or leaking water. Need a great Plumber? Let us help you. Learn more about Plumbing. The information on this site is provided for reference only and is provided "AS IS", "AS AVAILABLE" with no guarantee of accuracy. Information comes with no warranties, express or implied. Use the information from this site at your own risk. See our disclaimer for more details. |