What Causes a Toilet to Leak When Flushing?

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet in Lemay, MO.

When you purchase a toilet in Lemay, MO, you expect it to last for years without giving it much thought. Then one day, you start noticing a bit of a leak around the floor and you may get upset and not know what to do about it. There are a few things you can check to discover the cause of a leaking toilet.

What to Check When Your Toilet Leaks

• Tighten the closet bolts holding the toilet to the floor
• If water still leaks out, you may need a new wax ring
• Inspect the bowl and base for cracks, even hairline could leak
  
  

Over time the closet bolts (white porcelain covered bolts at base of toilet) can work loose, allowing water to seep out between the base of the toilet and the wax ring. This is a simplest fix for a bathroom leak. Bolts should be tightened a bit at a time alternating sides to avoid cracking or an uneven seal. If this is the problem, you shouldn’t see any more leaking.

If the leak isn’t stopped by tightening the bolts, you may need to replace the weakened wax ring. Turn off the water supply, remove the closet bolts and unseat the toilet from the floor. Remove the old wax seal and replace it. Set the toilet in place and retighten the bolts.

If you still experience a bathroom leak, the toilet itself may need to be replaced. Check for cracks or fissures in the interior of the bowl. You may resist the thought of replacing the fixture but a leaking toilet can cost much more in the way of water damage to your home. Even a slow and steady leak can cause mold or rot in the floor boards and presents the possibility water leaking into the floor below.

A reliable emergency water damage service in Lemay, MO, can help to clean up and repair the damage “Like it never even happened.” Checking things out at the first sign of trouble can prevent the destruction of an ongoing leaking toilet and keep things sound and peaceful.