Why is My Toilet Leaking at the Base?

In this article, Mr. Rooter Plumbing outlines the common reasons why your toilet may be leaking at the base. When you need professional toilet installation in your home or business premises, we are the plumbing team to call.

• Old Wax Ring

The wax ring is a circular piece of wax placed between the toilet and the drainpipe to create a watertight seal. Over time, the wax can dry out, crack, or become compressed due to normal use and weight. This deterioration allows water to escape and seep onto the bathroom floor. If you have basic plumbing skills, you can replace the wax ring yourself. If you need professional help from a plumbing repair service, contact the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Toilet wax ring replacement usually costs between $90 and $120.

• Loose Toilet Flange

The toilet flange has two critical jobs: connecting the toilet to the drainpipe and securing it to the bathroom floor. The pipe fitting works in conjunction with a wax ring to create a watertight seal. However, just like other components of a toilet, the toilet flange can deteriorate over time, leading to potential leaks, sewer odors, and other plumbing issues. If your toilet is wobbling and there is water pooling around the toilet’s base, there’s a possibility of a loose toilet flange. Reach out to a skilled plumber to perform an inspection and make repairs. The average cost to replace a toilet flange is less than $200.

• Cracked Toilet Bowl

While less common, a crack in the porcelain toilet bowl can lead to leaks at the base. This damage can occur due to excessive force, age, or underlying structural issues. Improper installation is also a common culprit behind a cracked toilet bowl. Over-tightening bolts or mishandling during installation can lead to stress fractures. Cracks allow water to seep out, causing damage to the floor and leading to mold growth. If your toilet bowl is cracked, it’s a good idea to replace the entire toilet. While toilet replacement in California, PA may set you back between $400 and $500 on average, it’s a worthwhile investment that will give you peace of mind.

• Loose Connection Bolts

The bolts that secure the toilet to the floor play a vital role in preventing leaks. If these bolts become loose, the toilet can shift and compromise the seal created by the wax ring. This instability can result in water leaking around the base of the toilet. If the connection bolts have loosened, contact a professional plumbing service for toilet repair.

• Leaking Water Supply Line

Although less likely to be the direct cause of a base leak, a problem with the water supply line can contribute to water accumulating around the toilet. A leaky supply line can cause water to overflow or seep onto the floor, making it appear as if the leak is coming from the base.

Call The Professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing

If you need professional toilet repair, trust the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to do a great job. In addition to toilet repair, we pride ourselves on offering first-class toilet replacement services. If your toilet is outdated, inefficient, or requires frequent repairs, let our team help you install a new and efficient toilet.