Water seeping up through bathroom tiles

billjaichner

In old bathroom, likely 30 years since remodel, water seeping up in the middle of the tiled floor. Literally, when pressing down upon tile, moisture comes up through the grout. There's no visible leakage from sink or toilet (toilet sits about 18 inches away). I know I need to remodel, but not in a position to do immediately. Speculating that seal on toilet not sitting right and water is pooling in low part of subfloor resulting in the seeping. Any thoughts or other speculation or ideas to deal with in the short term? Thanks for any thoughts

angus242

Well stopping the leak would be your first priority. No clue on helping you find it. A toilet seal is not a hard job to tackle. Get a new wax ring and I'd suggest the extra thick version. Shut the water supply off and flush to get rid of as much of the tank water as possible. I use a wet/dry vac to remove the rest of the water. Remove the water supply line to the toilet and the remove the nuts on the 2 closet bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Once uninstalled, you need to scrap all of the old wax off the flange in the floor and the bottom of the toilet. Put the new seal over the flange and reseat the toilet on top, lining up the closet bolts to the holes in the toilet. Use some pressure down on the toilet to seat it. Tighten the nuts to the closet bolts BUT DON'T OVER-TIGHTEN. You can crack the toilet base, the toilet flange or pull the closet bolts out of their slots if you tighten too much. Hook the supply line back up and turn the water back on.
Now, having said that, when you mix water and wood, good things don't happen. First of all, mold is soon to follow. Secondly, wet wood can easily be damaged. I have no idea what you're going to find once you remove the toilet. Hopefully the wood around the flange isn't rotted! That will be a problem.
I think you need to determine where the leak is. Perhaps try to not use the toilet for a few days (if possible) to see if the floor starts drying out. Doubtful if the sink is leaking. You would be able to see water dripping from the drain or supply lines. Is there a tub or shower in this room? That could be a culprit.
Short term, you need to stop the leak and then try to air the room out. If you have a dehumidifier, that would be ideal. Try to get some air flow going, otherwise mold will be moving in shortly.

Good luck
Angus

billjaichner

Will give it a shot

MattCoops

Install a new wax ring like angus stated.
And another thing. You shouldn't have a "low spot" in your floor.

When you retile the room make sure your joists and subfloor meet proper deflection and your floor is stable enough for tile.

__________________
Matt | tile contractor
Charlotte, NC

ayeshaa

Well, here is help on waterproofing, not sure if it would be of much help. but have a look,
http://www.schluter.co.uk/media/KERDI_Leporello_GB.pdf

good luck!

NateHanson

Is this a first floor bath? Can you get access below the floor to find the leak?

Bud Cline

Havin' any headaches or lite nausea? If that pooling water is the result of a leaking toilet drain seal you are facing some health risks and should address the situation immediately.