I have a toilet that has recently started leaking at the base along the tile. I replaced the connecting hose from the wall outlet to the toilet. It is definately not leaking from there.
I suspect it is leaking from inside the workings of the toilet or the toilet bowl. I don't see any cracks. The toilet is aprox 10 years old.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it fixable or just cheaper to hire someone to replace the entire machine?
Thanks
Leaking just at the base a little where the toilet meets the tile in the front area:
I've once had a leak that seemed like it was the bowl but was actually the tank... more specifically the bolts that hold the tank on the bowl. The leak was running down the back of the bowl where I couldn't see it, but would see it on the floor.
The bolts that hold the tank on the bowl should have some rubber grommits (thick rubber washers) to form a seal. Check to make sure that is not the source of your leak (cheap fix if it is).
I've also fixed a leak where the problem was a warn out rubber seal between the tank and the bowl. Leak only happened when the toilet was flushed... but that one was a little more obvious.
Does it leak more if you flush it? If so, it's likely your wax ring is not sealing properly.
Good news? An easy and inexpensive fix. Usually only a few dollars. VERY DIYable!
Possibly, though a wet backside would be a sure giveaway.
Wiggle the tank gently, if it's loose, you'll know quickly.
Water can seep easily past a silicone caulk line if grout is weak.
The leak does increase a little each time you flush it. So I am thinking it is the the floor to toilet gasket that you speak of.
The two bolt covers that point to the tile are glued on fake. The installer just filled them with caulking and stuck them on. Not sure why. I just pulled them off.
The toilet is bolted towards the wall. I got one loose and waiting till tomorrow on the other. Right now the toilet is caulked so tight everywhere that it won't budge from its place.
CostcoMan...the two bolts you are referring to are what holds the WC (water closet/toilet) to the flange.
Before you try to move the WC shut the water supply off at the angle stop (valve attached to line going to bottom of tank) and remove the supply line from the tank. Then flush the WC to drain the tank. To remove the remaing water from the bowl quickly pour a bucket of about 1-1/2 gallons of water into the bowl...this will force almost all of the water out. Now you can remove the two hold down nuts at the base of the toilet.
There are a lot of good online tutorials about replacing wax rings for DIY.
Thanks HooKooDooKu. I checked all those areas carefully with food dye and say nothing.
I decided to pull up the toilet. Not an easy task with all that careful caulking and tight fit. Looks like my seal to the wall pipe is shot. It feels like a sticky mess of glue right now
How do I get the paint texture to match the wall once the top thin paper dry wall layer has been pulled off? I am trying touch touch up the paint area before I re-install. I already removed all the old painting and caulking from the toilet.
Just having a hard time bringing that wall paint up another .05mm to match the rest of the wall. Thanks
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