Leaky commode?
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My commode upstairs leaks between the bottom and the back tank? What is the cause and how do you fix this problem???
8 answers
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You will most likely have to empty the toliet tank by turning off the water and flushing the toliet. Look for any kind of cracks and then check the bolts that bolt the tank to the bottom of the toliet. This is probably where your leak may be~there are gaskets and DIY kits and Lowes and Home Depot. It is not hard to do but requires lifting the tank off cleaning the area to be re-gasketed. Over time and "plopping" on the toliets and hitting the tank, it can become loosened. Good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Aug 07, 2013
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Thanks for your suggestion. I will be checking for cracks and having my head in the toilet today. At least now I know what I am looking for. This one is about 20 years old - but looks brand new.
Sharron Abrams
on Aug 07, 2013
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if the toilet is about twenty years old you might think about a complete replacement. that being said, when you look for the replacement parts it would be good to know the brand name of the toilet. the problems you might have, will be removing the tank to bowl bolts, you may have to cut them, removing the flush/douglas valve will require a large wrench to loosen and then tightening back make sure you get that nut tight, or it will leak when you reattach the tank to the bowl. where exactly is the leak. if it is around the fill valve and leaks all the time, you will most likely only need a fill valve, supply line, and flapper.
Plumbrite
on Aug 08, 2013
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I change the guts usually every year - no problem. We have 3 so I change all at once. This one is leaking between the back and the bowl. Guess it is time to replace. The house is about 20 yrs old and if it is time to replace - guess it is time to do them all at the same time. I will have to get out my home warranty and see if it is covered? Thanks for all your help. Just hate to go to the hardware store to replace. One if the bowls is restricted with a shelf that runs from the sink. That restricts the size and I am aware that it is getting harder to replace those special sizes without a special order. With everyone redoing the baths and kitchens I am just not sure that between the cost and all the fads, is it a worth the expense to change. Countertops are confusing to me as to what is good and what is over the top expensive. Guess that is a topic for another day.
Sharron Abrams
on Aug 08, 2013
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Home warranty probably will only replace seals and if it actively leaking. Home Warranty Co's are getting very strict for what they do. Since you live in AZ you may want to invest in dual flush toliets which will save you money on your water bill. They are a bit pricey (but getting cheaper). good luck!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Aug 08, 2013
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IF the tank wiggles when you push on it, or its leaning back against the wall it sounds as though the rubber seal between the tank and the bowl has failed. You need to purchase a new rubber seal for the tank at a local plumbing supply. You will not find them I think at the big box stores. Also the bolts that hold the tank down to the bowl may have also failed, Not so much as rusting, but they also have a rubber type washer that seals them when the tank is bolted down. You need to use care when doing this repair. To tight and you crack the tank or the top of the bowl. Carefully tighten each bolt a little at a time until the tank no longer wiggles and moves back and fourth. The only other thing other then a crack, which does not happen all that much is the small fill hose inside the tank that clips into the vent tube coming up in the middle of the tank. We had this issue that the hose came loose and instead of spraying down into the vent hole, it sprayed sideways and washed water over the lip and under the lid of the tank. Every time the toilet flushed water would spray out just enough to mimic a leaking tank. Remove the lid and flush. If water sprays out sideways that may be the issue all along. Also the fill system can leak along the top causing exactly the same thing. So you may need to replace the flush and fill system. Not expensive to do.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Aug 08, 2013
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Thanks - I am working on replacing the whole toilet. It is 20 yrs old and it is time.
Sharron Abrams
on Aug 08, 2013
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Small price now saves me a big price later Thanks for your suggestion. I will keep the dual flush in mind when replacing it. My home warranty has been great in the past and we have been with them for about 10 years. Now is the time to put them to the test and see if they want me for another 10 years? Sometimes this can be a challenge but standing up for what is right is the right thing to do.
Sharron Abrams
on Aug 08, 2013
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