How to fix a leaking toilet?

Deb P.
by Deb P.
Water is leaking on the floor from the bottom of my toilet.
  6 answers
  • Sti2242965 Sti2242965 on Aug 29, 2016
    Is it only when you flush it? Could just be the seal on the big pipe that connects to the ceramic at back opf bowl. Try moving it slightly to see if it reseals or it may need replacing
    • Deb P. Deb P. on Aug 29, 2016
      I'm going to try an tighten it up. I tried earlier but made it worse so I turned the water off to the toilet. Going to try again.
  • Gw Max Gw Max on Aug 29, 2016
    First, determine where the leak is coming from. 1: Turn off water at the water main & flush toilet to empty. Dry off outside of toilet, pipes, & floor. 2: Line floor all around toilet with newspaper or cardboard. 3: Turn water main back on, allow toilet to fill & observe where water is dripping from or accumulating. POSSIBLE REASONS: 1: inspect the water supply pipes & shut-off valve. Tighten or replace if necessary. 2: If water is accumulating around base of toilet, try tightening the screws that connect toilet to floor. (be careful not to over tighten as you could crack the porcelain base ) If that does not correct the problem, you may need to replace the bee's wax seal. 3: Inspect water supply pipes & shut-off valve. Tighten or replace as necessary. 4: Inspect toilet looking for cracks... if cracked, replace toilet. 5: In summer months, the water closet (the back of the toilet that holds the water) may sweat causing dripping onto the floor. There is nothing I know of to prevent this.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Aug 29, 2016
    Most likely it is the wax ring seal needs replacing. Half hour job $5. But as it is the most used seat in the house, you may want to replace it while at it with a nice new one as they are not expensive and it may well have other age, style, or stain issues.
    • BrokeCrazyLady BrokeCrazyLady on Aug 29, 2016
      I agree with this response... wax rings are inexpensive and easy to replace and by the description you've posted about water on your floor from the bottom of your toilet, I think this is most likely your problem... and even if it isn't; you probably are due to replace it anyway. Good luck :)
  • Deb P. Deb P. on Aug 29, 2016
    It is leaking where the silver hose connects to the water turnoff knob. Thanks for your input.
  • Linda Johnson Linda Johnson on Aug 29, 2016
    You may need a new washer, or a new hose & washer. Depending upon the condition of the hose.
    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Johnson Linda Johnson on Aug 29, 2016
      You may need a new valve! The process of elimination takes awhile. My husband and I don't really like having plumbing problems. Leaks can do so much damage! Good luck!!!
  • Violet Violet on Aug 30, 2016
    Take up the toilet and put in a new wax ring. These things wear out and the water leaks out around the bottom of the toilet.