You should always check the cause of a toilet leak at the base. Wasted water and ruined flooring are both side effects of a leaking toilet. They may indicate a more serious plumbing problem. And if you can’t figure out how to tell if toilet is leaking underneath, then keep reading this blog to learn all about toilet leaking problems. In addition, we’ll offer tips on how you can stop leaking toilets and prevent toilet leaking underneath it from happening again.
How to Tell if Toilet Is Leaking Underneath
Without disassembling the toilet, there is no obvious path to tell if water leaks from the floor or beneath your toilet. Even if you can’t see the leak coming from a toilet, a few symptoms indicate you may have a problem. A few of the most frequent are as follows:
Water and dampness around the base
You’ll probably notice the water dripping out of the bowl first. Puddles form all over the bathroom floor as water seeps between the toilet and the floor. Water should only be present towards the base. And if there isn’t, there will be dirt and rubbish, too.
The presence of a musty odor indicates humidity near the foundation. When that happens, you know the water supply line to your toilet is leaking. Worse still, water and filth keep reappearing even after flushing despite regular cleaning.
Bad stench
You may also notice a bad stench from below if your toilet leaks. Don’t put off checking the toilet if you detect any odor. When moisture and dirt are present near the foundation, the odor intensifies.
Water pouring directly into the foundation is the likely cause of any unpleasant odors that persist despite a thorough cleaning of the entire bathroom. You probably can’t see the water since it disappears down the drain.
Wax ring leaks
A worn wax ring might also cause leaks at the toilet’s base. When flushed, the toilet bowl’s wax ring prevents water from escaping down the drain and into the bathroom. It can start leaking if it dries up, cracks, or moves around too much. Examine the wax ring around your toilet’s base to see if it’s the cause of the problem. It will need to be replaced if it is broken or cracked.
Leaking base
Water pooling at the toilet’s base is a telltale sign of a leak there. A broken wax ring is usually the culprit behind this kind of leak. Examine the wax ring around your toilet’s base to see if it’s the cause of the problem. It will need to be replaced if it is broken or cracked.
Fixing a leak at the toilet’s foundation as soon as feasible is essential. Water can cause damage to your bathroom floor and promote the growth of mold and mildew if not properly dealt with.
Dripping noises around the toilet area
A constant sound of dripping water indicates a toilet leaking underground. However, it is not as common as the other signs. Suppose you hear dripping sounds near your toilet but can’t find the source of the leak. In that case, it’s likely occurring in an inaccessible area, such as underneath the unit. Make sure you aren’t missing a leak anywhere else in your home before you start tearing your toilet apart to find the source of the mystery dripping sound.
Cause of Leaky Toilets
A leaking toilet might have several different origins. But if the water is seeping in from below, you can eliminate all but several potential sources.
Broken wax seal
If you find the water leaking from under the toilet, a broken wax seal may be the culprit. If the seal fails, water could leak out of the toilet and onto the floor via the base. If your toilet’s wax gasket is cracked, you’ll notice the water level in the bowl is low.
Cracks in the toilet bowl
It’s time to inspect your toilet for leaks if water keeps pooling on your washroom floor. If you’re lucky, the leaks will show as cracks in the structure. It’s possible, though, that the fissures are too small to see, leaving you with a low water level, a persistent toilet leak, and no obvious spot where the leak could be coming from.
Loose bolts
Your toilet’s secure connection to the floor can be attributed to the tee bolts. If these bolts come undone, your toilet will become unsteady and likely wobble. In this case, the water in your toilet base will leak when you flush since the wax ring that creates the seal has been damaged.
Some Steps to Stop a Toilet From Leaking Underneath
Tightening the tee bolts
Be sure the tee bolts are in place before attempting any replacement. Loose toilet bolts are a common source of leaks.
- Remove the protective plastic from the bolts on both sides of the toilet.
- Tee bolts should be checked to ensure they are properly tightened.
- The wrench should be used to tighten them if necessary.
Congratulations are in order if you were successful in adjusting your tee bolts. Give it a shot and see if it stops your leak. If you can’t tighten them or if the toilet foundation is still leaking, you may need to make more repairs.
Replacing the wax ring
To repair this, you must drain the toilet, remove the flange bolts, and replace the wax seal with a silicone ring or other suitable seal. Finally, caulk around the toilet’s base and bolt it to the floor.
Fixing a cracked bowl
Rather than patch up the cracked toilet, it’s best to get rid of it and get a new one. If you need to replace the wax ring in your toilet, the process is almost identical to replacing the toilet bowl, except that you will need to purchase a new bowl. However, you may still need to swap out the wax ring.
Conclusion
You can take the necessary safety precautions now that you know how to tell if your toilet is leaking underneath. At least once every six months, inspect the toilet for leaks. If you suspect a leaking toilet, you should act quickly.
A leak in the floor or subfloor of your bathroom can waste a lot of water and cause structural damage. Most toilet leaks can be repaired without professional assistance, but if in doubt, call a plumber.
They have the knowledge and tools to quickly identify the problem and restore normal toilet operation. After reading this, hopefully, you’ll be able to tell if your toilet is dripping at the base. If you’re unsure what to do, it is best to get advice from an expert.