Latest Discussions : Plumbing

Briggsmo

11:42AM | 09/29/02
Member Since: 08/25/01
5 lifetime posts

Toilet leaking at base

Tags: Plumbing
Hi,

We replaced our toilet a while back (and used the wax ring with a plastic flange and even plumbers putty to create a "tight" seal) now the tile (peel and stick) is coming up and we see dampness around the base of the toilet. The sub floor has absorbed the moisture as well and the dampness extends about 3-4 inches behind the base of the toilet. What could be causing the moisture. Is it that we didn't caulk the base of the toilet? Is it that the toilet has a little (1/8 inch) back and forth play in it? Is it that the subfloor comes to the base of the drain? Are there any suggestions out there? We want to fix this properly before any more damage is done to our bathroom.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Laura

RANDY LILLY

08:57PM | 09/29/02
Member Since: 09/27/02
14 lifetime posts
the wax ring by itself should have been sufficient. did you have any problems putting it back in? or maybe it was not tight enough. i would try replacing the wax ring cause that is the cheapest route.try to tighten it down a little, but use caution cause you don't want to crack the base.if you go the route of replacing the wax ring look carefully at the pipe and the toilet to look for any damage. if that does not work i would call a plumber unless anyone else has other suggestions. good luck

ff

05:14PM | 10/13/02
Member Since: 10/12/02
2 lifetime posts
Assuming that the toilet is leaking from the waste flange, you'll need to reseat the toilet. In order to maintain a water tight seal, the toilet must be set in place without any rocking motion, and the toilet must be firmly secured to the floor with no free-play. Any movement of the toilet, and the wax ring will often times separate from somewhere between the flange and the toilet. Do yourself a big favor, and remove, clean, and reinstall the toilet with a fresh wax ring. Might want to inspect the floor underneath for excessive damage while you're at it. Repairing something sooner, is pretty much always cheaper than repairing it later.


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