Toilet leaks are always more unnerving than a faucet drip, so call our professionals at (916) 542-1006 to wash away your concerns!
No one likes to hear the word “leak” when referring to their bathroom, especially from the toilet. Not only do toilet leaks promote flooring issues like warping wood or mold growth beneath the tiles, but they also hint at unwanted contact with wastewater. Although water leaking from the base is rarely dirty, you should still know the answer to “Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom?” and how to remedy it.
As your neighborhood handyman contractors in Lincoln, CA, since 2016, our team at Honest Lee Handyman Services conducts all odd jobs, from cleaning gutters to mounting televisions, ensuring we care for our neighbors with friendliness and professionalism.
Our five-star Google and Yelp reviews and “best handyman” awards from Citrus Heights in 2021 and 2022 prove we are well-equipped to handle toilet repairs and installations. So trust us when you need assistance and explanations for a leaking toilet.
Broken Seal
A toilet wax ring seals the crease between the fixture and floor flange to prevent leaks and odors from seeping into your home. However, as time passes, the wax dries, becoming brittle and breaking apart. When this occurs, you may notice the product crumbling around your toilet’s base or your toilet being a bit wobbly when you sit on it. However, the biggest telltale sign of a broken seal is pooling water.
Whether water is constantly flowing from the bottom of your toilet or it only becomes evident when you flush, the wax ring needs replacing to prevent high water bills, flooring damage, and bathroom flooding. A professional will turn off the water supply and empty the toilet tank before detaching it to uncover and replace the spud washer beneath. Otherwise, the plumber will replace the bolt washers on the tank.
Loose Flange
Another answer to the question, “Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom?” is a loose flange that creates a rocking motion when you sit on your toilet since its job is to secure the toilet to the floor. It also connects the toilet to the drainage system, meaning when it’s loose, it exposes your bathroom to dirty water that rushes through the pipes, causing pooling water like a broken seal.
If you have some pliers, remove the caps on your toilet’s base and turn the bolts clockwise until they tighten. You should also oil them if they refuse to budge, but if they won’t tighten or a broken flange keeps you from fixing the issue, call a professional plumber to replace the flange before it causes further inflictions like water damage and subfloor deterioration.
Water Supply Leaks
Your toilet’s water supply line is a metal tube that attaches to your toilet and the water line that runs behind your interior wall. It sends clean water to the tank and has an attached shut-off valve that halts water flow during repairs. However, when that water supply line leaks, it’ll cause water to drip from the tube directly onto your floor, creating pooling that contributes to water damage.
If you notice the hose leaking, determine what part is leaking and immediately twist the valve so it’s closed and water can no longer pass through. If water passes through the metal bolt connecting the tube to the tank, use a wrench to tighten it. However, if the hose is leaking, you may need a replacement, so call an expert plumber to match you with the right brand and material and conduct a professional service.
Drain Line Clogs
Your home comprises numerous drain lines that attach to all water fixtures, from showers, sinks, and toilets, to washing machines and dishwashers. These drain lines empty gray water from your home, sending it to the municipal sewer system. However, whether flushed baby wipes or sanitary napkins or outside elements like tree roots and critters are occupying the pipes, clogs develop, barring water flow.
Water restriction in the drain line causes water to back up in the fixture’s pipes. Once water rests stagnantly there, it places pressure on the wax rings and other seals, and the longer the problem goes unfixed, the higher the chance the seal will break, contributing to a leak. However, unlike the first problem on our list, simply replacing the ring won’t keep a leak from penetrating it again.
Cracked Bowl
If you’re wondering, “Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom?” but the answer isn’t any of our first four points. You may have a cracked toilet bowl. While rare, it can occur if you rest heavy objects on your toilet or if a sudden impact causes a hairline fracture. Toilet bowls also have a lifespan of ten to 15 years, and when nearing that end, they’ll be more prone to damage from lesser abrasions.
While you can get away with replacing the toilet bowl alone if the crack is no wider than 1/16 inch, anything larger requires a whole toilet replacement. If a replacement is your only option, the cost may be offputting, but you can save money in the long run since you’ll need little to no repairs in the coming years, and newer high-efficiency toilets save as much as 25,000 gallons of water.
You Win When You Choose Our Award-Winners!
We believe you deserve the best, whether you’re calling for a plumber, contractor, or technician. That’s why our award-winning team does it all. Our specialists carry all the necessary tools, from a putty knife to a new supply line, to get everything done in one visit.
When you call our team at Honest Lee Handyman Services, we come dressed professionally and with boot covers so we don’t track dirt into your home. After completing our handyman services, we clean up behind ourselves, so you don’t have to. We also offer a one-year warranty, so call (916) 542-1006 for an estimate on a project and find out, “Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom?”