Fix a Toilet Seal
A pool of water forming beneath the toilet generally means that the wax seal between the toilet and the flange has failed. Repairing a toilet seal requires you to unbolt the toilet from the floor, replace the seal and then put the toilet back in its original position.
Contents
Steps
Remove the Toilet
Removing the toilet means loosening the bolts that connect it to the flange on the floor. You will need to either spread out a blanket or piece of cardboard to place your toilet on or to place the toilet in the bathtub after you remove it.
- Turn the water supply to the toilet off by turning the valve in a clockwise direction. The water supply valve will either be located behind the toilet or in the crawl space or basement space directly beneath the toilet.
- Remove the lid of the toilet tank and flush the toilet, holding down the handle so that as much water as possible drains from the tank and the bowl.
- Use a plastic cup to scoop out any water that is left in the bowl and then dry up the last drops of moisture with a dry sponge.
- Disconnect the water supply tube by turning the compression nut on the water supply valve in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench or a pair of pliers.
- Pry the caps from the washers at the base of the toilet using a flat head screwdriver.
- Remove the nuts from the bolts at the toilet base using a wrench. Remove any washer as well. If the bolt spins as you turn the nut, then hold the bolt with a pair of pliers using your non-dominant hand.
- Place the nuts, washers, and caps where you will be able to find them when the time comes to put the toilet back in place.
- Hold the toilet under the bowl and rock it gently back and forth to break the old wax seal.
- Lift the toilet off of the floor and set it down on a blanket, a piece of cardboard or in the bathtub.
Replace the Seal and Reinstall the Toilet
Choose a new seal that has a surrounding core of soft urethane foam. This type of seal will do a better job of conforming to the toilet and to the flange to make a superior seal.
- Scrape the wax seal off of the base of the toilet and off of the flange in the floor using a putty knife.
- Take a new wax seal and place it on top of the flange, making sure that the seal is perfectly centered on the flange.
- Lift the toilet and set it back on top of the flange, using the bolts as guides for placement. The toilet tank should be parallel to the wall behind it.
- Put the washers over the bolts and thread the nuts onto the bolts. Tighten the nuts until the toilet is secure. Press down hard on the toilet and then tighten the nuts some more. Continue the process until the toilet is tightly secured to the flange, but do not over-tighten the nuts or you will crack the base of the bowl.
- Reconnect the water supply by attaching the supply tube to the water supply valve and turning the compression nut clockwise.
- Turn the water supply valve on and flush the toilet several times. If you notice a leak beneath the base of the toilet, then press the toilet into the floor and tighten the nuts even more. If you see no leaks, then your repair is complete.
Tips
- After you use the toilet for a few weeks, tighten the nuts at the base of the toilet again. The wax seal will settle after several uses, that tightening the nuts will help to maintain the seal.
- If you’re having a hard time putting your toilet back on the flange, then attach plastic drinking straws to the bolts. These will stick up well off of the floor and will guide you to the right placement.
- Check your local building codes to see if you are required to caulk around the base of the toilet. If you are, then be sure to use a tub and tile caulk that is mildew-resistant.
Things You'll Need
- Wax replacement ring (neoprene , optional)
- Dry sponge
- Plastic cup
- Wrench or pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Blanket or piece of cardboard (optional)
- New wax seal with urethane foam core
