Prevent a Holiday Disaster: Fix a Leaking Toilet

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet in Vickery Meadows, TX.

Prevent a Holiday Disaster: Fix a Leaking Toilet

Is your house spilling all its secrets to your holiday guests? Like, literally spilling toilet water? There’s nothing like finding out you have a leaking toilet in the midst of your holiday hospitality. Well, don’t wait until your guests arrive in Vickery Meadows, TX, fix it now!

Confirm the Problem

You may have noticed that your toilet is loose and rocks a little, or that there is water beneath the toilet. These symptoms indicate that a wax seal as the source of trouble for your leaking toilet.

6 Steps To Fix the Problem

Before taking the steps below, check if your toilet just needs better contact with the existing wax ring by gently tightening the bolts. If that does not solve the problem, it’s time to replace the wax ring.

1. Close the supply valve. Flush the toilet to remove water and soak up any remaining water in the tank. Disconnect the supply valve.

2. Remove the toilet. Pop off the bolt caps and remove the nuts. Gently wiggle the toilet and lift.

3. Scrape off the old wax. Here is the reason for your leaking toilet! A putty knife can help clear away the old wax.

4. Inspect the flange. The closet flange is the ring-shaped plastic (or metal) fitting that sits in the drain pipe. It should be flush with the floor and not cracked or broken. Make necessary repairs.

5. Install a new wax seal. Make sure this is centered for proper alignment when you replace the toilet.

6. Replace the toilet. Tighten the bolts and reconnect the water supply.

With your shiny new wax seal and a working toilet, you will be ready for houseguests. You will probably feel good about your accomplishment, too.

Sometimes You Need Help

If you didn’t fix the toilet before the guests arrived and find yourself with a mess, you may need to contact an expert water remediator to help with the bathroom leak. The right company will be available to handle cleanup and repairs, anytime of the year. It may be nice to offer them some holiday cookies, though.