How to Fix a Toilet - Diagnostics - Leaking Base

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Sub-Floor Part 1 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Floo...  
Sub-Floor Part 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Floo...  
Sub-Floor Part 3 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Floo...  
Flange Part Overview =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Parts - Flange  
To watch the Flange Wood Sub-Floor Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Cement Slab Part 1 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Cement Sub-Floo...  
Cement Slab Part 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Cement Sub-Floo...  
Flange Part Overview =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Parts - Flange  
To watch the Flange Cement Slab Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Toilet Replacement Part 1 =    • How to Install a Toilet - Complete To...  
Toilet Replacement Part 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Complete Toilet...  
Toilet Replacement Part 3 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Complete Toilet...  
To watch the Toilet Replacement Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Wax Ring Part 1 of 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Wax Ring Replac...  
Wax Ring Part 2 of 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Wax Ring Replac...  
Wax Ring Part Overview =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Parts - Wax Ring  
To view the Wax Ring Replacement Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Water Supply Valve Part 1 of 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Water Supply Va...  
Water Supply Valve Part 2 of 2 =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Water Supply Va...  
Water Supply Valve Part Overview =    • How to Fix a Toilet - Parts - Water S...  
To view the Water Supply Valve Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

To identify other types of toilet problems visit the toilet diagnostics playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Leaking Base

One of the worst problems a toilet can have is water leaking at its base, draining all over the bathroom floor. When this happens, major damage can occur to the home's structure if the problem is not corrected immediately. Within a few days, the water gathering at the toilet's base can penetrate the sub-flooring, walls, and cabinets. This can promote the growth of mold and mildew in this area, which can be very costly to repair.

Water leaking at the toilet's base is usually caused by one of a few factors: the toilet base could be cracked, the toilet is not properly mounted to the toilet flange, the toilet flange is not properly mounted to the sub-floor or concrete slab, in an extreme circumstance there could be hot water cycling through the toilet, melting the toilet's wax ring, or even less likely, the toilet could have a manufacturing defect.

Regardless of what the cause of the problem is, once leaking is noticed, turn off the water at the water supply valve connection. Keep in mind that the water in the toilet's bowl and tank might need to be removed by other means than flushing the toilet, given that flushing the toilet might cause more water to leak onto the bathroom floor.

In order to properly evaluate the cause of the water leak, the entire toilet should be inspected for physical damage. If the cause of the toilet's leak is a crack in the toilet itself, the toilet will need to be removed and replaced with a new model. Regardless of the inspection's outcome, the toilet should be un-mounted, and the flange and sewer inlet examined also. Before removing the toilet, take note whether the toilet rocks back and forth. If it does, then the leak can probably be attributed to the toilet not being mounted tightly enough to the flange, or the flange not being mounted tightly enough to the sub-flooring or cement slab.

Once the toilet is removed, check the condition of the sub-flooring; look for any mold, water damage or rust on the flange. If the toilet is on a concrete slab then generally the water damage is minimal. In both cases, water can soak into any sheetrock walls or cabinets, so be inquisitive.