Water leaks from the bottom of the toilet — a common problem that occurs when there is a crack or excessive amounts of water missing. The toilet can leak due to pipe restructuring due to aging and water pressure overloads. There are a number of issues that may cause leaks from the bottom of your toilet, including clogged pipes or even simply a loose fill valve or wax ring. Leaks can be stopped by replacing parts or repairing the pipes through an experienced plumber as repairs can be very expensive.
While you can fix this yourself by replacing the lower tank on your toilet, it is much easier if you hire an expert plumber who has experience with this type of work. In this article, we will show you how simple it is for anyone with basic hand tools and some knowledge about plumbing systems to replace their old flanges with new ones in just minutes!
Step 1:
- Locate the water shut off valve for your toilet.
- Turn on the water to flush out any suds or debris in the tank, then turn off the faucet and make sure no leaks are present before turning it back on again to drain any remaining water from inside of your toilet tank (or flushing).
Step 2:
- Turn off the water supply to your toilet by flipping a valve on or under the base of the tank.
- Find this valve, which may be labeled “low-flow,” “high-flow,” or something similar. It’s generally located near where you turn on and off the water.
- Turn off the valve at its stem by grasping it with your fingers and twisting counterclockwise until it comes free from its housing.
Step 3:
Flushing the toilet is necessary to remove any remaining water from the tank. You should also hold down the flush handle to drain any remaining water in your toilet’s bowl (this step will not be necessary if you have a separate water supply, such as an outdoor spigot).
Step 4:
- Remove all of the water from inside the tank/bowl by soaking it up with a wet/dry vacuum or a sponge and bucket.
- Drain the remaining water from inside the bowl and tank.
Step 5:
- Clean around the base of the toilet and under it to see if you can spot any signs of moisture. If there is moisture, there is likely a leak that needs to be fixed, otherwise you may have condensation building on your toilet due to high relative humidity levels in your bathroom environment.
- Once you’ve found the source of your toilet’s water leak, it’s time to get down on your hands and knees and clean up around the base of your toilet. The first step is removing any debris that has built up there over time. You can use a rag or paper towel to pick up any loose bits from underneath your toilet seat, then use a dry cloth hand towel (or paper towel) to wipe away any water droplets on top as well.
- Once you have cleaned off all visible signs of moisture, check for areas where moisture might be building up—you may see condensation forming on top or underneath parts of your bathroom countertop or vanity area depending on how high relative humidity levels are in this area when compared with other rooms in your house! If you do find evidence of such buildup then we recommend calling out an expert plumber who specializes in fixing problems like those water cleanup services in Kansas City because they know exactly what tools need to be used so they won’t damage any part.
Step 6:
Use a putty knife or screwdriver to gently pry off the plastic caps from around each bolt securing your toilet onto its flange underneath (usually 2 bolts). These caps usually snap into place but can be removed with a little pressure applied by hand or with some sort of tool such as pliers if necessary.
What are the possible health risks when you do not fix a leak from the bottom of the toilet?
The toilet is one of the most important parts of your bathroom. If a toilet is leaking, you will not only have to deal with the inconvenience of having a leaky toilet, but also with the health risks of having standing water.
If you do not fix a leak from the bottom of the toilet, then you are risking these health risks:
- Skin Irritation: The skin can become irritated by the constant splashing of water and chemicals from a wet floor. This can cause bumps on your feet and ankles, which increases chances of contracting infections.
- Water Borne Diseases: These include cholera and dysentery are spread through contaminated water sources like toilets. The bacteria in these diseases can spread easily through open wounds or sores on your body. These bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, so if you do get infected, it may be difficult to fight off an infection.
When to call a professional.
You may notice that the water seems to be running all the time in your toilet. This is usually the result of a leak in the tank or bowl.
You can tell if you have a leak by checking the water level. If it is below a certain point, you can add more water by turning on your faucet. If it is above a certain point, you should call a professional plumber to fix this problem.
If your toilet leaks from inside its base, you will want to call a professional plumber who specializes in this type of repair. They will be able to determine if there is a problem with your toilet flange (the connection between your toilet and its drain) or if there is an issue with the connection between your toilet and its wall.
If you have tried everything else but are still unable to fix your toilet, then it may need to be replaced.
Leaks are bad for toilets. They wastewater and money, and can mean that repairs must be made much sooner than expected. Thankfully, toilet leaks are often easy to find and fix using simple tools you probably have lying around the house.
If you have tried everything else but are still unable to fix your toilet, then it may need to be replaced. If this is the case, there are many affordable options available from different brands such as American Standard, Kohler and Eljer.
