Why is My Toilet Leaking At the Base?

If you’ve noticed water around the base of your toilet with no explanation, you’ve probably got a leak somewhere. This can be caused by a number of things. Keep reading to find out more about how to identify a leaking toilet and what steps to take. 

How to Identify a Leak

Identifying a leak in the bathroom can be tricky, especially if your toilet is close to your shower or a sink where water gets splashed on the floor. The easiest way to identify a leak is to ensure the area around your toilet is kept free of water from other sources. Then keep an eye out for water pooling around the base. You can also place a reusable color-changing cloth near the toilet to identify if there is a leak.

What is Causing the Leak

The most common cause of toilet base leaks is a failed seal. This seal is airtight and keeps water and sewage from leaking out of the toilet. If the seal gets damaged or worn, it may start to leak.  While a damaged seal is the most common cause of toilet base leaks, there are a few other things that could be wrong. Sometimes the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor can be loose, which causes water to leak from the base. Another issue that may cause a base leak is a leaky or corroded supply line.

How to Fix the Leak 

It is vital that you get any type of leak fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your bathroom. Repairing a seal, or tightening bolts is something you can attempt to fix on your own, but considering there are numerous factors that could be causing the leak, it’s best to call a professional plumber to help you with the repair. 

A trained professional will be able to assess the situation and tell you what’s causing the leak, they will also be able to discover if any damage has been caused by the leak or if there are any other issues with the toilet. Then they will also have the tools and the skills to be able to fix the leak and ensure no further leaks will occur. 

While you are waiting for the professionals to come and repair the toilet, minimize any further damage by turning off the water to the toilet, ceasing use of the toilet, cleaning up any existing standing water and placing rags or old towels around the base of the toilet. Continued use of the toilet may lead to further issues or a bigger mess. It can also be unsanitary if sewage is leaking from your toilet, so be sure to wash your hands and avoid touching the area around the toilet where the leak is occurring. 

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If you’re looking for highly trained professionals to assist with your plumbing needs, call Mudbug Plumbing today! Our team is ready to help you with all your plumbing problems no matter how big or small.