Need Toilet help ( with leak) ?

[Doug]

Any plumbing guys here ?

Ceramic toilet on tile floor. A small amount of water leaks out at the base and makes the grout lines wet.

The amount is small but annoying. Some months ago I replaced the wax ring seal in an effort to fix this. It didn't work. Is there anything else it could be ?

Is it possible I did something wrong, and replacement of the wax ring again may do the trick ?

 

[joeyfitzclick]

I was going to suggest you replace the wax ring. Worst case scenario, you can buy a brand new toilet at home depot ($225-250) and have it installed by a plumdber ($75).

Better than dealing with mold issues down the road.

 

[Doug]

I'm thinking about replacing it. It's on the second floor,so there is a ceiling under it.

It's not that hard to remove a toilet, but I want to make sure it fixes the leak, so I guess a plumber has to guarantee it won't leak.

 

[Mr.Leisure]

Are its you sure its not leaking from the tank to bowl gasket always look high first.Is the flange low ? you might need two wax rings (stack em ) if the flange is low

 

[Doug]

Are its you sure its not leaking from the tank to bowl gasket always look high first.Is the flange low ? you might need two wax rings (stack em ) if the flange is low

I guess , I could try replacing the screws and gasket that hold the tank to the base. I don't show any red dye if I add red food color to tank, but that is a cheap easy thing to do.

I thought about doubling the ring also, maybe the tile is adding some thickness to the problem.

 

[Woody0]

Could it be condensation? Usually the tank will "sweat" if there is condensation but after replacing the seal and checking the ceramic for fine cracks I'd think about that.

I presume you've carefully checked the inlet pipe to the tank which might have a small leak (drip) at the tank or floor junction?

 

[mr21]

I thought about doubling the ring also, maybe the tile is adding some thickness to the problem.

Mine did the same thing when I re-tiled my upstairs bathroom. I picked up an extra thick wax ring at Lowes and it did the trick. I would assume that two regular wax rings stacked would do the same thing.

 

[Doug]

It looks like it might have been the bolts that fasten the tank to the base,after all.

The old rubber washers were kind of worn looking, replaced them...it still leaked a bit, but I tightened the nuts way tighter than I wanted to, seems to have stopped it. I thought the tank would crack on me with the force I used to tighten these.

 

[Journeyman]

WALLPAPER, TOILETS, WHAT IS NEXT dOUG?

 

[Doug]

tile floors possibly hardwood or laminate in some areas.

 

[PacMan_2006]

tile floors possibly hardwood or laminate in some areas.

If you have the patience, use the smallest ceramic tile (bathrooms) you can work with and put them down in a "random" order. This way if one chips, you won't break the pattern.

Replacing the toilet on the second floor is the way to go. Wrenching them down as you described could be a minor issue down the road if there's more of the same. What worked for me when replacing ours a few years back was to make to circles (inner and outer) then make an "s" pattern between the lines and it's held for 7 years and counting.

Hardwood floors are worth the time and trouble, especially if you or your family have allergies. Had to hire a crew to do this for me, but you should be able to easily do this if you're younger than 45.

Good luck with your upgrades and repairs.

 

[MIKEY.1TIME]

put some food coloring in the bowl, and dont use the toilet for a day or so( if you have another one). this way, you will know if its a leak or condensation. you said earlier that it was a " small amount of water", making me think it could be condensation

 

[Timetopay]

You sure its not your aim??

 

[AROBTTHC]

It looks like it might have been the bolts that fasten the tank to the base,after all.

The old rubber washers were kind of worn looking, replaced them...it still leaked a bit, but I tightened the nuts way tighter than I wanted to, seems to have stopped it. I thought the tank would crack on me with the force I used to tighten these.

if it was the bolts then you should be good with replacing them but if you end up having to pull the toilet up off the floor again def check the flange and see if it is right above the height of the tile floor. if not, i would suggest looking into flange spacers. they are usually 3 in a pack and they are plastic. just add the appropriate amount of spacers to get to the right height. i recommend these over the double wax seal route.

 

[rolltide]

opened this thread up thinking you were having trouble with ALLI

 

[SENDITIN]

Does the grout dry out or is it staying wet? If it's staying wet, it could be your aim or someone elses. When you shake the dew off the lilly, people have a tendency to back up and miss the bowl thus getting a few drops on the floor. It will stain the grout unless you have a real good sealer on and give it a "wet" look. Just a thought!


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[Salsa]

Did you check to make sure it's plugged in?

 

[indysports]

Mr. leisure is correct use double wax rings or buy a wax ring with horns... your flange screws have nothing to do with small condensation on your tile. only other option is that you have a small crack in your bowl but it would bring out more than just condensation... if you would buy just a floor flange that doesnt seal the stool it just makes it from rocking and being uneven...

 

[Doug]

Does the grout dry out or is it staying wet? If it's staying wet, it could be your aim or someone elses. When you shake the dew off the lilly, people have a tendency to back up and miss the bowl thus getting a few drops on the floor. It will stain the grout unless you have a real good sealer on and give it a "wet" look. Just a thought!


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It was more than bad aim.

Problem was the rubber washers on the bolts that hold tank to base.

I guess I changed the wax ring for nothing a few months ago.

Problem solved

Thanks