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Toilet Leaks When Flushed
- Published: Aug 28/2020
- Last update: Jun 12/2024
- 5min read
- Views: 3,042
We tend to postpone taking care of a toilet which leaks only when flushed in favour of more urgent matters. However, if left untreated for a long time, the leak will get worse and might result in water damage and even a flood. The following repairs of your home would amount to a large sum of money and an irate downstairs neighbour.
So if:
The read along!
If you find a small pool of water around your toilet after each flush, it’s most likely leaking from the base. Do not ignore this problem, as the water from the bowl is not sanitary and most likely smells terrible. Not to mention it can also attract pests, yuk.
There may be two reasons for this:
The two bolts on the left and right base side of your bowl should be firmly screwed to the floor. This is so the wax ring under them forms a water-tight seal. If they’re even slightly loose, you will experience leaks every time you flush. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix:
* If you screw, but don’t feel the bolts tightening, then it is likely you need to replace them entirely.
If the bolts are fine, but water still comes out from beneath the base, then it’s probably the wax ring that needs replacing. It’s found below the toilet, connecting its waste hole to the drainage system. It needs to be tightly sealed. Otherwise, water will bleed through. Even if it’s been installed correctly, over time it does deteriorate, so you’ll have to replace it.
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If it turns out the bolts and the wax ring are not responsible for leaks after flushing, then water might be leaking down from the tank. There are two areas which could be the source of the problem:
If you find water leaking from the toilet bowl and tank after flushing, it’s most likely a worn-out gasket. To check and replace if needed, you will need to disconnect the tank. Because of the heavy weight of the tank and how hard it is to detach it, it’s recommended you find a second person to help you with this task.
Water might be leaking down the supply line from the fittings, or from small holes which have sprung over time. Tear a small piece of toilet paper and run it down the water supply line. Check for damp areas. It’s better to use toilet paper because it’s easy to see if it gets wet. Otherwise, it can be hard to tell if you actually feel moisture or just the coldness of the line. After all, it is full of cold water.
If you find leaks from the fittings, you need to tighten the nuts gently with a wrench. Do not overdo it, as it will result in greater damage later on.
If you find holes in the supply line itself, you’d be better off replacing it altogether before the leak gets really worse and results in potential flooding.
If you need to learn more about this topic, check our post on how to fix a leaking toilet tank.
Find a professional to take care of your bathroom.
If after all this you still can’t find the source of the leak after you flush the toilet, then maybe you should consider professional help. Fantastic Services works with excellent plumbers who have plenty of experience and always come fully equipped to tackle any leaks. Your leaking toilet will be good as new once the pros take care of it.
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Do you have or have had a toilet leak? How did you manage to fix it? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Image Source: Shutterstock / cunaplus
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