How much does it cost to fix a leaky toilet base?

Author: Freeman Olson  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 6, 2023

It costs between $150 and $300 to fix a leaking toilet in most cases. The cost would be a lot more if the leak has caused damage to your floor or if it's a recurring problem.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking toilet base?

On average, it costs roughly $45 to $200 to fix the toilet. For extensive issues such as severe clogs or leaks, you should contact a plumber. DIY toilet repair projects may include replacing a flapper valve or wax ring, but otherwise, this project is usually only suitable for experts.

What to do if toilet is leaking from base?

How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Base
  1. Gather Tools and Materials.
  2. Check the Connection Bolts and Tighten or Replace.
  3. Disconnect the Toilet.
  4. Remove and Replace the Wax Ring.
  5. Clean Thoroughly.

What causes a toilet to leak from the bottom of the base?

The only-when-flushed toilet leak could be caused by loose mounting bolts or a worn-out wax gasket while the all-the-time leak could be caused by a loose water supply line connection, a problematic water shutoff valve, or a faulty seal between the toilet tank and its base.

Can a plumber fix a leaky toilet?

Fixing the toilet

If your toilet is leaking from the water supply, the water supply line may need repairing. This is a common and inexpensive repair for your plumber to make. If the toilet rocks when you sit on it, your plumber may need to replace the wax seal.

Anyone Can Fix a Leaky Toilet

Is toilet leaking at base an emergency?

Obviously, a toilet leaking from base is the last thing you'd want to see when you're off to work in the morning or trying to run some errands for the day. Rather than waiting for your bathroom to turn into an indoor swimming pool, call for local plumber services immediately.

Is a leaking toilet pipe an emergency?

While leaky sinks and pipes can cause damage to your home, there's a vast difference between a tiny leak that's dripping and a considerable leak that quickly fills buckets of water. A large volume of leaking water is generally considered a plumbing emergency.

How long do toilet wax rings last?

The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.

Should I caulk around my toilet?

🚽 Caulking Prevents Water Contamination

It could be water splashing out of a bathtub, mop water, water from a shower and even misguided potty training from your young boys who seem to miss the toilet bowl every single time! Without caulk around the toilet base, water can get under there and sit for a long time.

Can you repair a broken toilet base?

Epoxy can also be effective for cracks at the base of the toilet, such as cracks or breakage around the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. You can try repairing cracks under the water line with epoxy, but remember that it often doesn't work. In that case, replacement is the only option.

How do I know if my wax ring is leaking?

Again, leaky water is a telltale and common sign of a bad wax ring. If you do not regularly see moisture or puddling water under your toilet, you may be fine. Leaks can, however, happen where you do not see them, under the finished floor and into the subfloor.

Why is my toilet leaking between tank and base when flushed?

If the water appears to be leaking from between the tank and bowl, near the center, you may need a new tank-to-bowl sponge gasket, or new washers for the tank-to-bowl bolts. If water is leaking from the tank to bowl gasket it will tend to leak more often when the toilet is flushed.

How often does the seal around the base of a toilet need replacing?

The short answer is, indefinitely. Wax, unlike rubber, doesn't deteriorate. Unless there's another problem with the toilet, it won't spring a leak on its own. People usually replace wax rings when they remove the toilet for some unrelated reason.

How do I fix the gap under my toilet?

Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. If necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping your finger clean frequently with a paper towel or a rag.

How much does it cost to replace a plumber wax ring?

$90-$120 is a good ballpark.

If you are having other plumbing work done, they might do it cheaper, and if they have a large travel fee, you may pay closer to $150. Unless there is a problem, it should take them under a half hour, whereas, it might take a novice 1.5-2 hours.

Is replacing a toilet wax ring easy?

Replacing the wax ring is as easy as sliding the new piece onto the bolts in the floor, then sliding the toilet down to make a tight seal.

What happens if you don't replace wax ring on toilet?

If the wax ring isn't sealed correctly, it can cause wastewater to leak from the bottom. Leaking water can lead to mold around the floor. A poorly sealed wax ring can also cause foul odors to stink up your bathroom. If you smell sewage or see water leaking, then you may need a new wax ring.

Can a toilet leak under the floor?

The base of your toilet is held to the ground with two bolts called tee bolts. If these bolts loosen, the toilet will likely rock, causing the seal formed by the wax ring to break. Drain water may seep out of the base each time you flush the toilet if your tee bolts are very loose.

Can you use Flex seal on a toilet base?

Flex Glue can be used for an assortment of bathroom repairs. Customers often use the waterproof glue to fix toilet tanks, shower tiles, sink pipes, and other bathroom needs. Flex Glue is also mold and mildew resistant, making it perfect for bathroom repairs.

What is the best seal for the bottom of a toilet?

It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities.

Why is the caulk around my toilet turning brown?

If you notice the caulk around the base of your toilet start to turn brown, it means your toilet has a wax ring which is leaking. As a result, human waste especially urine is decolorizing the normally white caulk. The solution to this is to remove the toilet and put a new wax ring.

How much damage can a leaking toilet do?

A leaky toilet might not seem like a huge problem, but the water can quickly damage the bathroom walls and floor. External leaks can cause water puddles that can damage a downstairs ceiling, while internal leaks prevent the toilet from holding water properly.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking underneath?

Let's learn about how to tell if your toilet is leaking underneath the tiles:
  1. Toilet making noise after flush. ...
  2. Water on floor around toilet bowl. ...
  3. Brown stain around toilet base. ...
  4. Toilet smells like sewer. ...
  5. Toilet tank water level is too high. ...
  6. Toilet flapper leaking. ...
  7. Shut off water to toilet overnight.

When should I call a plumber for a leaking toilet?

Leaking Around the Base of Your Toilet

The worst-case scenario is that the toilet leaks through the floor and causes damage to the room underneath. For this reason, it's best to involve a plumber to pinpoint the cause of the toilet leak and provide a quality solution.

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