The most likely culprits are the drain line, wax ring, flange bolts, cracks, or water supply line.
Wall-mounted toilets leak for the same reasons as standard floor-mount toilets. A bad water connection, a damaged wax seal or a cracked tank are the usual causes. Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a small wrench. If a bolt is loose, tighten it slowly just until it is snug.
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.
Loose or improperly sealed connections can cause water to leak. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
The first sign that your toilet wax ring failing is water that seems to be seeping out of the base of your toilet. Other signs to look include water stains om the ceiling from the floor below. A lingering unpleasant bathroom odor from escaped sewer gases.
The wax ring is the seal between your toilet and the sewer pipe. It's essential to have a good seal so that waste and water would not leak from the base of your toilet. If your toilet is leaking, the wax ring likely needs to be replaced. On average, it costs between $200 and $250 to replace a toilet wax ring.
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.
You can tell if a pipe is leaking behind your wall if you see bubbling, warping, water stains, mildew, or mold on the ceiling, flooring, or walls. Musty smells can also indicate a leaky pipe. Finding a leaky pipe in a wall can be challenging, so work with a pro to pinpoint the leak's exact location.
Concealed tank: Although a wall-mounted toilet's concealed tank can improve the appearance of your bathroom, its position behind the wall can make it difficult to perform repairs. If your unit doesn't have an access panel, you may have to remove a portion of your wall to fix your toilet when necessary.
Perhaps the biggest argument against caulking is the potential for hidden leaks. Without caulk, it's easier for water from a leak to seep out onto the floor. The problem is visible, so you're more likely to spot it right away and get prompt repairs.
Leaky Toilet: Expect to pay $100–$600 for leaky toilet repairs. Leaks happen where the toilet meets the floor, at the water supply valve, and between the bowl and tank.
While wearing gloves, remove the old toilet wax ring. Using a putty knife, scrape the old wax seal off the toilet's base and toilet flange. Next, scrape the caulk off the toilet bowl and finished floor. Before installing a new toilet wax ring, inspect the toilet flange for any cracks or decay.
The leak's location on your toilet is important in assessing the severity. Leaks occurring at the tank bolts or the toilet base where it meets the floor are more likely to require emergency service. These leaks allow water to spread to places it doesn't belong, behind walls or under floors.
If you're sure that water is leaking from underneath the toilet, try stopping it by tightening the bolts attaching the toilet to the floor. To do this, pry the bolt's plastic covering caps off using a screwdriver or putty knife. Tighten each bolt with a wrench, using only gentle pressure.
Once the location of the leak is determined, the plumber will probably cut through the drywall to reach the affected pipe. In some cases, one section of pipe is replaced, and in other cases, a larger portion of the plumbing system may be fixed.
Look at the base of the toilet, and you'll see two tee bolts, which might be covered with caps. If the wax ring under these bolts doesn't form a water-tight seal, the toilet will leak from the base when you flush it. To fix this problem, simply tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
Disadvantages of wall-hung toilets
Commercial wall-hung toilets can be more expensive than floor-mounted toilets, both in terms of the initial purchase price and the installation costs. The installation process can be more complex, requiring additional plumbing and structural support in the wall.
Like all toilets, it is possible for wall hung toilets to leak. However, this is not common and usually due to incorrect installation. For example, if the toilet feels loose against the wall, it is not installed properly and this can lead to a leak.
Remove the tank lid, then flush. After the flapper / tank ball drops and the tank refills, add several drops of dark food coloring. Wait at least 20 minutes. If any trace of color appears in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.
Yes, stud finders are designed to find any obstruction in the wall including the water pipes. You can rely on a new model of a stud finder to help you detect water pipes for use around the house. Stud finders are quite affordable and reliable too when it comes to plumber work.
Your toilet's wax ring creates an airtight seal to prevent water and sewer gas from escaping. When the thick wax ring goes bad, you need to replace it right away to prevent leaks.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
Wax Ring. If the wax ring around the base of your toilet is damaged, discolored, or leaking, you may want to consider a replacement. Your plumber will remove your toilet and replace the ring, then reseat the toilet and reseal it. This typically costs $50 to $250.