Here are some possible reasons why your toilet is leaking at base anytime you flush: Your fill or supply valves are loose. A cracked toilet tank. The flapper isn't shutting as it should over the valve seat, causing the flush valve to leak.
It's likely that the issue lies with the tank-to-bowl gasket or the bolts securing them. These parts can wear out over time, causing leaks. Check if tightening the bolts or replacing the gasket solves the problem. If not, it might be worth consulting a plumber for a more in-depth assessment.
Possible causes of a leak include: Loose valve fittings. Cracked or loose washers and threads. Cracked supply line.
Trap – the pipe from your toilet to your sewer pipe. Has a bend in it to 'trap' smells. The main types traps are the S-trap (which goes through the floor), a P-trap (goes through the rear wall) or a skew trap (goes through the wall on the side of the toilet). Trap connections are cast into the design of the toilet.
Apply Silicone Sealant:
Load the silicone sealant into a caulking gun and carefully apply a bead of sealant around the base of the toilet or at the leaky joints. Use steady, even pressure to ensure a uniform seal.
A leaky flapper doesn't reseal properly after the toilet has been flushed. If your flapper is worn, broken or damaged, replacing the unit should help your toilet function normally. If the flapper looks to be in good shape, check to see if it is aligned with the opening.
Check the Connection Bolts and Tighten or Replace
One reason for a toilet leak from the base might be a loose connection where the tank meets the toilet. Check the connecting bolts.
Your ability to control or stop the water flow may be limited, so an emergency service is required. Here are a few methods you can attempt to mitigate leaks if they are minor or as you wait for the plumber: Turning off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
Maybe Why Your Toilet Pipe is Leaking When You Flush? A toilet leak typically happens when the seal under your toilet fails. If you see water pooling around your toilet base, it's a good sign because it means your wax seal is failing and needs replacing.
The cost of repairs can vary widely based on factors like the severity of the leak, the type of pipe, its accessibility, and whether it needs an emergency fix. On average, homeowners in the UK might spend between £50 and £350 for small to moderate leaks, while more extensive repairs can exceed £500.
If there's a toilet base leak where the tank connects to the toilet bowl, check the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and tighten them if needed. If the bolts are tight and the leak persists, replace the bolts and the gasket between the tank and toilet base. Lastly, check for cracks in the tank.
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.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.
The leak could be caused by a cracked pipe, a blockage, loose connections or worn-out seals. We recommend hiring an experienced plumber as soon as possible to inspect and repair the toilet waste pipe.
If a homeowner discovers water behind the toilet, it's crucial to first turn off the water supply to the toilet by shutting the valve.
A worn tank-to-bowl gasket or loose bolts usually cause this leak. Cleaning chemicals, bacteria, hard water, city or well water, can all break down these parts over time.
The most likely culprits are the drain line, wax ring, flange bolts, cracks, or water supply line. You can replace a wax ring on a toilet, or you can call in a pro for the job. A pro may recommend replacing parts or the entire toilet. Leaks can lead to expensive water bills and repairs, so quickly investigate.
Water Around the Toilet Base
The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned.
The easiest way to test for a bad flapper is to drop some dye tablets into the tank and then check to see if the dye moves into the bowl.
The flapper, over time, can become loose or damaged, and it will need to be replaced. The total average cost of this repair is also between $70 and $200.
Note: Occasionally a new flapper doesn't solve the problem. If you've tried replacing the toilet flapper but the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is probably rough or pitted. You can replace the entire flush toilet flapper valve, but it's a big job.