The flapper is a small rubber piece in the toilet tank that seals water inside until you flush. Over time, flappers can degrade, warp, or lose their ability to form a watertight seal. When this happens, water may leak slowly from the tank into the bowl, reducing the force of the flush.
A properly functioning toilet flapper is crucial for maintaining an efficient and leak-free toilet. When this small but essential component fails to seal correctly, it can lead to water waste, increased utility bills, and potential damage to your bathroom.
Water leaking around the base of your toilet is the most obvious sign of a bad toilet seal.
Seal replacement has a price around $60 to $200 on average. The wax seal or wax ring is the part of the located around the base, sealing it in place and connecting with the drain opening in your floor. The seal can become damaged over time and cause the toilet to become wobbly, loose, and leaky.
Toilet Seal Replacement
It is recommended they be replaced every three to five years. If you notice your toilet seal has started to loosen from the base of the toilet or on the floor, you should replace it. A torn or loose toilet seal will leak water from the tank and go down the wall or under the floor.
Disconnect the toilet and move it to a safe space. Scrape the old wax seal off with a putty knife. Place the new wax seal on top of the toilet flange. Reinstall the toilet and flush it to check for leaks.
A wax ring is a rubber seal that seals the toilet bowl to the flange. If the wax ring sustains damage or wears out, it can leak water, causing a clogged toilet to not flush properly.
Yes, a toilet can leak only when flushed. It is usually the wax seal, but it could be a small flaw or crack in the bowl.
Accumulated debris, waste, or foreign objects can obstruct the plumbing system, causing water flow restrictions and resulting in a hard-to-flush toilet handle.
Dry and Empty Toilet Tanks
The exact opposite can happen if the plumbing air vent gets clogged. That's right — you'll have no water in the tank to flush away what you need to.
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.
The total lifespan of toilet seals and valves can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the parts, the frequency of use, ambient temperature changes, and the level of maintenance performed. On average, however, toilet seals and valves can last anywhere on average from 5 to 10 years.
Plunging down too hard
A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl.
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.
If your toilet is creaking or wobbling, you may need to replace the flange. For a plumber, replacing a toilet flange is a quick and easy job. Replacing a toilet flange costs $145 to $165 on average.
A broken or damaged wax ring allows water to pool around the base of a toilet. If this area is persistently damp or wet, then mold might start to grow.
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.
Position the new toilet wax ring on top of the toilet flange, ensuring it is centered. Want to know more about choosing the correct wax ring size, crucial installation tips, and other frequently asked questions? Check out our Oatey 101: Wax Rings blog.
Once installed, a wax seal should last the life of the toilet, 20 or 30 years, without needing to be changed. There are times, though, when the wax ring needs to be replaced, such as when your toilet begins to leak around the base or starts rocking.
Reusable: Unlike wax rings, rubber gaskets can be repositioned without losing their sealing capability. Temperature-resilient: Rubber gaskets are less affected by temperature fluctuations. Easy installation: Rubber gaskets are less messy and easier to handle.