How to Fix a Toilet That’s Leaking Around the Base (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Fix a Toilet Leaking at the Base

1. Limit Condensation

   The fix for this problem is to reduce or divert bathroom condensation by adding or improving the bathroom exhaust fan, warming the bathroom, or adding a drip tray below the tank. If a constantly running toilet is part of the problem, that should also be repaired.
   

   • Install a bathroom exhaust fan: If the bathroom does not have an exhaust fan, install a fan appropriately sized for your bathroom. Install a higher-capacity fan if it has a fan but is not moving enough air. Be sure always to turn on the fan when using the bathroom.
   • Equalize temperatures: Using a hot shower or bathtub in a cold bathroom causes condensation to build up quickly. This is especially the case with colder materials such as toilet porcelain. Running a heater in the bathroom warms elements in the bathroom and brings them closer to the temperature of the shower or bathtub, thus reducing condensation. Taking warm instead of hot showers is another way to get the two temperatures closer to each other.
   • Add a toilet drip tank tray: A toilet tank drip tray is a waterproof plastic tray that fits between the toilet bowl and the toilet tank. The drip tray collects condensation from the tank and prevents it from dripping on the floor. Note: A drip tray is only for toilet tanks, not for toilet bowls.
   • Add tank condensation liner: Tank liners are rolls of thin foam installed inside the toilet tank. They help regulate the temperature of the water in the tank. Plus, they can cut down on noises within the tank. You'll need to turn off the toilet water supply, lift the lid, and let the tank completely dry out. Cut the liner to size with scissors. Stick the liner to the inside of the toilet. Replace the lid.

   

2. Tighten Floor Connection Bolts

   Over time, bolts can loosen, causing toilets to rock at the base. Tightening these bolts can sometimes stop water from leaking around the toilet base. The toilet may also be loose because the seal is loose or leaking, so you'll want to replace the seal (see below).

   • Remove plastic toilet bolt caps: Remove the dome-shaped caps on the toilet base. Squeeze the cap to detach it, or use a nail file or screwdriver to loosen it.
   • Tighten floor bolt nuts: If the toilet wiggles side-to-side, the nuts on the bolts need to be tightened. Use pliers to grip the nut. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten it. Repeat on the other side.
   • Wiggle toilet: Gripping the rim of the toilet, try to wiggle the toilet from side to side. If the nuts are sufficiently tight, the toilet should not move. Replace the plastic toilet bolt caps.

   

   Warning

   Tighten the nuts gently. Overtightening the nuts can crack the porcelain base, rendering the toilet unusable. The only solution to a cracked toilet is to replace it.

3. Replace a Leaky Wax Ring

   The solution is to remove the toilet, clean the flange, and replace the wax seal with an improved seal or a silicone ring.

   • Turn the water off: Turn off the water supply line from below. Flush the toilet. Unscrew the water supply line from the toilet.
   • Drain toilet: Soak up water from the bottom of the toilet bowl with a towel.
   • Remove nuts from floor bolts: Remove the plastic caps from the floor bolts. Use the pliers to unscrew the floor bolts.
   • Remove toilet: Wiggle the toilet slightly to loosen it from the floor. Then, lift the toilet straight up to remove it. Move the toilet aside.
   • Scrape off the wax ring: Pull off the old wax ring from the bottom of the toilet. With the putty knife, scrape away all wax remnants from the floor closet flange.
   • Apply new ring: If using a wax ring, stick it onto the bottom of the toilet, centering it around the drain hole. If using a silicone ring, mount the ring on top of the floor closet flange.
   • Reset toilet: Insert new floor bolts in the closet flange with the threads facing upward. Use the plastic retaining rings to keep the bolts in place. Set the toilet directly down on top of the bolts. Add the nuts for the floor bolts and tighten them with the pliers. Reattach the water supply line. Turn on the water supply and let the tank fill up before flushing.

   

4. Tighten a Loose Toilet Tank

   Tightening the bolts can sometimes improve the attachment between the two pieces. If the gasket is faulty, it can be replaced with a new gasket. If the bolts have rusted, they may not tighten quickly and need replacement. If that is the case, consider hiring a professional, as the bolts must be cut by hand, requiring a certain level of expertise.

   • Tighten tank bolts: First, try tightening the tank bolts to see if this stops the leak. Underneath the toilet tank, locate the two plastic nuts that hold the tank to the bowl. Tighten both of the nuts. Dry off the toilet and observe to see if this stops the leak. If not, you'll need to replace the tank-to-bowl gasket.
   • Empty toilet tank: Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to remove all water. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank.
   • Remove tank bolts and tank: From below, turn out the plastic tank nuts and remove the bolts.
   • Replace tank-to-bowl gasket: Remove the old gasket. Clean the bottom of the toilet tank and the top of the bowl with a clean rag. Insert the new gasket in the center drain hole.
   • Replace toilet tank: Lift the toilet tank and set it down on top of the bowl, aligning it with the two holes for the plastic tank bolts.
   • Tighten tank bolts: Insert the tank bolts from above and down through the tank. Screw the plastic nuts in place from below. Replace the toilet tank lid. Reattach the water supply line and turn on the water. Wait for the tank to replenish, then flush once. You may need to place one hand inside the toilet tank to hold the tank bolt in place while you turn with the other hand.

   

   

How to Prevent Leaky Toilets

To avoid a toilet from leaking, inspect it regularly for any signs of leaks along the base. Fix leaks immediately since speedy care can save you from headaches or a costly expense. Also, only flush toilet paper and flushable paper productions; otherwise, you can get an overflow problem. Instead of using drain cleaners to fix a toilet problem, try the mechanical or manual way first, with a plunger or toilet auger.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if you have difficulty removing and moving a toilet. You may also need to call a plumber if the top of the sewer pipe is broken or cracked or if the closet flange needs to be installed on a concrete floor.