Toilet leak.. HELP!

bigdog · 10-24-2017, 11:36 AM

I noticed a water stain in my kitchen ceiling recently, but today has spread.
Directly above the ceiling is a bathroom.

I noticed that to the back of the toilet the floor tile is stained and damp, but not wet. I suspect the toilet wax gasket is the culprit. No hoses are leaking and the tile floor itself is dry.

I've replace dozens of toilets over the years, and always replaced wax gasket ring with new. Current toilet is original 20 yrs old, standard type bathroom version, nothing fancy. If it is the wax gasket ring, should I replace with 'standard' ring or 'jumbo' ring? What are the recommendations for use of each type?

FYI, having a plumber coming onsite to evaluate, but I may do the job myself,
since I'm familiar with the process. Still TBD, if he can do the job quick & reasonable the job is his !

Thanks for your feedback.

jbolty · 10-24-2017, 11:57 AM

I had a toilet that was always leaking because the floor was uneven and no matter what I tried the bowl rocked a little and broke the seal. I eventually re-tiled the floor but in the meantime I used one of these rubber seals and it held for a number of years.

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Sani-Seal...SABEgKJ3fD_BwE

similar type used in RVs, because of the movement

BroadHopper · 10-24-2017, 12:03 PM

Check the rubber washers around the bolts that bolt the tank to the seat. I've seen leaks there when even a professional plumber miss it! Simple fix. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, unscrew the bolts and replace the gaskets. They have a kit that includes new nuts and bolts as well as gaskets.

AC2717 · 10-24-2017, 12:15 PM

if gasket
go with jumbo always
also the flange itself could be rotted out

Biggd · 10-24-2017, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

I noticed a water stain in my kitchen ceiling recently, but today has spread.
Directly above the ceiling is a bathroom.

I noticed that to the back of the toilet the floor tile is stained and damp, but not wet. I suspect the toilet wax gasket is the culprit. No hoses are leaking and the tile floor itself is dry.

I've replace dozens of toilets over the years, and always replaced wax gasket ring with new. Current toilet is original 20 yrs old, standard type bathroom version, nothing fancy. If it is the wax gasket ring, should I replace with 'standard' ring or 'jumbo' ring? What are the recommendations for use of each type?

FYI, having a plumber coming onsite to evaluate, but I may do the job myself,
since I'm familiar with the process. Still TBD, if he can do the job quick & reasonable the job is his !

Thanks for your feedback.

If the toilet is 20 years old it should be replaced regardless if it's just the wax ring. But buy a quality toilet like Toto or Kohler. I put in Toto at my home in Ma but at my camp I just went to HD and bought Kohler which are slightly cheaper. I've had problems with American Standard so I will never buy another one.

bigdog · 10-24-2017, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbolty

I had a toilet that was always leaking because the floor was uneven and no matter what I tried the bowl rocked a little and broke the seal. I eventually re-tiled the floor but in the meantime I used one of these rubber seals and it held for a number of years.

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Sani-Seal...SABEgKJ3fD_BwE

similar type used in RVs, because of the movement

?

OK, Wax ring or Waxless ?
Pros & Cons ? (specific to my issue)

Outdoorsman · 10-24-2017, 02:31 PM

I had a plumber come by a couple months ago for a similar situation, a leak in the basement that was coming from the bathroom upstairs. It turned out to be a toilet leak. $80 including parts. Well worth it to know it was fixed and fixed right.

jbolty · 10-24-2017, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

?

OK, Wax ring or Waxless ?
Pros & Cons ? (specific to my issue)

I'm a fan of the waxless, it's more forgiving of a wobbly toilet, bad installation or a rusted flange. Installing a toilet with a wax ring is easy, and easy to screw it up. Any movement at all after it's pushed down will generally break the seal and there is no way to fix it without starting over.

and as mentioned above. check for an upper tank leak first.

Bear Islander · 10-24-2017, 09:20 PM

I tried to use a waxless this summer. It was in two pieces. A ring and a spacer. The ring alone was not thick enough and with the spacer it was to thick. The options were to little or two much, so I went back to a wax seal.

dpg · 10-25-2017, 06:03 AM

If your bothering to have a plumber come out just have them fix it.

Merrymeeting · 10-25-2017, 06:28 AM

I'm guessing you'll need to replace more than a wax ring. Often, by the time you set water, the problem has been going on for some time, resulting in rotted flooring. I wouldn't be surprised if, once you remove the toilet, you see more work is needed to repair the area around the base.

upthesaukee · 10-25-2017, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpg

If your bothering to have a plumber come out just have them fix it.

I agree. If you call a plumber to come out and diagnose the problem, then tell him you will take care of it yourself, you are wasting his time. Additionally, the next time you have a problem that may or may not be within your capabilities and call him, he will likely take his time getting back to you, if ever. Our local tradesmen have enough to do without having their time wasted. You will already be paying him to come out and he may be able to fix it in one visit.

JMHO

Dave

Sent from my SM-T580 using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

rsmlp · 10-25-2017, 07:32 AM

call a professional

Outdoorsman · 10-25-2017, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I agree. If you call a plumber to come out and diagnose the problem, then tell him you will take care of it yourself, you are wasting his time. Additionally, the next time you have a problem that may or may not be within your capabilities and call him, he will likely take his time getting back to you, if ever. Our local tradesmen have enough to do without having their time wasted. You will already be paying him to come out and he may be able to fix it in one visit.

Exactly! This is why I threw down the $80 in my particular situation. I knew he had to do work to diagnose the problem and that was certainly not within the realm of what a "free estimate" would or should be. So I would have already been paying for his professional opinion, lets just do it now, one time. I am sure it was cheaper (for me) to just do it.

tummyman · 10-25-2017, 08:07 PM

I bought this to fix a bad toilet installation by a plumber. After many years of adding bigger wax rings, etc. I decided to try this product. Well, it is OUTSTANDING. Works terrific. Took about 15 minutes to fix the toilet...wobbled, leaked, etc. Problem 100% solved. I am sold on it !!!

OATEY 43400 Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extension Kit, 1/4" - 1-5/8", Red, Yellow

Check out this video....explains everything !
Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extender Installation - YouTube
Video for OATEY 43400 Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extension Kit, 1/4" - 1-5/8", Red, Yellow▶ 5:17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hutLTIsm8o

SIKSUKR · 10-27-2017, 07:32 AM

If you have a rocking toilet because of an uneven floor, its easy to fix. I would put a new wax ring and use these wedges. I tiled my first floor many moons ago in a bathroom and I found out I needed more practice. It was uneven. These wedges worked great and are hidden after caulking.

JEEPONLY · 10-27-2017, 04:22 PM

About four years ago I replaced an old, low-sitting, 5 gal. flusher with a higher-sitting 1.6 gal. flusher. When I got it apart, things looked pretty clean, all things considered. The problem that arose was that the metal ring (that holds the bolts) had a 5 inch id., which was needed to fit over the pipe. I couldn't find a replacement as it seemed everything available is 4 inch id. As gross as it may sound, the old metal ring was barely rusted, and barely bent. I straightened it out, thoroughly cleaned it, and gave it several coats of Rustoleum primer and finish paint.

Has anyone come across this problem? Believe me, I reused the original ring, because NO ONE could sell me one like it!

Woody38 · 10-27-2017, 06:02 PM

I had a problem with a leaking flush once and the flange needed repair. Fortunately my plumber was able to do the trick. He heated up some lead in his truck and made the repair, saying that the young plumbers would not know how to do the job. He was a good find. Got him when I renovated a bathroom and needed a plumber to do the installation of the new sink, flush and shower. Also saved me much money. All the plumbers I called wanted $800 for each fixture.

10-24-2017, 11:36 AM	#1
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,446 Thanks: 340 Thanked 119 Times in 96 Posts	Toilet leak.. HELP! I noticed a water stain in my kitchen ceiling recently, but today has spread. Directly above the ceiling is a bathroom. I noticed that to the back of the toilet the floor tile is stained and damp, but not wet. I suspect the toilet wax gasket is the culprit. No hoses are leaking and the tile floor itself is dry. I've replace dozens of toilets over the years, and always replaced wax gasket ring with new. Current toilet is original 20 yrs old, standard type bathroom version, nothing fancy. If it is the wax gasket ring, should I replace with 'standard' ring or 'jumbo' ring? What are the recommendations for use of each type? FYI, having a plumber coming onsite to evaluate, but I may do the job myself, since I'm familiar with the process. Still TBD, if he can do the job quick & reasonable the job is his ! Thanks for your feedback.

10-24-2017, 12:03 PM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	washers Check the rubber washers around the bolts that bolt the tank to the seat. I've seen leaks there when even a professional plumber miss it! Simple fix. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, unscrew the bolts and replace the gaskets. They have a kit that includes new nuts and bolts as well as gaskets. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

10-24-2017, 12:15 PM	#4
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,574 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	if gasket go with jumbo always also the flange itself could be rotted out __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

10-25-2017, 07:32 AM	#13
rsmlp Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 474 Thanks: 5 Thanked 164 Times in 84 Posts	seriously? call a professional

10-27-2017, 07:32 AM	#16
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	If you have a rocking toilet because of an uneven floor, its easy to fix. I would put a new wax ring and use these wedges. I tiled my first floor many moons ago in a bathroom and I found out I needed more practice. It was uneven. These wedges worked great and are hidden after caulking. Attached Images __________________ SIKSUKR

10-24-2017, 11:57 AM	#2
jbolty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 663 Thanks: 320 Thanked 251 Times in 150 Posts	I had a toilet that was always leaking because the floor was uneven and no matter what I tried the bowl rocked a little and broke the seal. I eventually re-tiled the floor but in the meantime I used one of these rubber seals and it held for a number of years. http://www.supplyhouse.com/Sani-Seal...SABEgKJ3fD_BwE similar type used in RVs, because of the movement

10-24-2017, 02:31 PM	#7
Outdoorsman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 831 Thanks: 114 Thanked 210 Times in 132 Posts	I had a plumber come by a couple months ago for a similar situation, a leak in the basement that was coming from the bathroom upstairs. It turned out to be a toilet leak. $80 including parts. Well worth it to know it was fixed and fixed right.

10-24-2017, 09:20 PM	#9
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	I tried to use a waxless this summer. It was in two pieces. A ring and a spacer. The ring alone was not thick enough and with the spacer it was to thick. The options were to little or two much, so I went back to a wax seal.

10-25-2017, 06:03 AM	#10
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,592 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	If your bothering to have a plumber come out just have them fix it.

10-25-2017, 06:28 AM	#11
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	I'm guessing you'll need to replace more than a wax ring. Often, by the time you set water, the problem has been going on for some time, resulting in rotted flooring. I wouldn't be surprised if, once you remove the toilet, you see more work is needed to repair the area around the base.

10-25-2017, 08:07 PM	#15
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 833 Thanks: 256 Thanked 672 Times in 243 Posts	I bought this to fix a bad toilet installation by a plumber. After many years of adding bigger wax rings, etc. I decided to try this product. Well, it is OUTSTANDING. Works terrific. Took about 15 minutes to fix the toilet...wobbled, leaked, etc. Problem 100% solved. I am sold on it !!! OATEY 43400 Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extension Kit, 1/4" - 1-5/8", Red, Yellow Check out this video....explains everything ! Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extender Installation - YouTube Video for OATEY 43400 Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extension Kit, 1/4" - 1-5/8", Red, Yellow▶ 5:17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hutLTIsm8o

10-27-2017, 04:22 PM	#17
JEEPONLY Deceased Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 701 Thanks: 360 Thanked 179 Times in 141 Posts	Toilet Replacement About four years ago I replaced an old, low-sitting, 5 gal. flusher with a higher-sitting 1.6 gal. flusher. When I got it apart, things looked pretty clean, all things considered. The problem that arose was that the metal ring (that holds the bolts) had a 5 inch id., which was needed to fit over the pipe. I couldn't find a replacement as it seemed everything available is 4 inch id. As gross as it may sound, the old metal ring was barely rusted, and barely bent. I straightened it out, thoroughly cleaned it, and gave it several coats of Rustoleum primer and finish paint. Has anyone come across this problem? Believe me, I reused the original ring, because NO ONE could sell me one like it!

10-27-2017, 06:02 PM	#18
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 578 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	I had a problem with a leaking flush once and the flange needed repair. Fortunately my plumber was able to do the trick. He heated up some lead in his truck and made the repair, saying that the young plumbers would not know how to do the job. He was a good find. Got him when I renovated a bathroom and needed a plumber to do the installation of the new sink, flush and shower. Also saved me much money. All the plumbers I called wanted $800 for each fixture.