Why Does My Toilet Leak From the Base?

Toilets are one of the most commonly used fixtures in your home. Once they start to leak, they can become a serious problem.

A leaky toilet should not be ignored. The leaking water comes from the toilet bowl, which can spread germs and disease. Additionally, a leak that goes unfixed can cause water damage to your bathroom floor or the ceiling of the room below. 

Here are six of the most common reasons a toilet is leaking at the base, along with tips on how to fix the issue and return your bathroom to working order! 

Reasons Toilets Leak From the Bottom & How to Prevent a Toilet Base From Leaking

There are many reasons why your toilet base might be leaking. Here are the most common causes and how to fix them. 

1. A faulty wax seal

A faulty wax seal is the most common cause of a base leak. The wax seal is a circular piece of rubber that sits between the toilet and the floor to create a seal. Over time, this ring can wear down and water will seep underneath it onto your floor. 

The best way to ensure your toilet is leak-free is by replacing your worn-out wax ring. Keep in mind that this job is best done by a professional plumber.

2. A broken flange

A toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the pipe that connects your toilet to the drain pipe. It’s important because it prevents sewer gasses from entering your home and protects against water spillage. If you notice black, brown, white, or green mold around it, it’s possible your flange has been compromised and needs to be replaced.

3. A loose toilet bowl

A loose toilet bowl can cause a leak on occasion. You can usually tell if your toilet bowl is loose if it rocks slightly when you sit down on it. To fix this, gently tighten the nuts underneath the toilet, or replace them altogether. Just be sure not to overtighten, as doing so can crack the flange. 

4. A cracked porcelain toilet bowl

Sometimes, a crack in your porcelain toilet bowl can cause water to leak out of the base. With a crack, you’ll typically notice that the bowl doesn’t stay full. Unfortunately, the only way to fix bowl cracks is to remove the toilet and replace it entirely. 

5. A loose fill valve

The fill valve is a part of your toilet tank and is responsible for letting water in to refill the tank after you flush. If the fill valve is loose, leaking, or broken, your toilet will constantly leak from the base. If this is the case, you can typically replace the fill valve to fix the problem. 

To replace a loose fill valve, turn off your water supply and remove any excess water from your toilet tank. Next, unscrew the old fill valve by turning it counterclockwise to loosen it, then pull it straight up to remove it completely. Replace with a new valve. 

6. A corroded flush valve

A corroded flush valve is one of the most common reasons that toilets leak at their base. This can happen when minerals and other substances in hard water build up over time, preventing your toilet from sealing properly.

Stop Toilet Leaks In Their Tracks

If your toilet is leaking from its base, turn to the experts at Rooter Ranger Plumbing. Our team treats every call like an emergency, meaning we’ll get our technicians to your door as quickly as possible to fix your leak. 

We provide honest, transparent pricing so you can feel confident you’re getting the best deal. Call 480-597-4227 to schedule plumbing service in Phoenix!