Components
It may look simple but the toilet is made up of many components that work together to ensure proper functioning. If damaged, there are many seals, valves and wax rings that could cause leaking. If a crack is found in a toilet it can lead to leaking in your basement. It is possible to notice the cracks too late and cause damage. You should contact an expert if you notice cracks in your toilet. You can temporarily fix the problem with mortar.
Water Supply Lines
You might also have a problem in your water lines. Leakage in your basement can be caused by damaged inlet and outlet pipes. It is important to ensure that the pipes are sealed at all joints, and don’t have cracks. The pipes should be able to handle the current water volume and pressure. You can either repair or replace your pipes depending on the extent of damage.
Water Leakage From Your Basement Can Be Stopped
You must first make sure that the toilet isn’t cracked. If the toilet is leaking when it flushes, there may be a crack in the base. You will need to contact a professional if the connector pipe is cracked.
Fixing The Seal
Leakage is most commonly caused by a damaged seal. This is due to the fact that it can be damaged in many different ways. Sometimes you might not notice that the leaking is occurring, but the leakage can be seen in the area below the toilet. Sometimes, your toilet may not be properly bolted. You should check the bolts and tighten them. You should not tighten it too tightly, as you could break the porcelain.
Take The Toilet Apart
To remove the seal, take the toilet apart.
It is actually much simpler than it sounds.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet first and flush one more time. Keep the flush lever down until the tank is empty. To drain any remaining water, turn off the flush lever.
- Next, remove the water supply tube (the valve) from the wrench to loosen it. If the bolts turn, use a wrench or pliers to remove them. Once the toilet has been removed, place it on a piece or cardboard.
- The sewer gas will be visible in the pipes. To block it, place a rag inside the pipe.
- To remove the seal, use a putty knife. Next, clear the floor of debris so that the flange can be exposed.
The Flange Is To Be Inspected
The most likely reason your toilet leaks is the flange. This is a pipe that attaches the toilet to the pipe and fixes it to the floor. It is not easy to replace the flange. Instead, you can install a reinforcement band. Clean the flange, drill a hole for clearance, caulk the area and then place the reinforcement ring on top of the flange. It is best to wait 10-12 hours before you put the toilet back together.
The flange may be too low if the flooring is newer or was installed after the toilet. You will need an extender ring in this case.
Is The Floor In Good Condition?
After the toilet has been removed, you should inspect the area around it. To ensure that it is not rotting, you should poke the flange with a screwdriver. Flange support should be installed if there is any rot. This will reinforce the floor and prevent any further damage.
Mounting The Toilet
Once you have resolved the issue, it is time to remount your toilet. Install the bolts and place the wax ring on top of the flange. Take the rag off the pipe and place the toilet in its correct position. Slide the closet bolts to check that everything is lined up. Seal the toilet with your body weight if everything is in place.
Turn on the water supply valve and flush the tank once it fills up. You might need a plumber to check if it’s leaking.
Leakage Between The Tank And Bowl
The first step to determining the reason for a leaky toilet bowl is to find the source. The tank might be sweating. This happens when the temperature inside the tank is lower that the temperature in your bathroom. You might also notice water leaking from your tank. This is also possible, but it will require food coloring. Let the liquid sit for about 10-15 minutes before removing the lid. Flush the toilet and inspect the floor for any liquids in the tank.
What if water leaks between the tank and bowl? There are many ways to damage it. If the water is coming from the middle of the tank or the bowl, then you may need to purchase a new sponge gasket. You might need to replace the washers and bolts if the problem persists. The bowl gasket will need to be replaced if the leakage continues after flushing. If the leakage is coming from the sides, it’s possible that your washers or bolts are damaged and should be replaced. Make sure the parts you purchase match the model of your toilet.
Shank Gasket
If it is difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak, your shank gasket may not be working correctly. It is usually located at the tank’s fill valve if you don’t know where to look.
The problem is still connected to the tank so you can detect it using food coloring.
First, check for cracks in porcelain around the gasket. To tighten the gasket, turn it for about a quarter turn. If the problem persists, however, you’ll need to purchase a new gasket.
Other Issues
You might find that the refill tube is loose or leaking from the back of your tank. You might also find tiny cracks in your porcelain that are difficult to repair. Even though they may be very small, they can still lead to leaks. You will need a new toilet in this case.
How To Fix
First, turn off the water supply to your toilet. To empty the tank, flush it and then use the sponge for any remaining water. Next, disconnect the inlet tube. However, disconnect it at the toilet. Now, check the lines. You should replace the washers on most of them. You can find them at your local hardware store. It is a good idea to get a new supply tube if you’re buying a washer.
It’s time to repair the tank. Take the tank out of the bowl and look inside. Two slotted screws heads will be visible, which you’ll need to remove. It might be difficult and you may need to drill if the heads are too stiff. Drill 0.
Start by drilling small holes, 25 cm into each screw head. Next, drill a larger hole. If you do it correctly, the screws should pop out. You should be cautious when drilling porcelain as it is susceptible to cracking or breaking.
Next, lift the toilet tank off the ground and remove the seals. You can then put it in a bag, and take it to the hardware store to get the exact seal. You should also make sure you buy a tank-to-bowl bolt set while you’re at the hardware store.
Attach both metal and fibre washers to the bolt and slide it into the tank holes. It will seal the tank holes and prevent leaks. Place the kit you purchased on the base. Place the tank over the bowl and align it properly. You will now need to tighten your bolts. However, be cautious not to tighten too tight or the porcelain could crack.
It’s time to see if the problem has been solved. Before you turn on the water supply, pour a few liters into the tank. This will allow you to check for leakages.
Toilet Leaks When It’s Flushed
These are five possible problems if your toilet leaks during flushing.
- Cracked toilet tank
- The supply valve is open
- The fill valve is loose
- Flapper does not close correctly
- It’s not tight!
The Flapper Is The Problem
The flapper is an element of the toilet tank that rises when you flush it. It allows water to flow through the pipe and into the bowl. It will fail to function properly and the toilet will either leak or flush twice.
You will need to add a few drops food coloring to the tank, just as in the previous case. If the liquid leaks into your bowl but you did not flush it, the flapper may not be sitting correctly. Check the flapper by removing the lid. You can replace the rubber at any hardware shop if it isn’t soft.
If The Gasket Is The Problem
You will need to remove the tank from the rest and check for leaks. It can be quite heavy so it is best to call a professional. You can still do it if you want.
First, turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then flush the toilet once more. With a screwdriver, a wrench and a screwdriver, loosen the bolts holding the toilet open. Next, remove the water supply line’s jamb nut. Next, remove the tank. After you have removed the tank, make sure to check if the gasket has cracked.
It is fine to remove the tank and replace it with a new one. Attach it to the tank and secure it. Turn off the water supply and flush the tank to ensure there is no leakage.
The Problem With Your Water Supply Line
The line connecting the tank to the water supply should be checked. You can simply tighten the fittings if it is leaking. If the supply line is leaking, however, you may need to call a plumber.
