Fix Leaking Toilet Base Quickly and Reliably in Sydney

Act quickly if you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet. If you don't fix a toilet base that leaks, it can damage your bathroom floor and subfloor in a way that will be costly to repair. We know how quickly a small leak can turn into a big problem here at All Needs Plumbing. That's why we're here to help you fix leaking toilet base speedily and correctly.

Why Your Toilet Might Be Leaking at the Base

A faulty wax ring is typically the cause of most leaks under the toilet. This wax ring seals the connection between your toilet and the drain pipe, and over time, it can wear out, crack, or become misaligned. Other common causes include:

Loose toilet bolts

If the bolts securing your toilet to the floor are loose, water can seep out during flushing.

Cracked toilet base

A crack in the porcelain can cause leaks that appear to be coming from the base.

Damaged flange

The flange links to the drain pipe and holds the toilet in place. If it’s broken or corroded, leaks can occur.

Water supply issues

Sometimes leaks originate from the water supply line or the shut-off valve located near the base.

How We Diagnose Toilet Base Leaks

When you call us, we begin by confirming the source of the leak. We check if the water is from condensation, the supply line, or the base itself. The team also tests if the toilet rocks or moves, which usually means the wax ring seal has failed. We inspect the flange and subfloor to catch any hidden damage early.

Why You Should Leave Fixing a Leaking Toilet Base to the Pros

Fixing a leaking toilet base might seem straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes that cause bigger problems. Removing the toilet incorrectly can damage your floor or cause the toilet to break. Installing a new wax ring requires precision to ensure a watertight seal, and overtightening bolts can crack the porcelain. We’ve done this hundreds of times, so we know exactly how to avoid these pitfalls and get your toilet leak fixed right the first time.

Our Step-by-Step Approach to Fix Leaking Toilet Base

1. Turn off your water supply and drain the toilet: We start by shutting off the valve behind your toilet and flushing it to empty the tank and bowl. This prevents spills and makes removal easier.

2. Carefully remove the toilet: We disconnect the water supply line and unscrew the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Next, we carefully lift the toilet off the flange to prevent damage to the floor or pipes.

3. Take off the old wax ring and clean the area: We scrape away the old wax ring with a putty knife and thoroughly clean the flange and surrounding floor area. This step is crucial for a good seal.

4. Inspect the flange and subfloor: We check the flange for cracks or corrosion and examine the subfloor for water damage or rot. If we find any issues, we repair or replace these parts before proceeding.

5. Install a new wax ring and replace bolts if needed: We install a fresh wax ring onto the flange and replace any rusted or damaged bolts to ensure a secure fit.

6. Reinstall the toilet: We carefully lower the toilet back onto the flange, aligning the bolts as needed. Then, we tighten the bolts evenly enough to secure the toilet without cracking it.

7. Reconnect the water supply and test for leaks: We reconnect the water line, turn the water back on, and flush several times to check for leaks around the base.

8. Apply a silicone seal around the base (optional but recommended): Lastly, we apply a bead of 100% silicone glue around the base of the toilet, leaving a small opening at the back. This seals out water while still allowing you to spot leaks early.

Pro-Tip: Always leave a small gap in the silicone caulk at the back of the toilet base. This helps you detect leaks early without having to remove the seal.

How Long Should a Wax Ring Last?

A properly installed wax ring usually lasts between 10 and 30 years. However, if the toilet moves or the flange corrodes, the wax ring can fail sooner. Regular inspections and professional servicing can help you avoid unexpected leaks.

Is a Leaking Toilet Base an Emergency?

Yes, it can be. Even a slow leak can cause water damage to your floorboards and promote mould growth, which is a health hazard. If you notice water pooling or a smell near the base, it’s best to get it fixed immediately.

Pro-Tip: If your toilet rocks when you sit on it, don’t just tighten the bolts. Use toilet shims to stabilise it first. This prevents cracks and future leaks.

FAQs About How to Fix Leaking Toilet Base

What causes a toilet to leak under the base?

The most common cause is a worn-out or misaligned wax ring seal. Other causes include loose bolts, cracked toilet bases, or damaged flanges.

Should I use silicone or caulk around the toilet base?

Use 100% silicone caulk for a flexible, waterproof seal. Leave a small gap at the back for leak detection.

Will silicone stop a toilet leak?

Silicone can prevent water from seeping under the toilet, but it won’t fix leaks caused by a faulty wax ring or plumbing issues.

How long should a toilet wax ring last?

Typically 10 to 30 years, depending on installation quality and toilet stability.

Is a toilet leaking at the base an emergency?

Yes, because it can cause water damage and mould if not fixed promptly.

Can a toilet leak from the base underneath?

Yes, if the wax ring fails, the flange is damaged, or the toilet base cracks.

What if I Want to Get Services to Fix Leaking Toilet Base?

We can fix your toilet base if you'd rather not deal with the trouble and risk of doing it yourself. We don't charge a fee to visit your home or business, so you only pay for the work you need. Because toilet leaks don't wait for work hours, we offer same-day service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

We also give 15% off to seniors and $150 off the installation of hot water systems to our loyal customers. We can fix leaking toilet base quickly, cleanly, and reliably because we have years of experience and a guarantee on our work for life. Call us right now, and we'll get your bathroom back to normal without any trouble.

Fixing a toilet base that leaks is more than just stopping the drip; it's about addressing the underlying issue. It's also about keeping your home safe and giving yourself peace of mind. This is something that All Needs Plumbing can handle for you with quick, friendly, and easy service.

Available 24/7 For Emergency

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