Do you have water pooling around your toilet base? You might be thinking of ways to fix it and decided to search around. Congratulations! You have come up in the right article that will show you a step by step guide in fixing water pooling around the toilet base.
Oftentimes, this problem is caused by a leaking wax ring seal. To test if this is really the case, make use of some food coloring. Put some in your toilet and flush it. If you notice that the water pooling around the toilet is colored just like the coloring you added, then the problem is in the wax ring.
To fix this problem, you need to replace the wax ring. Toilet wax rings are one-size-fits-all so there is no need to measure the size. Replacing the wax ring is a simple process. However, you need to lift the entire toilet. If you are not sure what to do and you are not confident that this is the case for your toilet, better call a professional plumber. Many professional plumbers offer toilet repair services like the plumber in Glendale, AZ. They will be happy to be of service and are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to fix any plumbing problems.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix water pooling on your toilet base if the wax ring is the cause.
Step 1. This is what I say to every plumbing repairs, the first thing to do is turn off the water supply.
Step 2. Drain your toilet tank and bowl by flushing. It is inevitable that there can be residual water that will remain even after flushing. If you have a wet-type vacuum, you can vacuum the remaining water. If you don’t have the tool, then just use a cup to bail the water out.
Step 3. The third step is to disconnect the water supply valve from the tank. You can do this by twisting the nut loose using your hand or with a crescent wrench.
Step 4. Pry off the plastic caps covering the bolts using a flathead screwdriver.
Step 5. With a crescent wrench, remove the nuts that you can see from the bolts to disconnect the toilet from the floor.
Step 6. With the help of someone, if you can’t do this on your own, lift the toilet, tank, and base upward. Make sure you place cardboard wherein you lift your toilet upward to avoid damaging your floor.
Step 7. Scrape off the remaining old wax in the flange using a putty knife. It usually comes off in chunks. Remember to remove all of it and do not leave anything behind.
Step 8. Place a new wax ring on the flange. Make sure it is not dent. Press it in place using your fingers.
Step 9. Reset your toilet and replace the nuts and bolts. Tighten it using the crescent wrench.
Step 10. Put back the plastic cups to cover the nuts and bolts.
Step 11. Put back or re-attach the water supply to the base of the tank.
Now, you can turn back on your water supply and test if your toilet is no longer leaking.