Water leakage around the base of the toilet does not necessarily mean something is wrong with the toilet itself. The problem is usually caused by a worn wax ring that seals the toilet to the drain opening.
To fix the problem, you can simply remove the toilet, replace the old wax ring and then “reset” the toilet. If you’re removing an existing toilet to install a new one, the same procedure is applied.
Although it may seem like a difficult task, removing and resetting a toilet is actually quite simple. A professional plumber may charge up to $200 to do this job. However, you can reset a toilet in a matter of minutes for $10-20, which is the price of a new wax ring.
To ensure that the toilet doesn’t get damaged or cracked during movement, it is important to do this with care.
Tools needed
- Bucket and sponge
- Adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers
- Putty knife
Materials needed
- New wax seal
- Old newspaper
- Toilet floor bolts (if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Turn off the water
Shutting off the water supply is the first step in most plumbing repairs. You will find the fixture shutoff valve for the water near the bottom of the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise, turn shut off the water supply.
If there is no fixture valve, you will need to turn the water off at the main shutoff valve to the house.
Step 2: Disconnect the supply line
Disconnect the flexible supply tube that connects to the tailpiece for the toilet’s fill valve. You can either unscrew it by hand or use channel-lock pliers.
Step 3: Take out any remaining water from toilet tank
Take off the tank lid and place it in a safe location. Once the tank is empty, you can use a sponge or cloth to absorb any water. The sponge can then be wrung out into a bucket.
The sponge can also be used to absorb and remove any water from the toilet bowl. For the next steps, both the tank and the bowl must be as dry as possible.
Step 4: Disconnect the floor bolts
Use a putty knife to remove the floor bolt nut caps. They can be placed in the open tank to ensure they don’t become separated from the toilet.
To remove the washers and nuts that hold the toilet to the floor bolts (aka, closet bolts), use an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers.
Step 5: Lift off the toilet
Place some newspaper on the floor. This will protect the flooring from sticky wax and dirt that has accumulated at the bottom of the toilet.
Hold the toilet bowl in your hands, just in front the tank’s connection point. To separate the toilet bowl from the floor, lift it with your knees (not your back), then turn and place the toilet on the newspaper.
Step 6: Clean the toilet bottom
To ensure a tight seal, make sure the toilet’s bottom is clean before you try to reset it. This step can also be made easier by using a helper.
Your helper will tilt the toilet at an angle. Use a putty knife to scrape any old wax from the bottom. Pay special attention to the “horn”, the round opening in the toilet that connects to the floor drain. To seal the drain properly, this area must be smooth and clean.
If you have to place the toilet on its side to do this, make sure to do it with care. The porcelain can crack or chip easily. Also, make sure you don’t apply too much force to the bolt that holds the toilet tank to the bowl. This area is especially fragile.
Step 7: Apply a new wax ring
Once the toilet’s bottom is cleaned, you can apply a new wax ring. It is best to warm the wax and make it malleable. You can soften it by placing the wax ring on a heat duct, radiator, or placing it the sun.
Remove the protective paper. Apply the wax ring to floor drain opening. Make sure the cone-shaped extension faces down into the drain.
If you are replacing the closet bolts, now is the time to place them into the floor flange. To secure them to the floor, use a washer and nut. To ensure your toilet sits straight, make sure they are at the same distance from each other.
Step 8: Install the toilet
Lift the toilet carefully onto the floor bolts and wax ring. Make sure the toilet is square with the wall. Also, make sure the floor bolts extend through the holes in your toilet base. As you position and lower your toilet, a helper is helpful.
After you have aligned the closet bolts, put pressure on the toilet by pressing down and rocking the toilet from side to side. This will ensure a uniform seal. This will cause the wax ring to shrink slightly. After the bowl has been placed on the floor, you should check it again to ensure that it is squarely against the wall.
Step 9: Connect the fill valve and tighten the bolts
Use an adjustable wrench to thread the nuts onto closet bolts. Tighten them down until the toilet is securely attached to the floor.
To ensure that the toilet is securely attached to the floor, it is important to do so slowly and carefully. Over-tightening can cause cracks in the bowl’s base. To ensure the bowl is stable, wrap your arms around it and rock it side to side and back-to -back. If the bowl moves, tighten the nuts again, alternating sides. Place the caps over the floor bolts.
Once the bowl is secured, connect the flexible water supply tube with the fill valve tailpiece. Turn on the water and flush the toilet a few times to verify everything is in working order. Check for leaks around the flex tube connections.
Call a plumber
Although resetting your toilet can be a relatively easy job, complications can happen. Only reset a toilet if you are one-hundred-percent confident you can do it.
If you have noticed your toilet is leaking and you rather have someone else take on the task then don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber.
