Water around the base of your toilet isn’t normal, and no, it’s not just “a little splash from the shower.” If you’ve mopped it up once and it came back, something’s off. A toilet leaking bottom situation is usually the result of a bad seal, loose connection, or hidden crack. Let’s break down what’s happening and what you’re supposed to do about it.
1. The Wax Ring Gave Out
A wax ring under your toilet keeps things watertight between the base and the floor drain. Over time, it can dry out, shift, or flatten. When that happens, every flush pushes water (and whatever else) out under the toilet. If it only leaks when you flush, this is probably it.
2. The Bolts Are Loose
Ever wondered about the little white caps at the bottom of your toilet? Underneath are bolts holding it tight to the floor. If they’re loose, the toilet rocks, and the seal gets compromised. Eventually, you’ll notice water around the base, even if the wax ring isn’t entirely shot.
3. It’s Not the Base. It’s the Tank.
Sometimes, what looks like a toilet leaking from the base when flushed is a toilet tank leaking from the bottom. If the bolts connecting the tank to the bowl are loose or corroded, water can drip down and pool at the base. Don’t get tricked by where the water shows up.
4. The Toilet Itself Is Cracked
While not super common, cracks in your toilet are possible. A hairline crack in the bowl or base can slowly leak without you noticing until the floor is wet. If you spot a crack below the water line, you’ll need a complete replacement.
So What Do You Do?
Tighten the bolts (carefully—don’t overdo it and crack the porcelain). If that doesn’t help, the wax ring is the next suspect, but replacing it means lifting the toilet. If you’re not into that kind of Saturday project, there’s no shame in calling a pro.
Here’s Where High Priority Plumbing Comes In
We don’t just patch the problem; we figure out exactly why your toilet is leaking and fix it the right way the first time. Whether it’s a loose seal, a cracked tank, or something you haven’t spotted, we’ve seen it before and know what to do.
Got water where it shouldn’t be? Let’s fix that. Call High Priority Plumbing today, and we’ll handle it.