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Started By
Message
Leaking water around base of toilet
Posted on 4/1/26 at 10:56 am
Posted on 4/1/26 at 10:56 am
I'm assuming this is the wax seal, should I try to change it out myself or call a plumber. I watched a few youtube videos and it doesn't seem that difficult but don't want to get in over my head.
13
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:04 am to danny d lsu
Give it a try. Not really difficult.
Good way to learn.
Good way to learn.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:10 am to danny d lsu
That seal is called a “wax ring”. It is not difficult to replace it unless the bolts holding the toilet down are corroded.
I have to wonder why that seal is leaking though, because I don’t think water generally stays on it. Has water been backing up anywhere else in your house?
I have to wonder why that seal is leaking though, because I don’t think water generally stays on it. Has water been backing up anywhere else in your house?
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:13 am to danny d lsu
I would definitely give it a try. Daggum plumber probably $400
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:14 am to danny d lsu
Not difficult....unless the closet flange has failed or is below flush with the floor. Then you're in for some fun depending on the type of flange and your level of experience.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:20 am to Spankum
quote:
I have to wonder why that seal is leaking though, because I don’t think water generally stays on it. Has water been backing up anywhere else in your house?
Not that I have noticed, I have toddler boys 3 and 4 who are potty trained but the aim isn't always the best so I was behind and around base of toilet cleaning, then after wiping up what I thought was pee, I noticed more clear water around the base of the toilet and tile floor, it's barely noticeable unless I wipe it with a paper towel and the towel is damp. So I googled potential problems and it said the wax ring was most common problem. I'm assuming the only way to tell if this is the issue is to take the whole toilet off, the house was built in 2012 so the toilet is about 14 years old if that makes a difference.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:28 am to danny d lsu
The hardest part about replacing a wax ring is lifting the toilet off the flanges and setting it back in place when you're done. Shut off the water and use a shop vac to get as much out of the tank and bowl as you can after flushing it. At least remove it first and check out the bolts and flange to see if they're damaged before going to the store. I was doing this a few years ago and had bought the wax ring, only to find crusty bolts underneath and I had to go get a new PVC flange. The old one had a little crack in it and the bolt was not in good shape.
It is one of those things I am glad my dad taught me growing up. He always fixed things around the house on his own and I was the only boy so I was his helper. It has served me well over the years not having to pay someone for something that is an easy fix.
It is one of those things I am glad my dad taught me growing up. He always fixed things around the house on his own and I was the only boy so I was his helper. It has served me well over the years not having to pay someone for something that is an easy fix.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:28 am to danny d lsu
Wax ring. It's very easy to change. Change it quickly. An open hole to the sewer will have your whole house stinking in no time. 
#1 thing is to not over tighten the flange bolts when you put it back on. The toilet base WILL crack if over tightened.
BTW, this is what I used last time. 1000x easier than using the old school wax ring.
#1 thing is to not over tighten the flange bolts when you put it back on. The toilet base WILL crack if over tightened.
BTW, this is what I used last time. 1000x easier than using the old school wax ring.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:31 am to danny d lsu
just make sure its not water running down the side of the toilet from the tank. Take some dry toilet paper and dabb around
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:35 am to Turnblad85
Good point, I'll investigate further when I get home, just to make sure there's nothing else leaking that I can just tighten up and would be an easier fix.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 11:48 am to Spankum
quote:
That seal is called a “wax ring”.
It's actually called a "Toilet Wax Ring".
Posted on 4/1/26 at 12:00 pm to TheBoo
quote:
It's actually called a "Toilet Wax Ring".
Oh sure... and I'm sure next you'll be trying to tell us it's not called a Hot Water Heater.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 12:01 pm to danny d lsu
1. Much more likely water is leaking between the bowl and basket and just running down that way.
2. Unless something goofy is going on under there, it should pretty much never leak.
I have one toilet in an area of foundation repair and it is attached to one of those bolt on rubber ring kits with a tall wax ring below. It wobbles around but still won’t leak.
As long as your surface is flat, it is a super easy replacement. Just check the basket is snug first.
2. Unless something goofy is going on under there, it should pretty much never leak.
I have one toilet in an area of foundation repair and it is attached to one of those bolt on rubber ring kits with a tall wax ring below. It wobbles around but still won’t leak.
As long as your surface is flat, it is a super easy replacement. Just check the basket is snug first.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 12:21 pm to danny d lsu
It's not difficult at all. Give it a go. The real question is why is there a leak as that normally shouldn't happen. Maybe the main line is plugged up and wastewater is backing up through the wax ring seal area.
Don't forget that after you replace the seal, you'll need to reset the toilet base on the floor. Buy some toilet shims and a tube of clear silicone. You'll need to run a bead of silicone around the base when you're complete.
Don't forget that after you replace the seal, you'll need to reset the toilet base on the floor. Buy some toilet shims and a tube of clear silicone. You'll need to run a bead of silicone around the base when you're complete.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 12:46 pm to danny d lsu
Easy to do. Check the flange and make sure it’s not cracked when you take it off. Good time to replace the toilet and the supply valve and the hose too.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 1:11 pm to danny d lsu
Flush it several times and monitor if it seeps out…… 
Posted on 4/1/26 at 1:26 pm to danny d lsu
Good time to upgrade your toilet too if you are in the market.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 1:45 pm to Spankum
quote:
I have to wonder why that seal is leaking though, because I don’t think water generally stays on it.
OP needs to check to see if the toilet "wobbles" at all. Buy some toilet shims as well. Use them to make sure it is level and not wobbling. if the toilet moves when people sit on it the wax seal can and will eventually develop a leak, usually very small. Good chance you may smell a sewer smell as often as you see a leak.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 2:02 pm to danny d lsu
On mine it wasn't the wax seal. Come to find out it was the tank to bowl seal and it was leaking down the side and around the front.
Posted on 4/1/26 at 2:42 pm to MemphisGuy
quote:
Oh sure... and I'm sure next you'll be trying to tell us it's not called a Hot Water Heater.
I was making fun of him correcting the OP calling it a wax seal.
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