Hi, first timer. not sure how this goes, but willing to try. Got a toilet leaking. We have redid the wax ring, flange and PVC pipe 2x this year (earlier this spring and now again) total of 4 times. It is getting frustrating. How we noticed the leak is by water leak rings coming up from the bottom of vinyl. top is dry. After tearing up vinyl, sub floor is wet and rotting in one spot. (right in front of the toilet, where your feet would be if you were sitting down. I am allergic to mold and mildew. not pretty. We have put blue dye in water tank, but nothing leaks that we can see or feel with paper towel. going to put in no. 10 wax ring in again and new stool. why is the leak so persistant and where is it coming from? How do we stop it successfully? Thank you in advance for any input.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about haunted pipes and building-science tomes, and they ask questions about roof venting and roof leaks.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
I'm not a plumber, but had a similar problem in my mom's house last year. First, dig out the rotten wood and fix that. I used a wood stabilizer first, then filled with bondo to get everything nice and flat. Make sure the flange is straight, and screwed down securely so it can't move. Use an "extra thick" wax ring (can't remember the type), make sure the mating surface on the bottom of the toilet is clean & bolt it down. That should do it......... worked for me.
I sympathize--just had my fill valve leak while company was over for Thanksgiving.
I think you may not be getting a constantly tight seal due to the rotten wood--I'd make sure your floor is not moving when someone sits on the stool. After repairing the rot and replacing anything squishy and making sure floor is solid, the idea of the extra thick wax ring (or there are also like foam rubber rings if I remember right) is a good one.
You may also get more advice by clicking on Breaktime above--at the top of this page in the green box after "Other Taunton Sites:".
Get a waxless ring. They are three times easier and a lot less prone to installation error.
You are not getting the wax ring to come out the way you want it, anyway.