How to Repair a Leaky Toilet

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet can potentially cause catastrophic amounts of water damage if not properly repaired

A toilet is typically a very durable and sturdy household fixture that should, ideally, last for multiple decades. That being said, even the best toilets are subject to leaking from time to time. If your home in Billings, MT, has a leaking toilet, follow the steps below.

Step by Step Toilet Repair

Luckily, repairing a leaky, old toilet is a relatively easy process, even if you don't have any plumbing experience.

Use a wrench to disconnect the supply tube from the shutoff valve. Double-check to make sure all the water is drained from the bowl and tank.
At the base of the toilet, remove the caps that cover the closet bolts. Remove the hex nuts using a wrench.
Grasp the toilet by the bowl and very carefully lift it up using your legs. Set the toilet down on an old blanket or cardboard sheet to avoid causing water damage to your bathroom tiles.
Scrape the old wax gasket off from the closet flange. Inspect the closet flange for damage. In most leaking toilet cases, a section of this flange is broken off.
Loosen the screws that secure the closet flange to the bathroom floor. Slide a repair strap underneath the flange.
Center the new wax gasket over the closet flange. Both closet bolts should be in place.
On the bottom of the toilet's tank, connect the new water supply tube to the threaded fill-valve shank.
Apply downward pressure on the rim of the toilet bowl to compress the gasket. Tighten each closet bolt and then apply more pressure.
Trim the tops off the closet bolts using a close-quarter hacksaw. Tighten the nuts and replace the caps.
Reconnect the supply tube to the shutoff valve. Open the valve and flush the toilet. Carefully inspect for leaks.

A leaking toilet can potentially cause catastrophic amounts of water damage if not properly repaired. Contact water remediation experts for additional help if the above technique does not remedy the issue.