I have a 1/2 bath on my first level and my basement is unfinished. Whenever the toilet in the 1/2 bath is flushed, the water leaks into the basement. From the basement, I can see the black sewage pipe that directly comes out of the toilet above, and when the toilet is flushed, water just comes from the sides of the black pipe on to my HVAC system! See attached picture #1 of the leaking black pipe as seen from the basement. The wood around it is all wet. Attached picture #2 is of the toilet and the tiled floor.

Note that there is no leakage/spill on the tiled floor of the 1/2 bath when the toilet is flushed. Also, the water gushes through into the basement only when the toilet is flushed; not otherwise.

Can you tell me what's wrong? Is this a job for a handy man or a plumber... reason I ask is that I have this standard coverage from Old Republic Home Warranty so I might be covered if I go with a plumber.

Leaking black pipe and wet wood as seen from the basement:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-3T2ekjY60o/TA...0/IMG_5177.JPG

Toilet and the tiled floor:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-3T2ekjY60o/TA...0/IMG_5178.JPG

Thanks,
K

My first thought is that your toilet may only need a new wax seal. But if your insurance policy covers a plumber to come in a take a look that's what I would do. If not try a new seal. They only cost $1 or $2. Good luck

Jury nailed it. Replace wax ring Use the one that has a rubber flapper inside. Will help steer water into pipe.

Chuck

Thanks jury and creahands. One question: You saw picture #1 of the black pipe and the surrounding wood. Do I need to do anything to treat the wood? It looks pretty bad and I'm afraid it might lead to mold, etc.

After problem is fixed, u will have to wait for area to dry before treating for mold. Use fan to speed up drying.

Treat area with a 20% solution of bleach/water, then paint with mold resistant paint/primer.

Chuck

Hello Kutra,
Looking at your photos, I see "wet" 1/4 round moulding along side baseboard. (?) - and I can see some "water marks" (?) on the back of the bowl. That tells me that the leak could be from leaking angle stop, leaking water supply connector or the tank itself. Water drips on the floor and travels under the bowl - then down to the ceiling. Please, check those listed items for leaks, too...

Best way to check for leaks: take toilet paper and gently wipe the areas in question. If no leak than paper should remain dry...

Of course, leaking wax ring still remains the most possible cause of the leak...

Regarding the cleanup of the mold... I live in Iowa and in 2008 we had a huge flood. During that time I learned that bleach and water will not kill mold. But if the area gets dry before mold grows you should not have a problem. If mold does grow, let the wood dry and then vacuum off mold with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Treating with the bleach will not hurt but just thought I would share what I learned from FEMA after cleaning out my house from the flood that put 8 feet of water in my house.

Also I cannot remember what you use to treat it. I know you should be able to buy it at a local hardware store and is actually something you use to treat termites. The active ingrediant in that kills the mold.

Milo Dolezal: Thanks for your post. The toilet itself is dry... the picture looks deceptive because of the stainless steel can next to it and the porcelain finish. Even the floor remains dry.

So I am going to try what you and everyone else suggested: Replace the wax ring. Never done this before, but watched a gazillion videos on this in the last two days! :-)

Three questions I have before I buy the wax ring with a flapper:
1. Is it true that if the flange is flush with or lower than the tiled floor, I must use two wax rings?
2. I saw videos/instructions that recommended putting the wax ring on the toilet and than positioning the toilet over the flange while others recommended putting the wax ring on the flange and then positioing the toilet over it. What's the preferred way?
3. Do I need to caulk the joint where the toilet meets the tiled floor or use a sealant? If yes, what caulk/sealant do you recommend?

Please advise.

K

If flange is flush with top of tile one wax ring seal is enough.

If flange is below top of tile, get flange extensions to raise to top of tile.

Caulking toilet to tile is for clean look and not to seal in water. If water get under toilet will rot sub floor.

Chuck

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1. Is it true that if the flange is flush with or lower than the tiled floor, I must use two wax rings?

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No! One wax ring is enough.

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2. I saw videos/instructions that recommended putting the wax ring on the toilet and than positioning the toilet over the flange while others recommended putting the wax ring on the flange and then positioing the toilet over it. What's the preferred way?

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It's "dealers choice"! I have installed them both ways but here's the recommended way, (see image)

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3. Do I need to caulk the joint where the toilet meets the tiled floor or use a sealant? If yes, what caulk/sealant do you recommend?

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We caulk our bowls with Dap, White Tub and Tile Caulk to seal the bowl to the floor and to give your installation a professional look.
Good luck, Tom

Thanks everyone. I replaced the wax ring yesterday. The flange was a wee-bit higher than the tiled floor, so no fancy-schmancy extensions required. So far, water hasn't been leaking into the basement after a flush, and I am checking after every flush! :-)

Now, the next job is to tackle the potential mold growth.

Regards,
K

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Now, the next job is to tackle the potential mold growth.

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Scrub the area down with full strength bleach and thanks for the update. Tom