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-   -   Toilet leaks at base? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=237154)

  • Jul 13, 2008, 10:01 PM
    mamablue57
    toilet leaks at base?
    Unfortunately I have carpeting in my bathroom, which will probably come up tomorrow, BUT my problem is that for some reason, the rug is soaking wet in front of the toilet. About 4 inches in front of the base, the rug is wet roughly 2.5 feet x .5 feet. Is it possible that the wax ring is leaking, or maybe it is something else? I'm not familiar with toilets on the ground level, but I know the rug isn't supposed to be wet. The rug is not wet on the sides or back. The toilet is about 18 years old, the flooring of the house even older.
  • Jul 13, 2008, 10:21 PM
    BIGBOPPER
    Might be your wax ring. About $5.00 and 1-2 hours labor, if that, and you've solved the problem. BTW, if you are still up, 24 hour department/supermarket/mega chain stores sell them in the hardware aisle. You could do it tonight.
  • Jul 13, 2008, 10:22 PM
    BIGBOPPER
    I forgot. Shut off water supply to toilet until repaired, flush toilet to empty bowl, and don't use until fixed. That'll slow the leak down.
  • Jul 13, 2008, 10:34 PM
    Flying Blue Eagle
    MaMablues57 - It could very well be the wax ring leaking go to Lowe's <HOME DERPOT OR Plumbing supple and get you a new set of anchor bolts for a toilet , the old ones will already been cut off and you won't be able to get fitted you won't seperaye as easty to
    Nuts back on also get a flange on I t And install irt correctl
  • Jul 14, 2008, 01:39 PM
    mamablue57
    Thank you for your advice. After realizing this means taking the toilet off the ground, I am going to have to call in a plumber. My husband recently had rotor cuff problems in his shoulder, and cannot do the heavy lifting required at this time. I appreciate your help and advice. Thanks, and God Bless.
  • Jul 14, 2008, 03:54 PM
    BIGBOPPER
    You might not have to lift the toilet, per se. Can he push it to the side enough to do the repair? Remove all the bolts, use WD-40 if need be, and to get the bolts off, and then nudge it, while holding on to it to keep it from falling over. Take the old ring off, throw it in the bag that the new one came in and tie it up and throw away. Take new ring and place it over pipe, and nudge the toilet back. The toilet itself will leave a mark on the concrete, so you'll have a guide for replacing it in the right spot. Then re assemble all boltage, and turn water on slowly to check for further leakage. It should then be replaced.
    But Come to think of it, rotator cuff problems are very painful, so a plumber, or... a handyman which would be cheaper, could do the job for you.
  • Jul 14, 2008, 05:26 PM
    mamablue57
    Thanks, but the floors aren't concrete - they are wood. This house was built in 1935. Isn't even a slab under it. Also, very tight space - maybe 8" on each side. Bathtub on one side, cabinet for sink on other. I'm going to call the local lumber yard tomorrow and see if they know someone locally. Otherwise I'm going to be paying a trip charge for someone to come out. I live just outside the 20 mile free no-charge zone (naturally). Oh well - you know what they say - **it happens. :)
  • Jul 14, 2008, 05:42 PM
    BIGBOPPER
    Oh well - you know what they say - **it happens. :)

    And in your case, maybe literally...

    Ask that lumber yard if there is a handyman that can help, because the actual repair isn't hard. But you have to be strong like an ox. And have the same inspect the wood. You don't want to to have damaged wood underneath a heavy object in a delicate situation...

    The reason I keep harping handymen, is that I have been charged by the plumber. And when I found out how simple the repair was (and it wasn't the wax ring, that's a different story), and how much they cost, I about fainted. Now for simple stuff I get a handyman, and pay a third of what I would have been charged. Hopefully you'll be up and running soon!
  • Jul 14, 2008, 06:38 PM
    Milo Dolezal
    Your angle stop may be dripping. Also your toilet supply or perhaps you have drip for the tank.

    But first, check wax ring...
  • Jul 23, 2008, 09:23 PM
    Flying Blue Eagle
    Mamablue57 - Please don't do it the way " BigBopper" said to :: REASON - If you do ,You will ruin the new wax ring and there will be wax left on the flange which some of it will be hardened and ( I Guarantee you that you will have a water leak out of this world, and will have to do it all over again . Sincer youal won't be able to lift , and don't have any one that you can have to help , Then I susgest that you do call a plumber, Good Luck AND GOD BLESS. Let us all know how you come out ::: F.B.E.
  • Jul 23, 2008, 09:55 PM
    mamablue57
    Thank you for your advice. All repairs have been temporarily put on hold. My fuel pump on my car went out, and that came first. I'll just have to be very careful for a few weeks until we get back on our feet financially.

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