When I turn off the water to the 2nd floor toilet, the leak stops through the 1st floor ceiling. I just changed the flap - thinking it was a problem with the fill mode (i.e. originally, the toilet wouldn't stop running but wasn't filling the tank nor the bowl - that's when the leak began through the floor/ceiling below) - but when I flushed it twice, I found a few drops on the downstairs floor below the bathroom. No water can be found on the 2nd floor floor - just on the ceiling of the 1st floor and on the floor below that. Is this anything that I can fix from the above-ground area of this system, or must I hire a plumber to rip up the floor/ceiling and fix a pipe (or whatever)?

Hi Lynl...

It sounds like the WAX GASKET at the toilet needs to be changed out.

Here, the toilet water needs to be shut off, the toilet supply needs to be disconnected and the toilet needs to be emptied of water . Then the toilet bolts/nuts under the toilet caps need to be removed and the toilet lifted to expose the wax ring.

The old wax ring will need to be cleaned off the toilet pipe and bottom of the toilet and a new wax gasket will need to be installed. You will be best to purchase a pair of new 5/16" toilet bolts (called closet bolts) and slide them into the toilet pipe when installing the new wax gasket.

Reinstall the toilet by keeping the toilet level as the bowl is set down and slowly, sequentially tighten the bolts until the toilet sets firmly to the floor. Cut the bolts flush to the nuts and snap the toilet caps into place. Connect the water supply and fill the toilet tank to flush the toilet and test the work... hopefully, all set!

If the closet flange (toilet pipe) is in bad shape the job could grow a bit tougher, but pop back and discuss with us if needed... OK?

Mark

Thanks MassPlumber2008 - Mark! That was a very detailed response - Wow! Will be in touch as needed. :-)

Glad to help!

PS: I recommend using the wax gasket with a horn on it... ;) Seems to help homeowner's in keeping the wax gasket centered on the drain.

Good luck!