[mrsmills79]

Every so often we find a puddle of yellowy brown water leaking (seemingly) from under the toilet, out across our tiled bathroom floor. Yesterday it had run across the width of our (small) bathroom.

I've entertained a suspicion that possibly our cat has a very occasional wee there for some reason, but he's generally quite a normal cat with no such quirks, so for now I'll put that notion on the back burner! (This liquid smells farmyardy - don't know what cat wee smells of really? ) No other signs to suggest it's the cat.

I've also confirmed it's not the husband missing the bowl (! ) I have accused him many times now, but finally I am certain that it seems to come from UNDER the toilet fixture, it's not run down the outside of the bowl.

The liquid is yellowy brown in colour and smells 'farmyardy', not really how I imagine sewage smells.

Sometimes the cistern keeps filling continually; I believe this is because the seal at the bottom of the cistern doesn't always sit back flush to the unit (this happens only when you push the 'long flush' button, it doesn't seem to happen if you just use the 'short flush' button) I've cleaned the seal before and that helps, but this issue seems more related to which flush button is used, so we avoid the 'long flush'. I did wonder if the condensation that forms on the outside of the cistern (more during winter) when the cistern keeps filling was what was causing this leak from under the toilet fixture, but I'm not certain that the two occasional events always happen at the same time (i.e. that we only get the leak when the cistern condensates) or why the water that comes out would be dirty when condensation is clean.

I should add that our toilet is clean (we have a toddler always leaning on or putting things on the lid, so I'm always wiping it down with wipes and using bleach inside the bowl).

So, intermittent leak (from where & what to do?)... or cat wee?? Thanks in advance.

[Fr_Chuck]

While of course all cats are evil and do things just to prove they can. My bet ( beyond your husbands aim) would be a bad seal between the floor and toilet, Most have a wax seal and do go bad from time to time.

[mrsmills79]

Hmm, a wax seal, eh?
(Forgive me little puss, and husband dear)
So, will I need a plumber to look at this? I am quite handy and a little daring, but wouldn't want to flood the house, especially with this "water"!
I see the unit is has a silver bolt on either side towards the base - can I just unscrew these, pull out the unit and have a nosey to gauge my eagerness at having a go, or will moving things cause further leaks and suchlike? Actually, surely I'd need to drain the toilet - how do I turn off the water to the toilet? Oh - suddenly I don't want to get involved... leave it to the prfessionals?

It's quite a posh bog, the previous owner had a complete re-fit about 6 or 7 years back now.
Thanks so much for your prompt response.
(I shall overlook your views on felines) ;) LOL.