[ronelaine]

While we were away for the summer our upstairs condo neighbors deposited 'stuff'' into the drainage system that clogged and caused a toilet backup which flooded our bathroom. Our caretaker said that the toilet leaked because the wax seal is cracked. We have never had any floor moisture around this toilet and there is none now. If the backflow unseated the seal wouldn't we have seepage now? We will take a look, but it is a puzzlement. Any ideas?

[dmrlook]

I'd say no - not if the clog your neighbor created has been removed. There may still be seepage, however it may be so small so as not to make it outside the base of the bowl. A wax ring can be picked up at any big box store or plumbing supply store for $5 or less. I'd pick one up, remove the toilet, scrape off the old wax ring from the underside of the toilet and flange on the floor, and re-seat the toilet with the new ring. Cheap insurance against another possible leak.

[speedball1]

We have never had any floor moisture around this toilet and there is none now. If the backflow unseated the seal wouldn't we have seepage now?

Wax seals are there to contain sewer gas and provide a seal for the toilet discharge. Now you got to realize the toilet bowl has a horn that directs the flow PAST the wax seal. So under normal conditions it's not design to contain water. With a back up you have back pressure forcing water, under pressure, past the wax seal.
That's the reason you see water around the base of the bowl.
If you don't see any water when you flush or smell any odor then I would say the seal's doing its job. If you do see or smell any of the above then replace the wax seal. Good luck, Tom