If you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the toilet, you may not be too happy if your feet encounter water around the base. In this case, you can see that the unit is leaking somehow and may not be sure why, but you'll certainly want to figure things out as quickly as possible. What could be going wrong in this situation?

Narrowing It Down

Firstly, have a look at the cistern, which is typically separate from the toilet bowl itself and is connected to the incoming water pipe. As this will be raised above the floor, you should be able to see right away if any water is leaking from that specific location. If it isn't, you probably have an issue with the toilet flange that connects your toilet to the top of the drainpipe. Alternatively, the toilet may not be as secure as it used to be, which can also affect the seal between the unit and the sewer pipe.

Tightening the Bolts

If the toilet is loose, that is a relatively simple fix. Locate the two bolts (typically underneath a plastic cover) on each side of the bowl. Secure these carefully but do not overtighten them as you could crack the porcelain.

Faulty Ring

If the bolts appear to be quite tight anyway, then the wax ring that sits in between the base of the toilet and the sewer pipe may be faulty. These wax rings can deteriorate with time as they can harden and lose their ability to create a tight seal. When this happens, water may leak and seep underneath the toilet's base.

How to Replace a Seal

While it is certainly possible for you to do this yourself, it can end up being quite an involved job. To begin with, you have to remove the toilet by first disconnecting it from the cistern and attachment. Then, you will need to clean the flange (the connection between the sewer pipe and the toilet) and then carefully add a new wax seal. Just remember to refer to the manufacturer documentation first to make sure that you buy the proper seal for your toilet. You should also be aware that some modern-day seals are made from silicone or rubber, and others can be extended down into the sewer pipe. This type can help to prevent water from splashing back and could be a better long-term solution.

Outsourcing the Work

If you would rather not get involved with a job like this but call in the professionals instead, reach out to your local plumber like one at Martech Plumbing PTY LTD. They will have access to the parts required and can complete the job in next to no time.

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