PROJECTS ONLINE: REPAIRING A LEAK AT THE BASE OF A TOILET BOWL
Project Difficulty:
Moderate Estimated
Project Time: About 2 hours
Tools and Materials:
Sponge
Wrench
Screwdriver
Old blanket or rug
Rags
Wax ring
Putty knife
Closet bolts
If a crack in your toilet bowl is causing a leak, you will need to replace the bowl. If it is structurally sound, however, but you still have a leak in the area, try gently tightening the closet bolts, which hold the bowl to the floor. If that doesn’t stop the leak, you will need to replace the wax ring. Following is a quick guide.
1.
Empty the Tank
Begin by shutting off the water. Then flush the toilet and sponge out any remaining water in the tank and bowl.
2.
Remove Toilet Bowl and Tank
Disconnect the water-supply line and remove the bolts connecting tank to bowl, and bowl to floor. Lift out the toilet bowl and tank, placing them on an old blanket or rug to protect the porcelain. Stuff rags in the closet flange to stop sewer gases from entering the room.
3.
Remove Old Wax
Scrape away the old wax and any old putty on the bottom of the bowl and flange (Fig. 1).
4.
Attach New Wax Ring
Press a new wax ring in place, according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Fig. 2).
5.
Replace Bolts
Replace the closet bolts in the flange. Slide the new ones into position on the closet flange. Notice that the flange has a wide opening on each end of the slots to let you insert the wide ends of the bolts.
6.
Reinstall Toilet
To reinstall the toilet, return the bowl to its upright position, and gently set it in place atop the closet flange. Make sure the closet bolts align with the holes in the base and press down firmly. Slip a metal washer and a nut over each bolt, and tighten slowly with a wrench. Don’t overtighten, or you might crack the bowl. Reattach the tank and turn the water back on.
