Upstairs Toilet Leak?

[newtothervr]

Looking for some help,

We have a place near Tawas with two baths, one upstairs and one down. My wife was up there this weekend and found that the upstairs toilet leaks, but only when flushed. The water seaps out from the base of the toilet where the toilet meets the floor. The toilet doesn't wobble and seems pretty secure to the floor. What do you think?

Thanks,

Brian

[jim84]

most likely the wax ring is gone. they dry up.

[Ferg]

That would be my first thought also -

[BFTrout]

sounds all too familiar. pick up a wax ring and some new flange bolts.. . .and some paper towels. it should take about 10 minutes.

[Mitchell Ulrich]

..having been a plumber or 12 years..it sounds like the ring but could be the flange. You said that it doesn't rock...its probably a ring. Probable parts list...

Wax ring (with horn)
Closet bolts. Prefer brass (easier to cut)
DAP tub and tile caulk. (BOCA CODE, must go all around the W/C)
And Or Sometimes(if things are not going right)
New ("china caps") closet bolt covers (look for 'this side up' on lower cap)
Closet supply (water line) CLOSET..not Lav Supply( must have ferrel. If you use plastic supply, as I did, use plastic ferrel, NOT metal) Bevel points down!
Lots of paper towels
Gloves..I like surgical,,just grab the old wax and remove it. Dont be shy now!
cardboard or newspaper to set the W/C on after its removed

Got a shop vac? If so, suck out water from bowl and tank first.
Avoid leaning on, bumping or moving the tank! Trust me! Lift the W/C from the underside of bowl. The balance point is usually under where the seat bolts connect. I like to put the wax ring on the flange. Not stuck to the W/C. Now slightly mash the blots into the wax to hold in place. Set the W/C. Now carefully sit on it to mash the wax down and the bowl makes contact with floor.(slightly rock all around) If you have to install new bolts..tighten them by SLOWLY alternating each nut.(remember that the flat part of the china caps goes on the porcelain, then washer..dont forget the this side up part). You can BREAK a lot of things at this point! The flange or bowl, ect...SO DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN! Its a W/C, not a part on the space shuttle!! SNUG is best. That goes for tightening all water connections as well. The caulk will help to hold it in place.

Not a tough job. Should take 1/2 hour or so. If your smart, stretch it out to about an hour, or even more!!......AND............
Be SURE that the Ol' lady see's the disgusting hole in the floor when the W/C is removed...then...let out a few well chosen expletives when she is within ear shot...mumbling always helps too! Trust me..it will payoff later...hopefull tonight around 11:00 pm or so.

Mitch

[FERG 06]

:yeahthat: Plumber in Dearborn Hts.? I'll look ya up next time I need some work on my rental house there.

[newtothervr]

Good info and advice, Thanks! Dumb question: can I pull the toilet with the tank still attached?

It will be a week or so before I can get up there to do the repair. I hope it's as smooth as you guys make it sound.

Thanks again,

Brian

PS, Trapper, I like the way you think! ;)

[zx10r2004]

Good info and advice, Thanks! Dumb question: can I pull the toilet with the tank still attached?

It will be a week or so before I can get up there to do the repair. I hope it's as smooth as you guys make it sound.

Thanks again,

Brian

PS, Trapper, I like the way you think! ;)yes just flush the water out then use a shop vac for the little water left over.

[SpareTime]

just be glad you found it early....

.....I found my leak from an upstairs wax ring right atfer my kitchen ceiling colapsed.......talk about a frickin' mess......wet plaster and all....:yikes: