If you have a leak, your toilet is most likely due to a broken toilet flange. The toilet has a metal coupling called a toilet flange that connects the sewer pipe that comes up through the floor to the base of the toilet. If the component becomes worn or breaks, it may leak. We can help you diagnose and repair a toilet flange leak to get things back to normal. It’s a common issue, but we can assist you if you understand how to identify and fix it.

Five Signs You Have a Toilet Flange Leak

Flanges and wax rings under the toilet can break, lean, or malfunction, leading to a leaking toilet. Listed below are some symptoms of a leaking toilet caused by a faulty flange or wax ring:

  1. A toilet wobble is a sign that the wax ring and flange underneath it are failing. Even if the toilet isn’t leaking yet, a wobbly toilet indicates that these parts are malfunctioning. Their main job is to keep the toilet anchored to the ground, so wobbling signals that these components are not functioning correctly.
  2. Unpleasant odors can enter your living space if the wax ring is cracked or falling apart, allowing gases to escape.
  3. There may be water puddling at the junction of your toilet and floor if your toilet isn’t leaking from the toilet tank. The flange is the most likely cause if there is water collected at the base of the toilet.
  4. A spongy or springy floor around the toilet indicates that the flange is leaking, allowing toilet water to soak into the subfloor and make it less rigid. Wood rot may result, which may be a safety concern and require additional repairs.
  5. The flange leaks, causing the toilet’s tile or linoleum to buckle, rise or crack. If the subfloor becomes soaked, the flooring will rise as the adhesive fails, resulting in an uneven surface.

 

DIY Toilet Flange Repair

To repair a damaged or loose toilet flange, you must turn off the water, disconnect and remove the toilet, remove the old flange and wax ring and clean out any debris that might impede its performance. A new flange and wax ring are installed, the toilet is re-set and reattached, and the water is turned back on and inspected for leaks.

Sometimes the bolts securing the toilet are rusty, and the nuts are difficult to remove. In that instance, you may need to use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to terminate the existing bolts and replace them with new ones. It is advised that toilet flanges are replaced every six to seven years to keep them in good condition.

Finding a plumber to help with toilet flange leaks is what you need.

It’s better to address a leaking toilet than to face the unpleasant and expensive consequences later. A leaky toilet may cause damage to your home, as well as health and safety issues resulting from bacteria-laden water and sewer gases entering the structure.

Read Next: Sewer Line Problems; When to Call a Professional

If you are in the Asheville, NC, area and need a professional plumber, CONTACT Autry Plumbing TODAY!

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