What’s Causing That Puddle of Water at the Base of Your Toilet?

Does there always seem to be a puddle of water around the base of your toilet? A water leak at the base of your toilet could indicate several problems. What’s important is that you get the problem addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring the leak could eventually affect the function of the toilet, cause costly water damage, and trigger mold growth.

If you live in the Oceanside, CA area contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration when you notice any water leak. They’ve fixed nearly half a million water leaks since 2012. In addition to locating and stopping the leak, we provide a full range of plumbing services – if necessary we can remove your old toilet and install a new one.

The Drain Line is Clogged

One reason for that toilet base leak could be a clogged drain line. When the drain line becomes too obstructed, the water can’t flush down the drain, causing it to back up and leak onto the floor. In a lot of instances, the problem can be plunged away. However, if you’re having to constantly use a plunger to unclog your toilet, you may want to call a plumber to determine where the clog is located and how to clear it once and for all.

Your Tee Bolts Are Loose

Tee bolts are the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. The bolts are located on opposite sides of the base. They’re usually covered with plastic caps. Over time, these bolts can come loose and the toilet can start to wobble. This wobbling can eventually cause the pipes to start leaking.

This is a common problem with older fixtures. The good news is that in most cases, the wobbling problem can be solved by simply retightening the bolts. Have a plumber repair any damage to the pipes.

The Wax Ring is Wearing Out

Another common cause of toilet base leaks is a worn-out wax ring. Your toilet sits on a ring of wax that seals the connection between the toilet, the floor, and the drain line. Wax is a great material for this purpose because it can be molded to form a tight fit with the floor and has extreme resistance to corrosion. The problem is, after a while, the wax becomes brittle and begins to chip away.

This has the potential to be a big project, one best left to professionals. In some instances, the toilet must be completely removed in order to remove what’s left of the old ring. A new ring is laid down and the toilet is carefully reinstalled to ensure a tight seal.

Your First Choice for Expert Plumbing Services

If you are experiencing a problem with a plumbing fixture such as a leaking toilet, your hot water heater, or your home’s water pipes, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, Oceanside’s CA top plumbing experts. We provide outstanding 24/7 emergency plumbing services; in most cases, a plumbing professional can be onsite in less than an hour after your call. There’s no plumbing problem we can’t handle.

Water leaks can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home! Get rid of that leak – call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 or contact us through our website to schedule a service call.