Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Toilet problems
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rufu$
12-30-06, 12:55 AM
Hi, new DIYer here with a problem. This evening after flushing the toilet I discovered a leak...not a small one mind you, the entire contents of the bowl poured out on to the floor from under the toilet. The bathroom is part of a renovation that took place immediately before my purchase of the house approximately 3.5 years ago. The carport was enclosed to create a master bed/bathroom. Vinyl flooring is beneath the toilet. There was a step from the garage that had to be extended to account for the bathroom addition, which i believe caused the floor to become uneven. I removed the caulking from around the toilet base (it was caulked all the way around), and discovered shims under the toilet. This was the first time I had seen shims used under a toilet, but being new to the DIY scene, that comes as no surprise. Not sure what kind of material the shims are as I have not pulled the toilet up yet. This is where I need help...a few questions. 1) After cutting off water, disconnecting water lines, and loosening floor bolts, can I simply lift toilet off floor? 2) What should I look for once the toilet is pulled? 3) What needs to be replaced? 4) Is it possible there is flooring damage, as the leak could have been present for some time and just recently appeared? 5) Should I just call a plumber and let them handle it? Thanks in advance for any and all help.
chandler
12-30-06, 05:44 AM
Rufu$, welcome to the forums! Here goes:
1. Yes, just remove those side bolts and pick up vertically on the toilet and set in the tub. This will keep it from leaking throughout the house and it will be out of the way, but ready to reinstall.
2. Look for wood damage. Look for a deformed wax ring. Look for a broken flange. Were your bolts firmly tightened to the flange? Look for a cracked bowl. The shims were placed under the bowl to keep it from rocking, and it is almost necessary on floors where things aren't even.
3. If the flange is broken, of course it will have to be replaced (at this point, unless you are up to it, call a plumber). Also, you say the floor may be uneven, you should replace the wax ring. I would go with an Oatey #10. It is taller and thicker than the others. It will have a black bell exuding from the bottom to force the flow of water into the pipe below. Use new hold down bolts and nuts (can be purchased as a kit).
4. It is possible you have flooring damage, but you won't know until you pull the toilet. If the flooring is black with a softness to it, you have damage that needs to be replaced. Caulking around the base of the toilet is, in my opinion, a no-no, as it allows water to accumulate and ruin your flooring before you see any evidence of leaking. It could have been leaking for a year through the flooring before the caulking gave way and gave you your nice surprise.
5. Do the investigative work first. Determine what falls into the parameters you feel good about doing. If you feel a tightness in your throat, you are drowning and need to call the plumber. But, I believe you can do it. Just post back as you go along and we will try to guide you step by step.
Good luck!!
1. Yes, just remove those side bolts and pick up vertically on the toilet and set in the tub. This will keep it from leaking throughout the house and it will be out of the way, but ready to reinstall.
2. Look for wood damage. Look for a deformed wax ring. Look for a broken flange. Were your bolts firmly tightened to the flange? Look for a cracked bowl. The shims were placed under the bowl to keep it from rocking, and it is almost necessary on floors where things aren't even.
3. If the flange is broken, of course it will have to be replaced (at this point, unless you are up to it, call a plumber). Also, you say the floor may be uneven, you should replace the wax ring. I would go with an Oatey #10. It is taller and thicker than the others. It will have a black bell exuding from the bottom to force the flow of water into the pipe below. Use new hold down bolts and nuts (can be purchased as a kit).
4. It is possible you have flooring damage, but you won't know until you pull the toilet. If the flooring is black with a softness to it, you have damage that needs to be replaced. Caulking around the base of the toilet is, in my opinion, a no-no, as it allows water to accumulate and ruin your flooring before you see any evidence of leaking. It could have been leaking for a year through the flooring before the caulking gave way and gave you your nice surprise.
5. Do the investigative work first. Determine what falls into the parameters you feel good about doing. If you feel a tightness in your throat, you are drowning and need to call the plumber. But, I believe you can do it. Just post back as you go along and we will try to guide you step by step.
Good luck!!