What Causes Toilet Flange Leaks?

• Cracked or Broken Flange

A toilet flange has to be in tip-top condition for it to create a watertight seal between the toilet base and the floor. A cracked or broken flange can lead to leaks and water damage. The pipe fitting can develop cracks due to age, corrosion, or improper installation. There are many problems you’ll experience when a toilet flange is damaged or improperly installed. Apart from leaks, a broken toilet flange can cause wobbling and sewer gas odor. Get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing for toilet repair if you’ve noticed signs of a damaged toilet flange.

• Loose Bolts

The bolts that secure a toilet to the floor can loosen over time and compromise the seal. This can happen due to normal wear and tear, improper installation, and corrosion. Loose bolts not only cause water leaks, but they also allow sewer gas to escape into the bathroom and cause the toilet to rock when you sit on it. As you can see, loose bolts can render your toilet unstable and unsanitary. Contact a skilled and experienced plumber to tighten the bolts and restore your toilet to proper working order.

• Failed Wax Ring

Apart from loose bolts, a damaged wax ring can be the reason why a toilet flange leaks. The wax ring creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the flange. Just like the mounting bolts, the wax ring can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear, frequent toilet movement, and improper installation. A failing wax ring won’t provide a proper seal, thereby allowing water to leak into the floor. Besides, it will allow sewer gases to escape into the bathroom. If you’ve noticed water leaks around the base or foul odors escaping into the bathroom, get in touch with a trusted plumbing repair service for a toilet inspection.

• Improper Installation

Improper installation is a common cause of toilet flange leaks. If the wax ring isn't properly seated or the bolts are loose, water can seep through the cracks. Besides, if the flange height is too low, it can be difficult to achieve a tight seal with the wax ring. This is why we advise homeowners to leave toilet installation to a professional plumbing service in Fruitville, FL. The experts have the knowledge and experience to ensure a proper installation and prevent future leaks.

• Uneven Floor

An uneven floor can prevent the toilet from sitting flush on the flange, creating gaps that allow water to escape. This can cause leaks around the base of the toilet and damage the floor. This problem needs attention from a professional plumbing repair service to assess the situation and determine the necessary repairs.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for all of your toilet plumbing needs. Our plumbers are ready to help you install new toilets, fix malfunctioning toilets, and upgrade outdated ones.