Leaking Pipe Behind Toilet? Nope, It’s Usually a Problem With Your Toilet Seal

Nothing can be more irritating than a toilet that isn’t functioning properly. One common problem that people have with their personal commodes is that they see water dripping behind it. This can be a serious problem over time as the dripping water can eventually collect and form into a pool. Large pools of water can eventually cause serious damage to your bathroom that will be extremely costly to repair. Some people mistakenly attribute this problem to a leak in the pipes behind the toilet. However, the common cause of this problem is that your toilet seal has failed.

Find The Origin Of The Leak

The first action you should take is to try to find the source of where the pool water has originated from. To do this, first take a rag or a sponge and wipe away the water from the pool and then dry the toilet as well. Wait to see if another puddle appears on the floor. Next, check to make sure the water is coming from behind the toilet and hasn’t originated from anywhere else (i.e. cracks in the tank).

Tighten The Bolts At The Base Of Toilet

Next, locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. These bolts becoming too loose is a common cause of a leaky toilet bowl. First, you need take off the caps that cover them using a tool such as a screwdriver to remove them. Next, take a wrench and gently tighten the bolts until they are firm. Keep in mind not to tighten these bolts too much or you run the risk of cracking your toilet.

Normally, this should provide an easy fix to your leaking toilet. However, if the problem still persists it is best to seek the help of a professional plumber. If you need a plumber in the Pittsburgh area, call us at Terry’s Plumbing today!