How to Fix a Toilet That’s Leaking Around the Base

How to Limit or Control Bathroom Condensation

1. Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

   If the bathroom does not have an exhaust fan, install a fan appropriately sized for your bathroom. If it does have a fan but it is not moving a sufficient amount of air, install a higher capacity fan. Be sure to always turn on the fan when using the bathroom.

2. Equalize Temperatures

   Using a hot shower or bathtub in a cold bathroom causes condensation to quickly build up. This is especially the case with colder materials such as toilet porcelain.

   Running a heater in the bathroom warms elements in the bathroom and brings them closer to the temperature of the shower or bathtub, thus reducing condensation. Taking warm instead of hot showers is another way to bring the two temperatures closer to each other.
   

3. Add a Toilet Tank Drip Tray

   A toilet tank drip tray is a waterproof plastic tray that fits between the toilet bowl and toilet tank. The drip tray collects condensation from the tank and prevents it from dripping on the floor.
   

   Tip

   A drip tray is only for toilet tanks, not for toilet bowls.

4. Add Tank Condensation Liner

   Tank liners are rolls of thin foam that install on the inside of the toilet tank. They help regulate the temperature of the water in the tank. Plus, they can cut down on noises within the tank.

   For this, you'll need to turn off the toilet water supply, then lift the lid and let the tank completely dry out. Cut the liner to size with scissors. Stick the liner to the inside of the toilet. Replace the lid.

How to Tighten Floor Toilet Bolts

1. Remove Plastic Toilet Bolt Caps

   Remove the plastic dome-shaped caps on the toilet base. Squeeze the cap to detach it, or use a nail file or screwdriver to loosen it.

2. Tighten Floor Bolt Nuts

   If the toilet wiggles side-to-side, the nuts on the bolts need to be tightened. Use pliers to grip the nut. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten it. Repeat on the other side.

   Warning

   Tighten the nuts gently. Overtightening the nuts can crack the porcelain base, rendering the toilet unusable. The only solution to a cracked toilet is to replace it.

3. Wiggle Toilet

   Gripping the rim of the toilet, try to wiggle the toilet from side to side. If the nuts are sufficiently tight, the toilet should not move. Replace the plastic toilet bolt caps.

How to Replace a Faulty Toilet Seal

1. Turn Water Off

   Turn off the water supply line from below. Flush the toilet. Unscrew the water supply line from the toilet.
   

2. Drain Toilet

   Soak up water from the bottom of the toilet bowl with a towel.
   

3. Remove Nuts From Floor Bolts

   Remove the plastic caps from the floor bolts. Use the pliers to unscrew the floor bolts.
   

4. Remove Toilet

   Wiggle the toilet slightly to loosen it from the floor. Then, lift the toilet straight up to remove it. Move the toilet aside.
   

5. Scrape off Wax Ring

   Pull off the old wax ring from the bottom of the toilet. With the putty knife, scrape away all wax remnants from the floor closet flange.
   

6. Apply New Ring

   If using a wax ring, stick it onto the bottom of the toilet, centering it around the drain hole. If using a silicone ring, mount the ring on top of the floor closet flange.
   

7. Reset Toilet

   Insert new floor bolts in the closet flange with the threads facing upward. Use the plastic retaining rings to keep the bolts in place. Set the toilet directly down on top of the bolts. Add the nuts for the floor bolts and tighten with the pliers.

   Reattach the water supply line. Turn on the water supply and let the tank fill up before flushing.
   

How to Tighten a Loose Toilet Tank

1. Tighten Tank Bolts

   First, try tightening the tank bolts to see if this stops the leak. Underneath the toilet tank, locate the two plastic nuts that hold the tank to the bowl. Tighten both of the nuts.

   Dry off the toilet and observe to see if this stopped the leak. If not, you'll need to replace the tank-to-bowl gasket.
   

2. Empty Toilet Tank

   Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to remove all water. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank.
   

3. Remove Tank Bolts and Tank

   From below, turn out the plastic tank nuts and remove the bolts.
   

   Tip

   You may need to place one hand inside the toilet tank to hold the tank bolt in place while you turn with the other hand.

4. Replace Tank-to-Bowl Gasket

   Remove the old gasket. Clean the bottom of the toilet tank and the top of the bowl with a clean rag. Insert the new gasket in the center drain hole.
   

5. Replace Toilet Tank

   Lift the toilet tank and set it down on top of the bowl, aligning it with the two holes for the plastic tank bolts.
   

6. Tighten Tank Bolts

   Insert the plastic tank bolts from above and down through the tank. Screw the plastic nuts in place from below.

   Replace the toilet tank lid. Reattach the water supply line and turn on the water. Wait for the tank to replenish, then flush once.
   

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if you have difficulty with removing and moving a toilet. You may also need to call a plumber if the top of the sewer pipe is broken or cracked or if the closet flange needs to be installed on a concrete floor.