Plumbers 911 - Vermont
11 Jan

Why is your toilet leaking around the base? Call a Vermont plumber!

At first, you think someone must have spilled something around the toilet. Then you confirm no one had a “bathroom accident.” You have a leaky toilet basin.

When you notice your toilet is leaking around the basin, stop using the toilet immediately. Then call Vermont Plumbers 911 to be referred to a licensed plumbing contractor in your area, who can address your emergency repair right away.

 

Why is your toilet leaking?

The toilet tank holds the water, which occasionally needs to be repaired. Sometimes though, leaks come from the base of the toilet bowl itself. Do not worry about a little condensation that can appear on the bowl. However, if you notice actual puddles around the base, you  need to call a plumber in Vermont right away, as continued use of the toilet will only worsen the problem.

The most likely culprit of a leaky bowl is the wax ring becoming unsealed from the base of your toilet to the drain. In order to fix this, you need to completely remove the toilet from the floor and replace the ring. This is no no easy task, which is why we recommend you call Plumbers 911 Vermont.

 

How to replace your toilet’s wax ring

If you think you can handle this project, here are the steps to do it: 

First, shut off the water and disconnect the supply line from the toilet tank. To do this, turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops moving. Then, remove the top of the tank and flush the commode until the tank is almost empty of water. At this point, you will need a sponge to soak up the remaining water in the tank. After you finish draining the tank, use the sponge to drain the toilet bow. We will warn you, this part can get disgusting, which is another reason to call Plumbers 911 Vermont for a referral to an expert plumbing contractor. 

Next, disconnect the water supply tube from the toilet valve and then remove the tank from the bowl. If there is caulk around the toilet base, remove it with a cutting tool. Then, remove the caps that cover the nuts and washers. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts. In some cases, it may be a wingnut and you may not need to use a wrench. 

Once the bowl is not anchored to the floor, gently rock it back and forth. Be careful not to break the toilet, as you lift it off the ground, which can be easy to do. Be careful when lifting the toilet, as they are heavy (again, another reason to call Vermont Plumbers 911). Place the toilet on a cloth on the ground. 

Now, check the toilet flange for cracks or decay. If there are any problems, it will prevent the toilet from forming a proper seal and stopping the leak. If there are cracks or decay, call Plumbers 911 Vermont because there could be additional issues hidden beneath the floor. 

If the flange is fine, replace the old wax seal with a new wax seal, centering the seal in place.

Reinstall the toilet by placing the bowl down squarely in place so the toilet bowl flange sits on the wax ring. At this point, if you attempt to pick up the bowl, you will need to install another wax ring. 

Once the bowl is on the wax ring, connect the nuts, put the nut caps back on, reconnect the toilet tank and then reconnect the supply line. After the toilet is back together, turn on the water supply, fill up the toilet tank and then flush the toilet. If you notice the floor is getting wet, something is wrong and you will need to start the process over.

 

Call Plumbers 911 in Vermont for fast toilet repair!

In most cases, a leaking toilet basin is best left to the professionals – including a wax ring problem. 

Plumbers 911 is a network of licensed plumbers, that service many areas in Vermont. Call Plumbers 911 Vermont and get referred to an expert plumber who can provide emergency service to fix your toilet problem. 

All of our Vermont Licensed Plumbers are highly trained and fully vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Call Plumbers 911 at 802-392-2677 for a trusted Licensed Plumber today!

To all our friends and customers regarding COVID-19

We will get through this together To say we are living in “unprecedented” challenging times would be an understatement. We hope this finds you and your family safe and healthy. We would like to list a few pieces of information and websites that we think will be helpful for you during this time.

  • To get the most current information on the COVID-19 virus, please check the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • icon showing hand under faucet with large water droplets falling on hand Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • icon of person covering mouth while coughing and a border separating from displeased person close by Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.
  • For those of you with children that are looking for something fun to do, there are virtual field trips you can take with your kids that are fun and educational. Here is a link: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner

Plumbers are considered essential workers during this time and we will continue to work as our number one priority is to “protect the health of the nation.” Stay well, stay safe and we will get through this together.

Your Friends at Plumbers 911

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