How to Check if Your Toilet is Leaking: Part 2
If you’ve noticed water pooling around the base of your toilet, it’s natural to be concerned. While water on the floor is often associated with a leaking wax seal, there are multiple potential sources of the leak. It could be the toilet seal, a water supply line, a gasket between the tank and the toilet bowl, or even just a spill. Let’s walk you through how to determine the source of the leak and confirm whether your wax toilet seal is leaking.
Any Toilet Movement?
Refer to Part 1 of this guide to test for toilet movement. If the toilet moves when you apply pressure (as described in Part 1), this is a strong indicator that the wax seal is compromised. Even if you don’t see water on the floor, the movement test suggests that the seal is leaking water and/or sewer gas. In such cases, it’s best to assume the wax seal is the cause and replace it.
How to Determine What’s Leaking
Start by thoroughly inspecting the area around your toilet to identify where the leak is coming from.
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Dry Paper Towel Test Around Water Lines
Begin by taking a dry paper towel and wiping around the water line coming out of the wall or floor. Pay special attention to areas where water lines connect, like the shut-off valve handle and connections. Make sure the paper towel remains dry before moving to the next area. -
Inspect the Toilet Supply Line Connection
Next, wipe around the water supply line connection between the shut-off valve and the toilet. Check the paper towel for any moisture. If it remains dry, you can rule out this area as the source of the leak. -
Examine the Toilet Tank Bolts
Flush the toilet to check for any leaks around the tank bolts. If the bolts are dry, take a flat paper towel and slide it to touch the rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet bowl. If this area remains dry, it’s not the source of the leak. -
Wipe Around the Base of the Toilet
Finally, use a dry paper towel to wipe around the base of the toilet. This may take several attempts to ensure the area is fully dry. Once the base is dry, take a flat paper towel or a small piece of paper and slide it into the space between the toilet and the floor—preferably on the back half of the toilet. -
Check for Water Under the Toilet
As you slide the paper in, it will start to absorb any water trapped underneath the toilet. You may need to repeat this process multiple times until the paper comes out completely dry. Once the paper is dry, flush the toilet several times to see if water reappears around the base.
What to Do If You Find Water:
- If the paper gets wet again after flushing: This indicates a leak from the toilet seal, likely a failing wax ring. A leaking wax seal will allow water to seep out when the toilet is flushed or used, even if you don’t see it immediately.
- If the paper stays dry after flushing: It’s likely that the water around the base was caused by a spill or someone missing the toilet. In this case, you probably don’t have a leaking wax seal.
How to Fix Leaking Toilet Seal and Flange with the One-N-Done Kit
If you've been dealing with a leaky toilet, a worn-out wax ring, or a damaged toilet flange, it’s time to consider the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit. Our innovative wax-free toilet seal solution is designed to replace your wax toilet seal, solve the problems of over-compression, and prevent costly toilet flange damage caused by over-tightening. The One-N-Done toilet leak repair kit is the only toilet seal that solves leaking issues caused by movement and ensures a secure, leak-free toilet installation.
Why One-N-Done Works: The Ultimate Solution for Toilet Leaks
Handles Toilet Movement with Ease
The One-N-Done Toilet Seal Repair Kit is specifically engineered to address toilet movement. It tightly grips around the horned toilet outlet (the part under the toilet), adjusting automatically to any toilet flange depth. This toilet movement solution ensures a perfect, watertight seal, even in cases of extreme toilet movement to maintain a seal and keep your toilet securely in place.
Reinforced Bolts for a Secure Fit
Our kit includes reinforced nylon toilet bolts and nuts that are designed to prevent toilet flange damage, due to over-tightening, a common cause of broken toilet flanges. The durable nylon bolts are more than strong enough to secure your toilet, and they’re also easier to cut down using the included diamond saw. For those who prefer metal bolts, we offer that option as well.
Easy-to-Clean Toilet Caps
The One-N-Done kit comes with new, easy-to-clean toilet caps that lock in place with a simple 1/4 turn. These caps prevent dirt and grime buildup, keeping your toilet area sanitary and easy to maintain. Say goodbye to messy, hard-to-clean toilet caps that are ugly and easily bumped loose.
For a complete, step-by-step guide on how to replace wax toilet seal and install a toilet seal, watch the One-N-Done [installation video here]. https://youtu.be/SJb70YCOfXE
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Flange
If your toilet flange is damaged, cracked, or too low, the One-N-Done Toilet Flange Repair Kit is your go-to solution to fix broken toilet flange. Here’s how to install it:
- Place the Kit Over the Flange For toilet flanges that are 1/8" above the floor to 1 1/2" below the floor, simply place the One-N-Done toilet flange repair kit over the damaged flange. Center the bolts and screw through the flange to anchor it securely.
- Attach the Toilet After securing the flange repair kit, set your toilet on top of it. The One-N-Done seal automatically adjusts to the depth of the flange, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Tighten the Bolts Tighten the nylon bolts by hand (one-quarter turn past hand-tight). After tightening, cut off the excess bolts with the included diamond saw. If using metal bolts, tighten with a 7/16” wrench and trim the bolts to length with a saw.
- Check for Leaks Turn the water supply back on and wipe all water connections with a dry paper towel to check for leaks. Wipe around the toilet base and flush the toilet to ensure everything remains dry.
For a full toilet flange repair guide of the installation, check out our [One-N-Done Flange Repair Kit Installation Video]. https://youtu.be/hkwu6-FUokk
Why Choose the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit?
The One-N-Done Wax-Free Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit is the only solution you need to keep your toilet securely in place and prevent leaks for good. Whether you’re replacing a worn wax seal, fixing a broken toilet flange, or dealing with a low toilet flange, the One-N-Done kit offers a comprehensive, long-lasting solution to all your toilet leak issues. It eliminates the need for costly future repairs, saving you time and money.
By choosing the One-N-Done kit, you’ll prevent over-tightening, toilet movement, and flange damage—common issues that lead to expensive repairs. It’s the only kit that can handle any toilet movement while providing a watertight seal and ensuring a leak-free, secure toilet installation.
The One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit ensures a reliable, hassle-free fix for leaking toilet seals and damaged flanges. This comprehensive solution provides an easy and effective way to solve common toilet issues without the risk of over-tightening or unnecessary fixes. With the One-N-Done kit, your toilet will stay securely in place, leak-free, and ready for long-term use.