Symptoms
- Puddle appears on the floor around the toilet base
- Floor near the toilet feels soft or discolored
- Smell of sewage near the base
- Toilet rocks slightly when you sit
Likely causes
- CommonFailed wax ring sealThe wax ring between the toilet base and the drain flange has broken down or shifted, letting water escape with each flush.
- CommonLoose toilet base boltsLoose bolts let the toilet rock, which breaks the wax ring seal over time.
- PossibleCondensation dripping downA sweating tank in humid weather can drip down and look like a base leak.
- Less commonCracked toilet base or supply line leakA crack in the porcelain or a leaking supply connection can pool at the base.
What to do
- Dry the floor completely, then flush and watch closely where new water first appears.
- Check the supply line and shutoff valve connection first, since those leaks are easier to fix.
- Feel the tank exterior; if it's cold and wet all over rather than pooling only at the base, it's likely condensation.
- Gently rock the toilet side to side; noticeable movement means the base bolts are loose or the wax ring has failed.
- Turn off the water supply and shut off water at the valve before doing any base work.
- If bolts are loose, tighten them evenly a little at a time; if the leak continues, the wax ring likely needs replacing, which requires removing the toilet.
- Wipe up water promptly and check the subfloor for softness, which signals ongoing damage that needs repair.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Old towels
- Replacement wax ring (if needed)
Toilet wax ringSearch: “toilet wax ring seal replacement”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the wax ring needs replacing, the floor underneath feels soft, or the toilet base itself appears cracked.
Safety
Use caution
Shut off the water supply before loosening or removing anything, and don't sit or apply weight on a toilet that rocks until it's resecured.