A puddle of water emerging from under the toilet indicates that the wax O-ring between the toilet and the flange is leaking. To repair the O-ring, you will need to unscrew the toilet from the floor, replace the ring, and then return the toilet to its original position.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Removing the Toilet
Removing the toilet means loosening the bolts that secure the toilet to the flange on the floor. Place a blanket or piece of cardboard on the floor so you can place the toilet on top of it, or place it in the tub after you unscrew it from the floor.
Step 1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the water supply valve clockwise
The water supply valve will be located either behind the toilet or in the basement directly under the toilet.
Step 2. Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet by pressing the handle so that as much water as possible drains out of the tank and toilet bowl
Step 3. Take a plastic cup and scoop out the remaining water in the bowl, and then wipe everything off with a dry sponge
Step 4. Disconnect the water supply hose using a wrench or pliers by turning the nut on the valve counterclockwise
Step 5. Use a flat screwdriver to remove the caps from the bolts at the base of the toilet
Step 6. Use a wrench to remove the nuts from the bolts at the base of the toilet
If the bolt turns with the nut, use your other hand to grip it with pliers.
Step 7. Place the nuts where you can find them when you need to put the toilet back in place
Step 8. Grasp the toilet seat and gently move it in different directions to break the old wax ring
Step 9. Remove the toilet from the floor and place it on a blanket, piece of cardboard, or in the bathroom
Part 2 of 2: Replacing the ring and installing the toilet
Purchase a new O-ring that has a polyurethane foam surrounding the core. This type of ring will adhere better to the toilet and flange, which will create a stronger seal.
Step 1. With a spatula, scrape off the old wax ring from the toilet bowl and from the flange in the floor
Step 2. Take a new ring and place it over the flange so that it is exactly in the middle
Step 3. Lift the toilet and place it on the flange, screwing it down
The toilet tank should be parallel to the bathroom wall.
Step 4. Screw the nuts on the bolts and tighten them until the toilet is firmly attached to the floor
Press down firmly on the toilet and tighten the nuts a little more. Continue doing this until the toilet is firmly screwed to the flange.
Step 5. Return the water supply by connecting the hose to the valve and turning the nut clockwise
Step 6. Turn the water valve and flush the toilet several times
If you notice a leak at the base of the toilet, then press down on the toilet again and tighten the nuts a little more. If there is no leak, then the work is finished.
Advice
- After a few weeks using the toilet, retighten the nuts at the base of the toilet. After a few uses, the ring will shrink, and by tightening the nuts, the ring will return to normal.
- If you are having difficulty installing the toilet back onto the flange, bolt the plastic straws to the bolts. They will protrude noticeably from the floor and you will be able to level the toilet during installation.
- Check your homeownership rules to see if you need to primer on the base of the toilet. Purchase a fungicidal primer if necessary.