There are two possible reasons why your toilet is leaking. The first is a cracked wax ring and the second is a loose shut off valve. Use this step by step guide to fix a leaky toilet.
Required Tools and Materials
Two adjustable wrenches
Wax ring
Knife
A pair of pliers
Towel
How to Replace the Wax Ring
Step 1
Go to the shut off valve and cut the water supply to the toilet. This is on the water supply pipe. Flush the toilet so any remaining water is removed from the tank and bowl.
Step 2
Unscrew the water pipe supply pipe connected to the toilet tank. Set a towel below the tank. This will absorb the drips.
Step 3
Use the pliers to remove the nuts on the base. Take out the washers as well. Remove the toilet.
Step 4
Use a knife to scrape the wax ring. Do this at the toilet flange’s top. If you bought a new wax ring, position it over the flange. Be certain the center hole is aligned with the opening on the flange.
Step 5
Put the toilet on the flange. Be certain the vertical bolts go through the openings on the toilet base sides. Put the washers on the bolts. Get the nuts and fasten them on the bolts.
Step 6
Now you have to reconnect the water supply pipe to the tank. Test the toilet.
How to Tighten the Shut off Valve
This is the other way to fix a leaky toilet. If the method above didn’t work, this will fix the problem.
Step 1
Put an adjustable wrench on the water supply hose. This is the point where the shut off valve and the base join up.
Step 2
Make 1/8 turns to tighten it. Keep making the turns until it becomes tight.
Step 3
Set the wrench on the body of the valve. Get another wrench. Put it on the compression nut. Make 1/8 turns until the leak is gone.
Tips and Warnings
If the wax ring is old and cracked, forget about cleaning it; just replace it. When tightening the shut off valve, it is important that you do so in the increments mentioned. This way you don’t make too many hasty adjustments.
If you are going to fix a leaky toilet, make sure that you have the right tools. This will make it easier to resolve the issue. Make sure also that the place is well lit so you don’t make mistakes when making repairs.
