It's not unusual for the bathroom floor to be wet—considering that it's the room where you shower. However, if the water is concentrated around your toilet, it may hint at a problem. While you should call a plumber to diagnose the issue, the following looks at possible causes for this puddling.

What Causes Toilets to Leak?

1. Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface like a toilet. If you live in a warm climate or your bathroom is humid due to a recent bath or shower, this might be the cause of the water you see. Clean up the puddle, keeping an eye out to see if it reappears.

2. Faulty Seal

A leak may be caused by an issue with the wax ring at the base of your toilet. It acts as a seal between your latrine and the floor. In this case, the puddle would form directly around the toilet's base. The unit may also wobble or shift some when you sit on it.

3. Loose Bolts

A leak could also be due to loose closet bolts. They hold your toilet in place and keep it anchored to the floor. The bolts are hidden under plastic domes at the base of your toilet and can be tightened either by hand or with a wrench. However, if you have trouble tightening them, call a plumber to handle it before your floor sustains water damage.

4. Rusty Pipes

Check the pipes that lead to your toilet for rust or corrosion. If this is the problem, you’ll notice that the water in your toilet tank has an orange or brown tinge. This is more common in older houses. If the age of the materials is the culprit, a plumber will need to switch the old pipes for new ones.

5. Toilet Bowl Cracks

Check your toilet bowl for cracks. Even a hairline fracture can spawn a leak that will only widen with time. A plumber can usually seal small cracks with epoxy. However, larger ones might mean you need a new toilet.

 

Do you need help with your leaking toilet? Call the professional plumbers at Passanisi Services, located in Elyria, OH. They have 20 years of experience and are committed to 100% customer satisfaction. In addition to toilet repair, they offer drain cleaning, pipe repair, and overall maintenance. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings. Call (440) 984-2322 to make an appointment today.