How to Fix a Toilet Seal

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn the water supply to the toilet off by turning the valve in a clockwise direction.

   The water supply valve will either be located behind the toilet or in the crawl space or basement space directly beneath the toilet.
2. 2

   Step 2: Remove the lid of the toilet tank and flush the toilet

   ,,,, Remove any washer as well.
   
   If the bolt spins as you turn the nut, then hold the bolt with a pair of pliers using your non-dominant hand. ,,,,,, The toilet tank should be parallel to the wall behind it. , Tighten the nuts until the toilet is secure.
   
   Press down hard on the toilet and then tighten the nuts some more.
   
   Continue the process until the toilet is tightly secured to the flange, but do not over-tighten the nuts or you will crack the base of the bowl. ,, If you notice a leak beneath the base of the toilet, then press the toilet into the floor and tighten the nuts even more.
   
   If you see no leaks, then your repair is complete.
3. 3

   Step 3: holding down the handle so that as much water as possible drains from the tank and the bowl.

4. 4

   Step 4: Use a plastic cup to scoop out any water that is left in the bowl and then dry up the last drops of moisture with a dry sponge.

5. 5

   Step 5: Disconnect the water supply tube by turning the compression nut on the water supply valve in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench or a pair of pliers.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pry the caps from the washers at the base of the toilet using a flat head screwdriver.

7. 7

   Step 7: Remove the nuts from the bolts at the toilet base using a wrench.

8. 8

   Step 8: Place the nuts

9. 9

   Step 9: washers

10. 10

    Step 10: and caps where you will be able to find them when the time comes to put the toilet back in place.

11. 11

    Step 11: Hold the toilet under the bowl and rock it gently back and forth to break the old wax seal.

12. 12

    Step 12: Lift the toilet off of the floor and set it down on a blanket

13. 13

    Step 13: a piece of cardboard or in the bathtub.

14. 14

    Step 14: Scrape the wax seal off of the base of the toilet and off of the flange in the floor using a putty knife.

15. 15

    Step 15: Take a new wax seal and place it on top of the flange

16. 16

    Step 16: making sure that the seal is perfectly centered on the flange.

17. 17

    Step 17: Lift the toilet and set it back on top of the flange

18. 18

    Step 18: using the bolts as guides for placement.

19. 19

    Step 19: Put the washers over the bolts and thread the nuts onto the bolts.

20. 20

    Step 20: Reconnect the water supply by attaching the supply tube to the water supply valve and turning the compression nut clockwise.

21. 21

    Step 21: Turn the water supply valve on and flush the toilet several times.

Detailed Guide

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