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toilet leaks into the basement

Sent to General Experts July 10 2006 at 5:21 AM
   

My powder room toilet leaks into my basement we have replaced the wax seal twice in 6 months and it does not seem to resolve the problem. Just this morning the toilet valve got stuck and kept running and water was rushing into my basement. I do not think it is my pipes because it is comming from above and around the pipes. Please help me. thanks

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Info Request
July 10 2006 at 5:33 AM (12 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark

Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy). Thank you for asking your question on Just Answer. The other experts and I are working on your answer. By the way, it would help us to know:

-Could you explain your situation a little more?

-Did a plumber replace the wax seals?

-What type of seals were used?



Thank you again for trusting us with your problem. Please reply as soon as possible so that we can finish answering your question.

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John Baker -- Electronics Tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 140 General Accepts
30 Plus years Electronic Tech - 50 + Years Handy Man - 50+ years Gardner - Researcher - Home Owner -
Reply
July 10 2006 at 5:54 AM (21 minutes later)
         
Reply to John Baker's Post: No, we replaced the wax seals ourselves.

The seals are the ones that can be purchased at lowes or home depot


The toilet leaks into our downstairs basement directly under the toilet. when the chain got stuck in the tank this morning the water just gushed into my basement. When I fixed the chain the gushing stopped. The toilet leaks into the basement when flushed sometimes more leaking than other times.

thanks michele
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
July 10 2006 at 5:57 AM (2 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Is you toilet attached firmly to the floor. Will it rock if you try to move it?

Edited by #1 Expert on July 10 2006 at 5:57 AM
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John Baker -- Electronics Tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 140 General Accepts
30 Plus years Electronic Tech - 50 + Years Handy Man - 50+ years Gardner - Researcher - Home Owner -
Reply
July 10 2006 at 6:03 AM (6 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
Reply to John Baker's Post: No, the toilet does not rock. Don't laugh but I sat on the toilet while he tightened the bolts.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 10 2006 at 6:24 AM (20 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Often the wax seals can be damaged during insulation. Normally this damage occurs if the toilet is not set directly on the seal/flange exactly straight.

A trick often used is using double wax rings. This can be a little harder do do but will result in a much better seal. Yes you trick of sitting on the toilet will be needed when using the double wax rings. Images available only to Customers.

The wax rings with flanges also work very good but don't try using two of then since that will mess both up.

I would suggest removing your toilet again. Clean all the old wax off. Yes I know yuck. Check the sewer line that the toilet is connected to. Make sure it has not broken loose.

Reinstall you toilet using two wax rings. Make sure you get the bolts holding the toilet down snug, so the toilet will not move, but not tight enough to crack the base of the toilet.

Good luck and if you have more questions, please just ask.



Edited by #1 Expert on July 10 2006 at 6:25 AM

If my answer is acceptable please click the (green) accept button.

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John Baker -- Electronics Tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 140 General Accepts
30 Plus years Electronic Tech - 50 + Years Handy Man - 50+ years Gardner - Researcher - Home Owner -
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