The water that collects around the base of a toilet can come from various places in the cistern. Only once the source of the leak has been identified can the appropriate repair be carried out.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Method 1: Repair a leak at the Junction between the Cistern and the Bowl
To fix a leak at this point, simply tighten the nut or replace the gasket.
Step 1. Locate the nuts connecting the cistern to the bowl
Step 2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to hold the bolt in place
Step 3. Use a wrench to tighten the nut
Step 4. Replace the seals if the leak does not stop
Start by removing the nut with a wrench.
Step 5. Replace the gasket
Step 6. Replace the nut and proceed to tighten it
Method 2 of 6: Method 2: Repair a Toilet Leak
The toilets control the water level thanks to a float, a water intake group or a graduated filling valve. They can all cause toilet leaks; also the barrel of the "overflow" can be too long.
Step 1. Adjust the position of the float, checking if it is too high:
in this case, the water enters the overflow pipe and comes out of the toilet.
- Slightly bend the float arm down so that the water fills up to about 2 cm below the overflow.
- Flush the toilet to make sure the tank fills up enough - if not, adjust the float arm slightly upwards until it allows for proper filling.
Step 2. Lower the water level by adjusting the water pickup assembly
- Pinch the hook attached to the metal rod with your fingers.
- Slide the hook and cup down a couple of inches at a time to lower the water level.
- Flush the toilet to make sure the cistern fills up enough - if not, adjust the bowl slightly upward.
Step 3. Adjust the graduated fill valve wheel
- Turn the wheel a quarter turn counterclockwise at a time using a screwdriver.
- Keep turning until the water level is below the overflow pipe.
- Flush the toilet to make sure the cistern fills up enough - if not, turn the wheel back slightly clockwise.
Step 4. Check the overflow barrel
- Make sure the overflow spout is 1 cm below the toilet.
- Use a hacksaw to shorten the barrel if necessary.
Method 3 of 6: Method 3: Fix a Leak from the Drain Valve
A damaged drain battery must be replaced, requiring the cassette to be removed.
Step 1. Place rags on the floor to absorb the spill
Step 2. Shut off the water entering the toilet
Step 3. Flush the toilet to empty the house
Step 4. Loosen the inlet tube nuts with a wrench
Step 5. Loosen the nuts holding the cassette to the bowl, holding the bolts in place with a flat-blade screwdriver
Step 6. Lift the cassette away from the bowl and place it on the rags already prepared on the floor
Step 7. Replace the drain coil, starting by removing the old one and unscrewing the valve on the bottom of the cassette
Step 8. Use a hacksaw to cut the barrel 1 cm below the edge of the cassette
Step 9. Apply hydraulic putty to the gasket at the base of the new drain coil
Step 10. Push the battery against the opening of the cassette, removing the excess putty
Step 11. Tighten the valve with an open-end wrench
Step 12. Reassemble the cassette, placing it over the bowl and tightening the bolts that hold them together
Step 13. Reopen the water inlet to the toilet
Step 14. Flush the toilet to make sure the spill has been eliminated
Method 4 of 6: Method 4: Fixing a Leaking Float Faucet
The tap is connected to the float and controls the water level in the cistern.
Step 1. Shut off the water entering the toilet
Step 2. Flush the toilet to empty the house
Step 3. Remove the screws around the faucet assembly
Step 4. If necessary, move the float arm out of the way
Step 5. Using a screwdriver, remove the gasket or diaphragm from the valve plunger
Check if the parts are damaged: if so, they must be replaced.
Step 6. Clean the sediment on the faucet with white vinegar and a toothbrush
Step 7. Reassemble the gasket or diaphragm and the tap
Method 5 of 6: Method 5: Fixing a Leaking Fill Tube
Simply replace the hose by cutting it to the right length to stop the leak.
Step 1. Purchase a replacement fill tube, the same diameter as the old one
Step 2. Remove the old tube
Cut the new one with a hacksaw to be as long as the old one.
Step 3. Replace the old tube
Method 6 of 6: Method 6: Eliminate a Leak from the Stop Valve
Before disassembling the entire valve, try to tighten the ring nut in the center for 1/8 of a turn clockwise, to see if it is enough to stop the leak.
Step 1. Remove the nut to disassemble the stop valve
Step 2. Rotate the valve shaft to detach it from the wall, using a parrot wrench
Do not damage the toilet and plumbing.
Step 3. Remove the gaskets surrounding the valve and clean them:
if they are damaged, take them to the hardware store and buy new ones.
Step 4. Refit the cleaned or fitted gaskets again and reassemble the valve
Step 5. Turn the water back on and check for leaks:
just in case, buy a new valve from the hardware store.
