Why a Leaky Toilet Base Can Ruin Your Floor—and How We Fix It

When you spot water pooling around the base of your toilet, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a red flag. That kind of leak isn’t coming from the bowl or tank. It’s coming from underneath. And if it’s not fixed fast, it can rot the subfloor, grow mold, and lead to a full bathroom remodel you didn’t plan for.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve seen it all. Here's what you need to know—and what we’ll do to fix it.

What Causes a Toilet Base to Leak?

A leak at the base usually means one of three things:

• The wax ring (or rubber gasket) that seals the toilet to the flange has failed.

• The toilet is loose, rocking side to side and breaking the seal.

• There’s a flange or drainpipe issue, causing water to back up or seep out.

And when water escapes under the toilet, it soaks into the subfloor. Over time, that leads to:

• Soft, spongy or warped floors

• Foul odors and hidden mold growth

• Stains or damage to ceilings below

How We Fix It Right

Every job starts with a proper inspection. Here’s how we tackle a leaking toilet base:

1. Remove the Toilet

We shut off the water, drain the tank, and carefully remove the toilet to inspect the flange and subfloor.

2. Inspect the Subfloor

We check for soft spots, mold, or rot. If the wood is damaged, we cut out the bad section and rebuild it using code-approved methods (per Ohio Residential Code R502.1.2 for structural repairs).

3. Replace the Wax Ring or Gasket

We install a new high-quality wax ring or flexible rubber seal—based on what’s best for the specific flange height and toilet.

4. Reinstall and Secure the Toilet

Using new bolts and a level, we reseat the toilet firmly. No rocking. No gaps. No shortcuts.

5. Test for Leaks

We reconnect the water, fill the tank, and test flushes multiple times to confirm a tight seal.

Real Talk from Tyler

We once had a job in Hilliard where a leaky base went unnoticed for weeks. By the time we were called, the vinyl was bubbling, the subfloor was black with mold, and the joists were soft to the touch. We had to replace a 3x5 section of subfloor and rebuild part of the ceiling below in the finished basement. Total cost? Nearly $3,800—all from a $5 wax ring that failed.

Don't Wait—Call Before It Gets Worse

If your toilet base is leaking, don’t just mop it up and hope it stops. It won’t. Water always finds a way to spread—and when it gets into the floor system, it’s a much bigger job.

Call Total Home Water Restoration today. We’ll fix it right, like we’d do in our own home.

📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH
📞 380-246-1837