Toilet leaking under base

[Owen]

Hi. I moved into a newly built property 10 months ago. We have had a few leaks recently. My current problem is in our en suite bathroom- the toilet is leaking water, it appears on the tiled floor and seems to be coming from under the base of the toilet. Research I have done so far suggests it is probably the wax seal. I have already tried tightening the screws in the base but the leak still exists. I have contacted the plumber who did the work on the house, he say's that because he completed the work for the developer 14 months ago, I'm not covered, so he will have to charge me. He came out two weeks ago to fix a pipe that came apart in the bathroom, resulting in a flooded kitchen. He said that the plastic connectors can be known to come apart by themselves and that it was not the fault of the installation. He is charging us for the call out and repair for that as well. I'm not particularly confident in his work as the downstairs toilet has ruined the wooden flooring (apparently by also leaking) which the developer has agreed to replace. Rather than finding another plumber I am planning on fixing the en suite toilet myself. My problem is that the cistern is behind the wall so I'm not sure how to remove the toilet pan to check the seal. Any advice gratefully received. Owen

 

[Barry98]

Turn the water off before you attempt any repair

 

[Plum Bob 66]

Hi. I moved into a newly built property 10 months ago. We have had a few leaks recently. My current problem is in our en suite bathroom- the toilet is leaking water, it appears on the tiled floor and seems to be coming from under the base of the toilet. Research I have done so far suggests it is probably the wax seal. I have already tried tightening the screws in the base but the leak still exists. I have contacted the plumber who did the work on the house, he say's that because he completed the work for the developer 14 months ago, I'm not covered, so he will have to charge me. He came out two weeks ago to fix a pipe that came apart in the bathroom, resulting in a flooded kitchen. He said that the plastic connectors can be known to come apart by themselves and that it was not the fault of the installation. He is charging us for the call out and repair for that as well. I'm not particularly confident in his work as the downstairs toilet has ruined the wooden flooring (apparently by also leaking) which the developer has agreed to replace. Rather than finding another plumber I am planning on fixing the en suite toilet myself. My problem is that the cistern is behind the wall so I'm not sure how to remove the toilet pan to check the seal. Any advice gratefully received. Owen

Could be the seal on the pan connector was creased when first fitted causing a leak every time the toilet is flushed ?

Might be worth posting an image so we can get a better idea of how this one is fitted and what amount of access you have.

 

[Owen]

Thanks for the reply. Picture attached. There is a small white access panel bottom right corner. Also on top there is a panel to access the cistern and the mains supply.

 

[calinfila]

I think Bob is right. Check the flush cone as well

 

[Owen]

This leak only started a weeks ago, does that change things at all?

 

[acecharly]

Hi there, when does this leak occur? is it continuous or just when you flush?

 

[Owen]

Seems to be continuous.

 

[acecharly]

Remove the top panel and feel around the pipe that goes into the cystern first.

 

[Owen]

Thanks. Just done that, it all feels dry. I've also removed the white panel and felt around the bottom, no sign of any water.

 

[Plum Bob 66]

Well there's a few possibilities
a) leaking pan connector as mentioned before
b) flush cone worked loose
c) flush pipe leaking from syphon
d) tap connector leading to fill valve leaking
d)base of fill valve were it enters cistern leaking

IMO I thinks its more likely to be one of a, b and c

Before you do anything drastic try taking off the access hatch and and see if you can shine a torch down the back of the cistern this might give off some clues.

If not then are you sure you want to attempt this yourself, the reason I say this, if once you have the pan out unless you really know what your doing it can wrong in a number of ways.

 

[acecharly]

Ok i would now be going for bobs option C. or D. If the leak is continuous and its not the filler these are the only 2 things its likely to be. So remove the little panel.Fistly do you see any signs of water in there?Second can you reach in and feel the underside of the cistern in the center.

 

[acecharly]

ooops sorry bobs option B or C

 

[AWheating]

get a small mirror and a torch it may help you look inside the hatch.

 

[Owen]

No sign of water and nothing on the underside of cistern.

 

[acecharly]

hmmm ....tricky.

Do you have under floor heating by any chance?

 

[Owen]

I'm beginning to think that maybe it only happens when it is flushed. The slow pooling seems continuous. I'll dry it up and leave overnight without flushing to see if it stops. Thanks for help so far, starting to think that calling a professional may well be the best plan.

 

[acecharly]

Its a simple process of elimination my friend. Its obviously harder to work out from behind a screen. If you need further help dont be worried to ask there are lots of helpful people on here and there is always the "looking for a plumber" section if you get really stuck.

Good luck Owen

 

[Owen]

I'm afraid I gave you wrong info guys. The toilet has not leaked over night so I guess it only leaks when it is flushed. I'm assuming this changes the potential diagnosis.

 

[Plum Bob 66]

No, it narrows down the diagnosis, leaking pan connector ! Get a pro in to do the job and sleep soundly

 

[AWheating]

leaking pan connector of flush pipe i would guess.