If the new closet bolts are too long and prevent the plastic caps from fitting, use a mini-hacksaw or a multi-tool with a metal-cutting blade to carefully cut them down to size. Be careful not to scratch the toilet's porcelain finish. Once trimmed, press the new plastic bolt caps firmly into place over the washers and nuts. For a clean, finished look, you can apply a bead of bathroom-grade, mildew-resistant caulk around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor. If you do caulk, leave a small 1-inch gap at the very back of the toilet so that if a future leak occurs, the water has a place to escape and you will be able to see it.
You're viewing a step from: How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Base by Replacing the Wax Ring
This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for fixing a leak at the base of a toilet. The process involves shutting off the water, removing the toilet, scraping away the old failed wax ring, inspecting the mounting flange, installing a new wax ring and bolts, and carefully reinstalling the toilet to create a new, watertight seal.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Base by Replacing the Wax Ring
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Step 1: Preparation and Water Shut-off
Step 1: Preparation and Water Shut-off
Step 1: Preparation and Water Shut-off
Step 1: Preparation and Water Shut-off
Step 1: Preparation and Water Shut-off
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Step 4: Remove the Toilet
Step 4: Remove the Toilet
Step 4: Remove the Toilet
Step 4: Remove the Toilet
Step 4: Remove the Toilet
Step 5: Clean Old Wax and Inspect Flange
Step 5: Clean Old Wax and Inspect Flange
Step 5: Clean Old Wax and Inspect Flange
Step 5: Clean Old Wax and Inspect Flange
Step 5: Clean Old Wax and Inspect Flange
Step 6: Install New Wax Ring and Bolts
Step 6: Install New Wax Ring and Bolts
Step 6: Install New Wax Ring and Bolts
Step 6: Install New Wax Ring and Bolts
Step 7: Reset the Toilet
Step 7: Reset the Toilet
Step 7: Reset the Toilet
Step 7: Reset the Toilet
Step 7: Reset the Toilet
Step 8: Secure the Toilet to the Floor
Step 8: Secure the Toilet to the Floor
Step 8: Secure the Toilet to the Floor
Step 8: Secure the Toilet to the Floor
Step 8: Secure the Toilet to the Floor
Step 9: Reconnect Water and Test for Leaks
Step 9: Reconnect Water and Test for Leaks
Step 9: Reconnect Water and Test for Leaks
Step 9: Reconnect Water and Test for Leaks
Step 9: Reconnect Water and Test for Leaks
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Step 10: Finishing Touches
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