At the base of the toilet, you will find two bolts, one on each side, covered by plastic caps. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry these caps off. Underneath, you will find a nut and washer. Use an adjustable wrench or a socket set to remove the nuts from the closet bolts by turning them counter-clockwise. Once the nuts are off, gently rock the toilet side-to-side and forward to break the seal of the old wax ring. With a firm grip on the bowl, lift the toilet straight up off the bolts and carefully set it on its side on the prepared towels.
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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