Toilet Leaking at Base

Water seeps out from where the toilet meets the floor

50%

50% chance this is caused by:

Failed wax ring seal between toilet and flange

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Wax Ring with Bolts

$10

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Total parts cost: $10. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Adjustable Wrench

$15

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Putty Knife

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Medium · 30-45 minutes

Parts: $10 vs $$150-500 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn off water supply and flush to drain tank and bowl

Disconnect the water supply line

Remove the two floor bolts (caps on either side of the base)

Rock the toilet gently to break the old seal and lift it off

Scrape off old wax ring from both the toilet horn and the floor flange

Press new wax ring onto the toilet horn

Lower toilet straight down onto the flange, press to seat

Tighten bolts evenly — don't overtighten or you'll crack the base

Not comfortable with this repair?

This is rated as a medium repair. If you'd rather have a pro handle it, a service call typically costs $100-200 plus parts. For a major component, it may be worth the peace of mind.

Check what a professional would charge: See repair costs on FixrCost →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a toilet that's leaking at base?

The part costs about $10. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $160.

How long does this toilet repair take?

This repair is rated "medium" and typically takes 30-45 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 50% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "water seeps out from where the toilet meets the floor" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my toilet instead?

A new toilet costs $150-500. If yours is well under 20-30 years (porcelain), 5-10 years (internal parts) old, a $10 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.