Winnipeg Home Repairs: Is It Time To Replace Your Toilet Wax Ring?

You can thank your wax ring every time you flush your toilet and don’t experience any leaks. If you are experiencing leaks, odours or floor damage, it’s time for a new wax ring. Learn more about this crucial replacement task and other plumbing services in Winnipeg today.

A wax ring under the base of your toilet creates a watertight seal around the septic line. When you flush your toilet, the contents run straight down to your personal or city septic system. Without this wax ring, any toilet movement could cause the contents to splash out. Check your bathroom for any of these signs that it’s time to replace this essential component.

Floor Damage

Take a few minutes to inspect the area around your toilet. Is the floor noticeably damaged or spongy? A leaking wax ring, over time, can severely damage the subflooring in your bathroom. This requires not only a replacement wax ring but also a subfloor patch by a professional contractor.

A toilet leak often runs between your flooring and subflooring, so it can be difficult to see from your bathroom until the problem is serious. If you can, check underneath your bathroom for signs of damage. Look for water spots or signs of mould in the ceiling drywall or flooring.

Subflooring and floor joists are structural components in your home. Damage to these can make your bathroom unsafe to walk in, so be sure your toilet isn’t damaging them. Be sure to work with a professional to inspect your subflooring and repair it for a safe home.

Look at the ceiling directly under a toilet, either in your basement or on the first floor of your home. You may also spot signs of water damage in a crawlspace. Leaking water from your toilet not only damages wood subflooring but can encourage mould growth in your home.

Bad Odours

Another common sign is a bad odour in your bathroom. A damaged wax ring not only creates a leak every time you flush your toilet, but it can allow gases from the sewer system to leak into your home. This isn’t just a sign of a damaged wax ring but also a sign of a serious health risk.

Sewer gases are foul smelling, potential fire hazards and harmful to your health. Work with a local, experienced plumber to quickly seal your toilet with a new wax ring to prevent more sewer gases from entering your home.

Leak Around Toilet Base

There are many reasons why there may be water on your bathroom floor. It could be splashed out of a sink or shower, particularly if someone has just taken a shower. Monitor the area carefully, because if you continue to see water in the same area near the base of your toilet then you may have a leak.

A damaged wax ring doesn’t seal the connection between the toilet and sewer line. This causes water to leak out and pool around your toilet. If you catch this issue quickly, then it may not damage your subfloor and require additional repairs.

Some leaks are constant, while others only occur when you flush the toilet. Keep an eye on the area throughout the day, particularly when you flush, to see if the leak comes back. Pay attention to your shower and sink use to see if this may be causing the water issue.

Request Reliable Plumbing Services in Winnipeg

From minor water issues to extensive subfloor damage, it’s important to deal with your toilet wax ring issue quickly. Call us at Handyman Connection in Winnipeg for a prompt inspection and professional repair solution for your toilet. Restore your bathroom and keep your home safe with a fully sealed wax ring.