Toilet leaking from under tank

[Mary]

I have just noticed that the toilet is leaking onto the floor each time it is flushed. I have put my hand back there under the tank, and during the flush, water trickles out onto the floor. It seems to be coming from a nut and bolt under the tank, but it seems securely fastened, so I really can't tell.

I have now put a bowl down there to catch the water each time, which is about three tablespoons. However, the floor underneath is wet, and I'm sure there is mold. At least now it will begin drying, won't it, but the floor will now be a problem, I'm sure.

How extensive a repair is this for the toilet tank?

Also, I'm sure the floor is damaged. I think I will take bleach to anything around the tile that looks moldy... and I suppose call the plumbers. I don't know how to fix this tank.

If it isn't one thing, it's another.......

[Mac]

There's a gasket between the tank and body of the toilet, and it sounds like that is what's leaking. You can fix this yourself. Turn the water off and flush until the tank is drained. You should be able to see the bolts that connect the tank and body. Separate the two, you should find a leaking gasket.

As far as your floor - if you have vinyl - the original vinyl was laid down before the walls, and makes a good moisture barrier. So your floor may be just fine.

If the toilet needs to come off to be taken apart, replace the wax seal that it sits on. There are neoprene seals out now that would last longer, and that's what I would use if it were me.

If you are reasonably handy with tools, you can do this yourself.

[Mac]

So did you get it fixed?

[Mary]

I'm sorry I haven't answered before, Mac.

I did get it fixed, by way of a plumber. I am not capable of fixing such a thing myself, unfortunately. The leak has caused some water damage, which my handyman will fix in December. The vinyl floor, sort of a peel and stick tile, did not protect the floor underneath, as some of its squares were coming unglued, so it will need to be replaced. He will also replace whatever floor is damaged. The leak was caught in time, and the top layer of wood seems dry now, so hopefully underneath isn't too bad.

I guess the one saving grace is that the floor was ugly, and now it will be pretty and new.

This is an old home (1974) and it has a never-ending supply of items to fix, it seems. I guess it's pay for a newer one or pay for repairs, sort of like a car. Many times I wish I were making a mortgage payment instead of a Home Depot one......

Thank you for responding to my post.