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How to fix a leaking toilet

We'll fix the leak at the base, tank, or supply connection.

How-to · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Wax ring (for base leaks)
  • Tank-to-bowl gasket and bolts (for tank leaks)
  • Supply line and gasket (if replacing)
  • Wrench, putty knife

At a glance

  • Leak at the base: often a worn wax ring—replace it by removing the toilet and installing a new ring.
  • Leak from the tank: check the tank-to-bowl gasket and the bolts; tighten or replace.
  • Leak at the supply line: tighten the connection or replace the supply line and gasket.
  • Dry the area first to confirm where the leak is—water can run along the floor from a different source.
  • Call a plumber if the floor is soft, the toilet is loose, or the leak is inside the wall.
Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Steps

Goal: Stop the leak—supply, tank, or base.

  • Dry the area. Confirm where the leak is.
  • Good: You know the source. Proceed to Supply, Tank, or Base.
  • Bad: Cannot find the source—dry again and watch more closely.

Supply

Goal: Fix a leak at the supply connection.

  • Tighten the nut. If it still leaks, replace the gasket or supply line.
  • Good: No drip. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—replace the supply line.

Tank

Goal: Fix a leak between the tank and bowl.

  • Tighten the tank bolts evenly. If the gasket is bad, replace the gasket and bolts.
  • Good: No leak. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Tank is cracked—replace the toilet.

Base

Goal: Fix a leak at the base with a new wax ring.

  • Remove the toilet. Replace the wax ring. Reinstall and tighten the closet bolts.
  • Good: No water at the base. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Floor is soft or the flange is broken—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The floor is soft around the toilet (possible subfloor damage).
  • The toilet rocks or the flange is broken.
  • The leak is from inside the wall or you cannot identify the source.

Verification

  • No drips at the supply, tank, or base.
  • Toilet is stable and does not rock.
  • Flush several times—no new leaks.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

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