Fixing a leaky toilet

[Frequitude]

So my toilet is leaking from the base. After doing some googling it sounds like the wax seal between the toilet and the pipe needs to be replaced.

Does this sound like an accurate diagnosis?

Thanks to google I also think I know how to replace it. But scraping all the old wax off sounds like a disgusting task, not to mention the smell that might come out of the open pipe.

Is this something I should pay someone to do?

[Traditional_Ale]

Calling 4X4...

[Flames_Gimp]

very easy to do, cleaning off'old wax not that bad, wear gloves

[Red Potato Standing By]

Do what I did I took the toilet off and got the wife to clean the wax off while I ran too then store to get a new one....hehe

[Flames_Gimp]

as long as your stack is properly vented, no smell really, well unless you put your nose right in there lol

[Frequitude]

Anyone here want to do it for a pair of 2nd bowl seats to a Flames game?

Pun intended.

[Flames_Gimp]

what a good deal!

[4X4]

IT's easy, man... The two plastic knobs on either side of the base of the toilet conceal two bolts. Undo those... Wait. First turn the water off, then flush the toilet, then undo the water connection from the bottom of the tank. Wait, put a towel down first. Then do all that stuff. Then undo the bolts and then take a swig of beer for some lifting power. Pick up the toilet, put it in the bathtub, and change the seal. Then put it all back together.

Trad, how did you know I've done this before. Lol. FML.

edit* don't worry about stankin smells. Your P trap is under the floor. There wont be any smell.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Trad, how did you know I've done this before. Lol. FML.

I was looking for the thread where you ripped a guy for being a pansie about a drippy faucet at work, but I couldn't find it.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

I was looking for the thread where you ripped a guy for being a pansie about a drippy faucet at work, but I couldn't find it.

I remember that. I mentioned that it was a 5 minute fix and then JAGoff gave me hell for suggesting that an office worker pick up a pair of pliers. Oops.

[Prototype]

For some reason, I think it was me who got ripped on... I still know nothing of plumbing.

EDIT: Maybe not after 4x4's post.

EDIT AGAIN: Duffman ripped into me, 4x4 came to my defense.

[Frequitude]

Alright, I'm down.

How long do you think it'll take?

[Nufy]

1 Hour max....

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Frequitude

Alright, I'm down.

How long do you think it'll take?

Yah. What Nufy said. An hour tops. Here's a thing I just found that has pics and everything:

http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo...letsealvar.htm

edit* this guy emphasizes the fact that you really should be careful when you're putting the toilet back on. It's nothing complicated, purely logical. Have a good grip on the toilet and lower it into place on the first try. You'll be sort of hovering over it as you set it down, so it's really not that hard. You just have to keep in mind that you want a good grip on the thing so you put it down square on the first try. And after having met you to buy those clubs a few years ago, you're the same size as me and should have no problem lifting a toilet. It's heavier than a bag of clubs, but most normal size guys can lift a toilet.

[driveway]

Yeah, it's super-easy. I'm not all that handy and I just followed the instructions I found on some website. Took maybe an hour, probably less. It's a lot easier if you've got someone to give you a hand getting the toilet back on those little screws.

IMPORTANT: There are TWO major kinds of wax seal - one with a little plastic funnel bit and one without. It's downright impossible to tell what kind you need for your toilet until you get it off.

GET BOTH! they cost next to nothing and it will save you a post in the "Grind my Gears" thread.

[Frequitude]

Someone told me I need two seals, but that makes no sense. Any idea what they're referring to?

I will definitely post a trip report.

[surferguy]

Originally Posted by 4X4

IT's easy, man... The two plastic knobs on either side of the base of the toilet conceal two bolts. Undo those... Wait. First turn the water off, then flush the toilet, then undo the water connection from the bottom of the tank. Wait, put a towel down first. Then do all that stuff. Then undo the bolts and then take a swig of beer for some lifting power. Pick up the toilet, put it in the bathtub, and change the seal. Then put it all back together.

Trad, how did you know I've done this before. Lol. FML.

edit* don't worry about stankin smells. Your P trap is under the floor. There wont be any smell.

You forgot to mention that playing DANGER ZONE while completing this task makes it much cooler and more manly.

This is a DIY project, save the tickets and give them to some kids who wanna see the Flames!

[surferguy]

Originally Posted by Frequitude

Someone told me I need two seals, but that makes no sense. Any idea what they're referring to?

I will definitely post a trip report.

There are two types of seal sizes, thin and fat. Buy both. If you have aftermarket tile installed sometimes you need to have both on in order to get the proper seal. If when you put the toilet back down, sit on itand see if there is any rocking, if yes then add second seal, if no do a quick pull up to make sure the toilet is properly stuck to the floor. This is just a quick test to see that the toilet doesnt just come right off the floor, DO NOT remove the toilet once it is stuck down, just a quick tug. All the best!

[Nufy]

There are no p-traps under toilets...

They are in the toilet.

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Prototype

For some reason, I think it was me who got ripped on... I still know nothing of plumbing.

EDIT: Maybe not after 4x4's post.

EDIT AGAIN: Duffman ripped into me, 4x4 came to my defense.

Sorry. how'd it all turn out?