Water Damage Westchester: How to Fix a Wobbly Toilet

Water damage can come in all shapes and sizes. In some cases it can appear minor and not pose an urgent need to call a professional water damage Westchester company but in truth water damage often starts as small problems that grow very large.

It goes without saying that most water damage problems occur in the kitchen and bathroom. After all, these are the places where plumbing fixtures appear indoors and serve as passageways to the pipes that dwell in the walls and under floors. One of the most common causes for bathroom flooding that starts out looking minor in threat is a leaking toilet. If you ever notice that water is leaking from the base of the loo you should call for water damage restoration services, as the floor and subfloor is likely damaged and will need to be remediated and professionally dried to prevent rot and mold growth. But if the toilet is simply lose and rocks off its base, you may be able to correct the matter on your own so long as there isn’t any leaking water.

Phase One: Water Removal

Before you attempt to remove and re secure your toilet you will need to ensure no water is present. Start by turning off the water shut-off-valve. Then flush the toilet holding the handle down to empty the tank. Then you will want to use a sponge and a turkey baster to sop up and remove all water from the toilet bowl and tank. Give it a final drying with an absorbent towel, and you may want to just consider buying another turkey baster to use for your next Thanksgiving meal!

Phase Two: Prep Work

Now that the toilet is bone-dry, use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the toilet tank from the supply line and remove the caps from the closet bolts exposing the hex nuts. You will then need an open-end wrench to remove these tricky little guys. Then lift up the toilet and set it on a tick piece of cardboard and be sure to use a putty knife to scrape away the remnants of the old wax ring. Finally, cram a wadded up cloth or rag into the drainpipe to block any potential sewer gases—the last thing you need is that stuff stinking up your home!

Phase Three: Attaching the Toilet

Make sure the closet flange is fully exposes before you start your work. If need be you can use a cold chisel or a hammer to chip away at tile in order to get full exposure. Then slide a repair plate under the damaged portion of the closet flange and press the new wax in there. Place the toilet back into place and press down with all your might on the compress gasket. When you tighten the nuts on the closet bolts be sure to use a hacksaw to trim them back and install bolt caps.

Test Drive the Toilet

Go ahead and sit on it and try rocking side-to-side, and forward and backwards. It should be as sturdy as a boulder and give no movement whatsoever. And if you do detect any water damage in the process of reattaching the toilet, call a water damage Westchester team today and let them help protect your home and family!