Hello ...
I was wondering if someone might advise me.
There are hairline cracks in the pedestal part of my toilet -- the part between the bowl and the piece that is screwed into the floor.
I have noticed recently that when I flush the toilet, a small amount of water seeps through the crack -- perhaps a teaspoon or so of water.
Does this mean that I should replace the toilet? Or can this be solidly repaired?
Many thanks for any advice or information.
Linda W.
I would replace the toilet. It is not a difficult job. (I'm just qn average home owner, not a pro, b.t.w.)
Time for a new toilet. Watch out for junky ones that don't flush well. Consider one with a pressure flush mechanism. They don't cost much more any more and require less maintence.
snipped-for-privacy@his.com (Linda W.) wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@posting.google.com:
Could have been screwed down too tight. You should replace it fairly soon-- if the floor is constantly damp from the leak, it'll rot. Bowl replacement is a pretty easy job.
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Yes, and do it right away since you are getting water. There is no satisfactory repair likely. You could take it up, check it, and put in a new wax donut, but with this crack, tightening the bolts will likely just crack it even more and you will not be able to tighten it to the floor. A crack anywhere in a toilet, especially with water seepage, means replace it.
So you don't think this is repairable?
I have no real idea what this might cost -- to replace the toilet, I mean. What should I expect to pay, do you think? (I'd need to have someone do the work. I don't think I could do it myself. And I would guess I should call a plumber rather than a handyman for something like this???)
And thanks ...
Linda W.
A good toilet is around $250. You can buy junk for $69 if you want. Call plumbing supplies and ask who they recommend for installation. You'll probably get it installed cheaper that way then by using Home Depot installation but get a price from them too.
If you've got a crack in the base it really isn't a good idea to try to repair it. It's just not going to be worth it (or hold up).
You can find a decent toilet & the parts you need to install it for under $200 and the only reason you might not want to DIY is because toilets can be heavy. If you have a handy friend who can help you, there's no reason the two of you can't do this.
I've had a bunch of bad luck with both plumbers & handymen. It's amazing what people will tell you about a simple job. I've finally found a very good plumber & a couple of good handymen, but replacing a toilet is a job I tackled. I had a diagram of where the various pieces parts go. It really isn't complicated.
You'd be surprised at what you can do.
Linda, *YOU* can replace the toilet yourself. Really and truly. This is a very easy job that will boost your self confidence immensely once you finish it. A helper would be good for assistance in getting the old toilet off the wastepipe flange and putting the new toilet down. Great instructions here:
Thanks so much for this advice.
I looked at the link you provided, and you're right -- it does look relatively simple.
If I was on the ground floor or in a house, I'd be very tempted to try to do it myself. My concern is being on the second floor and having another unit underneath mine. If I did the installation myself and there was any problem ... I'm not even sure if that would be an issue with my condo unit owner's policy, should there be a problem.
And I know that, as you said, it would be a self-confidence boost. Boy ... if I wasn't on the second floor, I'd surely be tempted to give it a try.
Someone who has been reading the posts e-mailed me to suggest that I watch the plumber when he does the installation, so I'll have a better idea of how it's done. And I will certainly plan to do just that.
But looking at those pictures, as I said, it's tempting, all right. :-)
Linda W.
Just a reality check.... a toilet is pretty heavy and getting it square on for a good seal takes practice.
All great advice, the only thing I didn't see that is important. Yes important whether you do it yourself or hire it done. What kind of flooring do you have. If its tile then make sure you/plumber uses a tall wax ring. Some plumbers will double the wax ring to ensure a good fit.
Calling around out of the yellow pages isn't the only way to find a good plumber. The supply houses are usually hesitant to recommend. Try calling the plumbers counterparts like an electrician, framer, concrete, sheetrock etc. ask them who they would use as a plumber. Even better if you know a tradesman in the home building/repair business ask them. CAVEAT EMPTOR though a referral doesn't mean good inexpensive service. I found perhaps the best most reasonable sewer rooter guy by asking a well-respected plumber. My rooter guy beats the National guys by half and is far more experienced and ethical.
I would ask brothers, cousins, friends and co-workers if they've done it before. You might get an eager beaver willing to help, with limited experience.
GOOD LUCK
There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation. -- WCF
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