The Problem
Warning signs
- Discolored or bubbling drywall on ceilings beneath bathrooms, a rocking or loose toilet base, or persistent sewer odors in the bathroom.
Our Diagnosis
Visual inspection through a ceiling access cut revealed moisture tracking from the toilet drain. Removal of the upstairs toilet confirmed the toilet flange was cracked below the floor level, compromising the wax ring seal.
Root cause
A fractured toilet flange allowed water to bypass the wax seal during flushes, resulting in intermittent leaking into the floor cavity and subsequent saturation of the kitchen ceiling drywall.
How We Fixed It
- 1
Performed controlled demolition of 3'x3' damaged drywall section for inspection. 2. Removed upstairs toilet and replaced the defective/broken flange. 3. Installed new wax ring and reset toilet, testing for leaks under pressure. 4. Treated exposed framing with antimicrobial solution and applied stain-blocking primer. 5. Patched drywall, taped, bedded, and applied texture match. 6. Finished with primer and paint.
How to Prevent This
- Ensure toilets are securely bolted to the floor to prevent movement that stresses the flange; address any 'spongy' flooring around the toilet base immediately.
Materials Used
- Replacement toilet flange
- Wax ring
- Antimicrobial spray
- Kilz stain-blocking primer
- Drywall patch
- Joint compound
- Ceiling texture
- Matching paint
- #plumbing
- #toilet flange
- #water damage
- #drywall repair
- #antimicrobial treatment