If you see water seeping from the base of your toilet, it is most likely due to a failing wax ring. The wax ring forms a seal between the toilet and the flange (the part that connects the toilet’s drain to the plumbing system.

The wax ring keeps water from seeping out through this connection. If the ring is damaged or deteriorated, water will seep onto the floor.

While working on an older building, we came across these green ‘wax rings’ (they aren’t made of wax, but rather a form of rubber). As you can see, the pipes and floor are deteriorated, but even during a backup, the toilet did not leak.

They are called Sani Seal Toilet Gaskets.

This is a cool idea, and while they are more expensive than a wax ring, we are going to recommend them in older buildings. The added cost could save you on clean up, and they look like they will last a long time.

The Sani Seal Toilet Gasket – replacement for the wax ring. (image source www.saniseal.com)

Roots are one of the most common causes of drain blockages. One would assume that roots would be a summer problem, but in reality, roots are constantly on a lookout for water and nutrients, exactly what is flowing in drain lines.

Roots won’t grow through healthy PVC pipes, but they will grow through other pipes, such as clay and cast iron, as they degrade. Once moisture escapes a degraded pipe, the roots will find their way into the pipe, causing blockages and further degrading the pipe.

When To Replace Your Pipes

Once roots are found in the pipe, they will always return. The pipe will eventually have to be replaced, but this expense can usually be pushed off for several years. At first, you may only need a cleaning once every 2 years. As time passes, you will need more frequent cleanings. Once drains need a cleaning more frequently than every 6 months, it is a good time to replace the line.

Preventing Roots

The only way to prevent root intrusion is to plant trees and shrubs away from the sewer pipe. This is also a good idea because eventually the pipe will need to be replaced. It may be 30 years from now, but it would be a shame to have to cut down that beautiful Maple tree in the yard to replace the sewer line (and think of the added expense!).

No Good Alternative

While there are products on the market claiming to stop tree root growth, they are often harmful to the environment and often don’t even slow the problem. Rather than wasting money on these products, it is best to plan out a maintenance plan and eventual line replacement.