Hire someone else, I wouldnt call that guy back if he cant properly shim and tighten so there is no movement. Also, insist on a sani-seal instead of wax. Old dogs need to learn the new trick as far as toilet seals go, the new product is superior in every way and it is only slightly more expensive, like 5-10 bucks.

It may be more involved though, if the bolt attachments are rusted out / broken and the flange needs to be replaced. There are various ways to do it, but this looks like a good product.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-HydroSeat-Toilet-Flange-Repair-10672X/204403879

If it is not the only toilet, then it can wait, if it is the only toilet, it shouldnt wait. The toilet is basically a bowl holding water, and there is no water leakage happening unless you use the toilet or flush.

We stopped using wax seals years ago. Buy a SaniSeal and never look back. They are sold on Amazon.

Thanks for the responses.

The toilet is on a tile floor, directly above the basement. I don't know why that plumber didn't fix the movement in the toilet or replace the two missing bolts, since he was removing the tank and taking things apart anyway. I specifically pointed out that there is movement and that two bolts are missing. By the way, the wax seal was installed by a family member some years back.

I don't know a lot about plumbing or toilets, but I'm learning more as I go along. If I knew then what I know now, I would not have let him leave until he fixed the movement (as best as possible) and checked/replaced the seal. I didn't realize that the movement would be even worse after he finished the work. This was a plumber from the Roto Rooter company.

I'll check out the wax-less Sani Seal. Unfortunately, I have to hire someone to do the work.

Hi again. The leaking toilet is from the late 50's by Richmond. The two closet bolts that are missing are located at the rear of the toilet. Are there replacement bolts for a toilet this old? The other two bolts look original.

I cannot understand why that plumber I hired six months ago didn't replace the missing bolts and didn't fix the movement in the toilet. Shouldn't he have addressed these issues when he was here, since I told him about them?

When a plumber comes to fix the currently leaking wax seal, what if he finds that the wood structure underneath is wet or rotted? There could have been a small leak that I didn't know about. Is it the plumber's job to replace rotted wood, or does that require hiring a builder/carpenter? If the wood is only damp, then can the plumber go ahead and replace the wax seal and set the toilet that same day without waiting for the wood to dry? If there is damage/rot to the wood, how long does a repair like this usually take to fix? I only have one toilet in this house.

Thank you for any help.

Are you sure he knew the toilet was moving? You should have specifically addressed the movement with him and see what he could do to fix it.

The past is in the past.

As far as replace wood that maybe rotten, im not sure of the procedure but i imagine the plumber could do that job as he probable has encountered the problem alot. Call up some local plumbing business's and ask them if they fix rotted wood un the toilet.

Good luck, I know this is no fun for you.

One other possibility to consider: is your house air conditioned, and has the weather been hot & humid? I get a lot of condensation around the base of my toilet when it's humid outside and the ac isn't running.

greasetrap

"One other possibility to consider: is your house air conditioned, and has the weather been hot & humid? I get a lot of condensation around the base of my toilet when it's humid outside and the ac isn't running."

Good point and exelent advice ! Many leaks from other sources are mistaken for base leaks since water runs down and stops near base. The best way to check is by feeling with hands,starting at top of tank and working all the way to floor. Pay piticular attention to bolts and spounge between tank and bowl. People have told me they "know" it's coming from base because they see puddle form after each flush. What they missed was water escaping between tank and bowl running down rear to floor then spreading and giving impression it;s coming from base.