Toilet leak

Baldytyke88

My toilet is leaking, at the back from the large pipe at the bottom. It's already been bodged with insulation tape wrapped around it, but that was 10+ years ago, before my time in the house.

I guess some more tape will solve it?

I am guessing doing a proper job could be expensive, if I got someone in?

oldernonethewiser

It depends where the leak is but some silicone tape or similar, not insulating tape, could seal it for quite some time. 

grumpy_codger

Post a photo?

ThisIsWeird

More tape will likely bodge it, not solve it. 
You can try, of course, but the waste pan connector is a pretty straightforward job for a plumber. One or two hours work, depending on what's involved.
If you are going to try a DIY taping, then lower the water level in the pan using a cup to scoop - ideally not a drinking one - remove all old tape, clean thoroughly, and bone-dry it first.
What kind of tape was used before? I'm assuming the area is not smooth - eg the connector collar will be raised, for example, and make the application of a wide-band tape difficult? I wonder if an amalgamating tape is best - it'll stretch and mould to suit, and all bind together.
Photo?

Albermarle

Baldytyke88 said:

My toilet is leaking, at the back from the large pipe at the bottom. It's already been bodged with insulation tape wrapped around it, but that was 10+ years ago, before my time in the house.

I guess some more tape will solve it?

I am guessing doing a proper job could be expensive, if I got someone in?

It is not a particularly big job. In fact the issue may be more finding someone to come out and do it.

Grenage

Plumbers Mait is pretty handy for pan connectors. Remove the tape, clean it up, roll the PM into a thin sausage and push it into the gaps.

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said:

More tape will likely bodge it, not solve it. 
You can try, of course, but the waste pan connector is a pretty straightforward job for a plumber. One or two hours work, depending on what's involved.

I had a very small leak from the waste pipe on my toilet. It is a cast iron pipe disappearing through the bathroom wall, and originally had a short plastic connector bodged in. The connector only just made contact with the pan (fitted by a geriatric bodger ~30 years ago). The resulting dribble caused the floorboards to slowly rot...

New pan fitted, and a combination of a rigid extension & pan connector (plus a tube of sealant where it goes in to the CI pipe) has stopped the leak. Will have to replace the cast iron pipe & stack on the outside, but that will have to wait until I do a refurb on the bathroom.

Baldytyke88

This is the outlet pipe in question.

ThisIsWeird

Seriously, get a friendly local plumber in and have that sorted, most likely in one hour.
Removing the cistern is a two-screw job. Lifting out the pan a ditto.
New multikwik connector, and replace.
Actually a nice DIY task, tho' moderately challenging.
If you are going to DIY a sealing in situ, then water to the cistern off, and cut away all that existing tape, so we can have a proper look and offer a way forward.
Meanwhile, ensure no water is trickling down the underside of that curved waste pipe, causing havoc behind that boxing where it can't be seen.