Subfloor Damage

A leaking toilet base can cause water damage in the subfloor which then leads to warping and weakening of the floor joists around the toilet.  This may also cause the floor around the toilet to bow or flex when you walk on it.  Removing the old floor joists and installing new joists may require you to rip out the bathroom floor as well as the ceiling below.

Small leaks trapped beneath the toilet will eventually deteriorate floor surfaces and even the underlying framing.  If the leak remains undetected for a lengthy period of time, the repair will be costly, especially when replacing finished flooring, subfloors and possibly framing.