Water Damage and Subfloor Repair

Project Overview:

At Sterling Craft Plumbing & Bath, we understand how frustrating water damage can be, especially when it’s unseen from the surface. Recently, we helped a homeowner in Spartanburg, South Carolina, who had been dealing with a slow, unnoticed water leak around their toilet. Over time, this leak caused significant subfloor damage and soft spots that needed immediate attention. In this case study, we’ll walk you through how our expert team assessed and repaired the water damage, replaced the subfloor, installed high-quality waterproof luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, and resolved the issue with the toilet flange to prevent future leaks.

Before

Water slowly leaked out over time into the subfloor.

After

Identifying the Problem: Toilet Leak and Subfloor Damage

When our team arrived at the Spartanburg home, the customer reported noticing soft spots around their toilet. This is often a sign of water damage, as the flooring and subfloor beneath the toilet can become compromised due to slow leaks. We also noticed some discoloration of the flooring around the toilet, which can occur when moisture has been in contact for an extended period.

Upon further inspection, we saw that the problem stemmed from the base of the toilet, specifically a poorly installed toilet flange. In many cases, this type of issue goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. The toilet flange was set too low, which meant the wax ring beneath the toilet could not form a proper seal. As a result, water from the toilet had been slowly leaking into the subfloor over time, leading to extensive damage.

We often see this problem when a non-plumbing professional either installed or reset the toilet. While some flooring installers may offer to handle the toilet reset during a floor installation, they typically don’t have the necessary plumbing expertise. This can lead to improperly set toilet flanges or poor seals, resulting in long-term water damage that goes unnoticed for months or even years. In this case, the leak had caused significant soft spots around the toilet base, and without immediate repair, it could have led to more severe structural damage.

**Note: We work with a few flooring companies in Spartanburg County who hire us to set all their toilets after they’ve installed new flooring, because they want to make sure it’s done correctly. This speaks to their quality customer service and dedication to delivering the best finished product! Even if you don’t call us to install your flooring (we only install 100% waterproof products like ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank and tile) please make sure your installer has actual licensed plumbers to set your toilets and reconnect water and drain lines!

The Repair Process: Subfloor Replacement and Toilet Leak Repair

After assessing the extent of the water damage, our team recommended a comprehensive solution to address both the damaged subfloor and the faulty toilet flange. Our first priority was to safely remove the toilet and carefully inspect the area beneath it for any signs of further water damage.

Steps involved in the Subfloor Repair

Removing the Toilet: We began by gently pulling the toilet from its base, taking care not to cause further damage. Once the toilet was removed, we inspected the wax ring, which was found to be compromised due to the poorly set flange. This was the source of the toilet leak that had been slowly damaging the subfloor over time.
Replacing the Subfloor: With the toilet removed, we could see the extent of the subfloor damage. The affected areas had become soft and unstable, which posed a risk to the overall structure of the bathroom floor. Our team carefully removed the damaged subfloor sections, ensuring no residual moisture remained. We then replaced the damaged sections with new, high-quality subfloor material. This ensured a strong and stable foundation for the new flooring, while also stopping any future water seepage from compromising the subfloor again.
Installing Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring: Next, we installed 100% waterproof luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for areas like bathrooms because it’s not only waterproof but also highly durable, easy to maintain, and stylish. The customer selected a high-quality LVT product that would provide long-lasting protection against any future water damage.
Replacing the Toilet Flange and Resetting the Toilet: Once the subfloor and flooring were in place, it was time to address the original issue—the improperly set toilet flange. We set the flange at the proper height, and ensured that the new wax ring would form a perfect seal, preventing any future toilet leaks.
With the flange in place, we then set the toilet back onto its base, securing it in position. We also ensured that the toilet was level and properly aligned with the new floor for a clean and professional finish.
Installing New Baseboards: To complete the bathroom remodel, we installed new baseboards around the perimeter of the room. These new baseboards not only enhanced the aesthetic of the bathroom but also helped seal the edges of the new flooring to prevent any potential water intrusion in the future.

Toilet Before- Discoloration around the front was coming up from underneath the laminate..

When the toilet was pulled up, we saw the flange had been set too low, so the wax ring could not make a proper seal. Water slowly leaked out over time into the subfloor.

Results: A Fully Restored Bathroom with No More Water Damage

After the job was complete, the homeowner was thrilled with the results. Their bathroom floor was fully restored, and the toilet leak was resolved once and for all. By addressing the water damage at the source and replacing the damaged subfloor, we ensured that the homeowner’s bathroom would remain safe, dry, and structurally sound for years to come. The new LVT flooring was a lovely addition that served to provide function and beauty to the space.

Toilet After- Subfloor repairs are complete, flange repairs are made, and luxury vinyl tile has been installed. The toilet was reset, along with baseboard, and the customer is back up and running.

Preventing Future Issues: Professional Toilet Leak Repair

Our customer was grateful for our thorough and professional approach to the repair. It’s important to note that this type of issue—water damage caused by a toilet leak—is something we come across often in Spartanburg and Spartanburg County. Many homeowners may not realize that improperly installed toilets can lead to slow leaks that cause significant damage over time. If you ever notice soft spots around your toilet or suspect a water leak, it’s essential to act quickly before the damage spreads.

At Sterling Craft Plumbing & Bath, as a full service residential plumbing company we specialize in toilet leak repairs, subfloor repairs, and water damage repairs. We pride ourselves on offering affordable plumbing services and high-quality craftsmanship to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service. If you have any concerns about water damage or a toilet leak in your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team is ready to help you restore your bathroom and prevent further damage.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the importance of professional installation and repair when it comes to plumbing and bathroom remodels. The toilet leak that had caused significant subfloor damage in this Spartanburg home could have been avoided if the toilet flange had been properly set initially. By working with licensed plumbers, homeowners can ensure that their plumbing and bathroom installations are done correctly, preventing future leaks and costly repairs. Whether you need a toilet leak repair, subfloor replacement, or a full bathroom remodel, Sterling Craft Plumbing & Bath is here to help you every step of the way.

For more information on our affordable plumbing services in Spartanburg, SC, and Spartanburg County, contact Sterling Craft Plumbing & Bath today at (864) 810-1010. Let us help you protect your home from water damage and keep your bathroom looking beautiful and functional.