If you've got water staining a ceiling or warped flooring at the base of a toilet, here's what we look for first — in this order.
1. Failed wax ring under the toilet
The #1 cause of mysterious water at the base of a toilet. A $5 wax ring replacement done right will solve it in about 45 minutes.
2. Cracked grout or failed caulk at the tub/shower
On Long Island's older homes, grout from the 1990s or earlier is almost always the source of slow ceiling stains below the bathroom. Regrout is dramatically cheaper than a full demo.
3. Leaking supply line under the sink
Cheap braided lines fail every 8–10 years. Replacing with stainless braided lines and shut-off valves is a 20-minute fix.
4. Tub spout or shower diverter leak
Water visible behind a wall is often a diverter that's never fully closing. Pressure-test, then replace the cartridge.
5. Hidden drain leak
If you see water only when the shower runs, the trap arm or tailpiece may be cracked. We open the access panel rather than guessing.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Start with the cheap fixes: wax ring, caulk, supply lines.
- ✓ Regrout before you demo — it's usually the answer.
- ✓ Shut the angle stop first if a leak is active.
Frequently Asked
How fast can Apex get to a bathroom leak?
Most leak calls in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens are answered same-day or next-day. If water is actively running, shut the angle stop or main and call us first.
Will I need to open the wall?
Not always. We diagnose from the most likely cause first and only open drywall when we've confirmed it's a hidden line.