How To Check For a Leaking Toilet and Ways To Fix It

Posted 2021-09-22 02:14:44

A clogged or leaky toilet can cause a plumbing blunder in your house. Unfortunately, this is a common plumbing problem faced by most homeowners and commercial property owners.

Fixing a leaky toilet is one of the most frustrating bathroom plumbing problems. We understand that not everyone wants to hire a plumbing company to fix the leak and opt for a DIY job. However, we recommend contacting an emergency plumber in such cases.

Below we highlight some of the ways to detect toilet leaks and how to fix them.

How To Detect a Toilet Leak?

Having a leaky toilet can cost you high water bills and potential property damages. To avoid this, you must understand the exact cause of a toilet leak. One of the best ways to do so is by determining the place of a toilet leak. Here are six ways to detect a toilet leak:

1. Use Food Colourant

Add a few drops of food colourant into the toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes colour, you might possibly have a leak.

2. Check Tank Water Level

One of the best ways to check your toilet tank water level is by marking the actual water level line. Simply draw a line at the water level in the tank and check after 30minutes. If the water level drops below the line drawn, the leak is probably due to a faulty flapper.

3. Check The Handle

A loose toilet handle can often result in a leak. If you need to physically lift up the handle to stop the water from running, there are some issues with your toilet tank handle, flush level bar, or chain. Simply adjust the nut to secure the handle to the toilet tank.

4. Noticing Water Pooling

If your toilet is leaking at the base, you will notice water pooling around the area. Such stagnant water indicates a possible toilet leak. Always check your toilet tank and bowl for cracks.

5. Look For Rust Damage

Cracked pipe or rust damage can often cause a toilet leak. Damaged or cracked toilet pipes need to be replaced or repaired by a professional plumber. Considering replacing or repairing toilet leaks will help save hundreds if not, thousands on your monthly water bills.

How To Fix a Leaking Toilet

1. A Faulty Toilet Seal

First, identify the type of wax ring required for your toilet. You can check the make and model of your toilet to determine the right diameter.
Now determine the exact cause of the ring failure. If your toilet wobbles frequently, tighten the bolt. Wax rings may also crack or harden over time.
Drain the toilet tank and bowl completely.
Now, detach the water supply.
Carefully remove the bolts that attach the base of the toilet to the floor. Lift and move the toilet away from the base connection.
Now, remove the faulty toilet seal and scrape away all the remaining wax deposits to avoid smelly drains.
Replace the fault wax ring with a new one and attach the toilet to the floor. Tighten the bolts around the toilet to ensure it does not wobble.
Reattach the water supply and flush the toilet to check for leaks.

2. A Broken Gasket

Start by turning off the water supply. Now drain the water from the tank and separate it from the toilet bowl.
Remove your broken gasket and visit your local hardware store to find the correct replacement part. Now attach the new gasket and tighten it properly.
Reattach the toilet tank to the bowl and turn on the water supply. Perform a quick flush to check for potential leaks.

3. A Faulty Closet Flange

Start by turning off the water supply and emptying the water from the tank.
Now, remove the wax from the flange using a paint scraper and scrape away the remaining wax deposit.
Minor issues in your flange such as a break in just one of the tracks can be repairable. In case of major damage, you may need a new ring or flange and replace the existing one.