Most homeowners have probably experienced a leaking toilet at one point or another, and it’s an issue that can cause frustration, wasted water, and even damage to your home if left unfixed. Not to mention the inconvenience and worry about a toilet not functioning as it should. Fortunately, fixing a leaking toilet is not as complicated as it might seem in many cases, and there are even steps you can take before needing to call in a plumber.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some common reasons why a toilet could be leaking and how to troubleshoot and get the issue fixed, so you can get back to flushing with peace of mind.
Here are 5 of the most common causes of leaking toilets and what’s needed to repair them.
(1) A Worn Out Outlet washer:
The outlet washer is a rubber seal located at the base of your toilet tank. Its function is to seal the flush valve after the toilet is flushed. As the main component that holds water in the toilet tank, it’s very common for it to malfunction over time, so if you notice any leaking, chances are the outlet washer valve isn’t closing properly. To check the issue, remove the lid of your toilet tank and inspect it.
If the outlet washer is worn out or has come loose from the flush valve, it will cause the toilet to continue flushing, leading to a constant flow of water into the bowl. This results in water waste and a high water bill, so you’ll want to address it promptly.
Replacing a worn-out outlet washer is usually easy for most homeowners, and replacement valves are easily sourced from hardware stores. Make sure to turn off the water supply to your toilet before doing this, and of course, if this job something you don’t feel confident tackling yourself, it’s something we can easily help with.
(2) Loose Tank to Bowl Bolts
The tank-to-bowl bolts are what secure the toilet tank to the bowl. If they become loose, it can cause a leak between the two parts, and water will then leak in your bathroom.
To troubleshoot this issue, inspect each of the bolts for rust or corrosion and make sure they’re tightly screwed in. If they’re too loose, tighten them, and if they can’t be tightened or if you notice any corrosion on the bolts, it’s time to replace them with new ones. When purchasing new toilet tank bolts, it’s important to make sure you get the right ones for your make and model of toilet.
Again, if this job is something you don’t feel confident tackling yourself, we’d be more than happy to take care of it for you.
(3) Cracks or Leaks in the Toilet Tank
Another common cause of leaking toilets is cracks or leaks in the tank. This can happen for various reasons, such as age, improper installation, or even impact damage. To spot a crack or leak in your toilet tank, you’ll need to inspect it carefully and look for signs of water staining around the lower part of the tank.
If you find any cracks or leaks, it’s time to replace your toilet tank. As your local professional plumbers, we can promptly get a replacement tank sorted and installed.
(4) Blocked or Leaking Water Supply Line
Your toilet’s water supply line is the hose that connects your toilet to your home’s plumbing system. If it becomes blocked or starts leaking, it can also cause your toilet to leak and will need to be repaired or replaced.
To check if this is the issue, you’ll need to take a look at the water supply line and inspect it for any signs of wear, tear or blockages. You should also check the connection to ensure it’s secure and not showing signs of leaks.
If you identify that the water supply line is the issue, you should call in one of Eco Earth Plumbing’s qualified plumbers to replace it. Attempting to do this yourself without the correct tools and necessary experience could lead to further issues, which a quick fix from us will help avoid.
(5) Loose or Corroded Toilet Fill Valve
The toilet fill valve is the valve that controls the flow of water from your main plumbing system into your toilet tank. If worn out, corroded or loose, it can cause a constant and slow leak from your toilet tank.
To inspect your toilet fill valve, look at the tank’s base and find the black rubber seal. If it looks worn out or isn’t sealing properly, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Again, this is something Eco Earth Plumbing can help you with.
The toilet is a complicated piece of equipment, and any number of issues can cause it to fail. It’s also essential to comfortable living, so a leaking toilet is nothing you want to leave to chance for any length of time.
To ensure any issue with your home’s toilet is correctly identified and fixed, it’s always best to call a professional plumbing service like Eco Earth Plumbing. Our team of qualified and experienced plumbers have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to diagnose your toilet problems quickly and accurately, saving you time, money and worry.
Also, it’s important to be aware that some toilet leaks might not be visible to you, so an expert eye is always helpful to ensure your system works correctly. That’s why we strongly recommend regular inspections and plumbing maintenance. The early detection of plumbing problems – including toilet leaks – can save you a lot of money in the long run.