Leaking toilet issues tend to waste as much as 4 to 5 gallons of water per minute, generating enormous water waste and leading to potentially inflated water bills. It is a common plumbing issue that cannot be left unattended.
Quite often, you may try to fix and repair it on your own to find a recurring leakage. Therefore, it’s vital to identify the root cause of the leakage and take the right steps to fix them. Engaging an experienced plumber to fix leaking toilet issues can be the best recourse.
Below are some common toilet leak causes that may require troubleshooting or repair whenever you spot a leakage:
Faulty Supply Line
When joints in the supply tend to loosen up or wear out over time, they let water seep through. As a result, it can lead to a leaky supply line. Mechanical damage and a rupture in the rubber lining that shields the supply line may cause issues. There can also be faults in the supply line when the collection of gaskets, nuts, and bolts that bind the connection between the tank and the bowl become loose or worn out.
Broken Toilet Tank
An accidental impact or natural wear and tear may lead to a hairline crack on the toilet tank, leading to a perpetual leaking toilet issue. As the tank will continue to replenish water regardless of the cracked tank, it can cause constant leakage.
Though the cracks may not be visible immediately, it’s recommended to get a local plumber’s help to detect if the toilet tank has cracks and take the necessary steps to get it fixed immediately.
Worn out Flapper
A common cause of an internal toilet leak, a worn-out flapper that is not working right, can give you troubles. The flapper plays a pivotal role in blocking the water in the tank from entering the bowl. If the flapper is not working correctly, water will leak around it into the toilet bowl. This is a silent leakage sign that often goes unnoticed. The Flapper or ball valve is essential to form a watertight seal and may deteriorate over time with mineral build-up. The severity of water leakage depends on the extent to which the flapper is worn out.
Rusty Pipes
The pipes that run up to your toilet can be exposed to several elements that may lead to rusting. This can eventually lead to a crack in the pipe causing a leaking toilet. It’s essential to examine the pipes in your toilet and know if any cracks may be causing the leakage.
Loose or Worn Out Seal at the Toilet Base
If you notice a pool of water around the toilet base, there’s a greater chance that it is caused by a faulty seal that binds your toilet to the floor. Check if any cracks are present in the seal or if it’s worn out. In such cases, you may need to replace the seal and hire a plumber to fix it.
Faulty Ball Float
The float is a hollow ball that stays afloat on the water surface of the toilet tank. When it is cracked or not aligned, it can cause the shut-off valve to malfunction. As a result, the water will continue to fill the tank.
This type of leak can be detected by taking the tank top off and examining if the water is flowing properly into the overflow tube once the tank is full. If your toilet tank runs continuously or makes a dripping noise, it can be due to a malfunctioning flush valve assembly.
Stuck Flapper
You may often notice the flush handle gets stuck. When it is turned down, it remains in the same position without swinging back to its original position. Thus, it results in an overflow of water and can lead to severe leakage. This can happen due to a stuck flapper that gets undermined over time.
What Should You Do If You Encounter Leaking Toilet Issues?
Toilet leaks are common, especially in older homes. Even though you may obtain the right replacement parts to fix it, toilet repair can be challenging to do on your own. Identifying the prime cause of leakage is often tough, and handling the toilet tank’s components can be cumbersome. It’s best to find a licensed plumber in your region to fix your leaking toilet issues. Rest assured, you can mitigate the problem with a permanent and effective solution.
A toilet leak can make your bathroom unpleasant and pose a risk if left unattended. The most convenient way to deal with a leaking toilet is to hire the right plumbers for a comprehensive assessment and cost-effective solution.
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