There are many reasons that homeowners could become worried about a toilet leak. Everything from an unusually high water bill to a damp, musty odor in the bathroom could indicate a water leak. And when you inspect the floor and pipes at the shower and sink with no resolution, the only remaining suspect is the toilet. But there are many possibilities for leaks and wasted water from a damaged or malfunctioning toilet.
The Typical Issues
If you discover moisture around the toilet base, the issue is related to the seal of the toilet to the drain pipe. Check the tee bolts on either side of the toilet base. They are often covered with decorative caps that will lift right off to expose the bolts. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts but do not over tighten and shatter the toilet’s base.
If the base or the bolt holes break, you are headed to the store to purchase a new toilet. Tightening the bolts will compress the wax seal under the toilet and hopefully reseal the connection. If tightening the tee bolts does not stop the leak, the issue is likely to be the wax seal itself. To replace this seal, you will need to remove the toilet and old wax seal, replace the wax ring and reinstall the toilet. If that sounds too complex, it’s time to call in a pro.
Should you locate some moisture on the floor under the tank, the leak is often at the water supply line feeding the tank. This puddle will be clean, clear water as opposed to dirty water that has leaked from the drain seal. Reach under the tank to locate the supply line connection. If the fitting is moist, gently turn it to tighten the connection. But again, be careful not to overtighten and shatter the fitting.
A Less Obvious Leak
If you have found no puddles or moist fittings, there is still a possibility that the toilet is leaking. But the leak is between the holding tank and the toilet bowl. So the water is running down the drain and not onto the floor. Remove the lid to the tank and carefully place it out of the way. The tank’s water should be close to the stamped or printed fill line indicator inside the tank.
To determine if the tank is leaking into the toilet bowl, put 15 – 20 drops of food coloring into the tank’s water to create a very noticeable color in the water. Wait 30 minutes, check the color of the water in the toilet bowl. If the water in the bowl is still clear, there is no leak. However, if the water in the bowl now matches the color of the water in the tank, there is a leak. The issue is most commonly a crack in the overflow tube or a worn-out or damaged flapper.
An Easy Fix
Repairing a water leak from the tank to the bowl is relatively straightforward. Both replacement flappers and overflow tubs can be purchased at your local hardware or big box store. These parts include written instructions, or you can always check out a YouTube video.
If you cannot locate a leak but still have concerns about an issue, call (706) 303-0987. The licensed plumbers at Drain Surgeon are always ready to offer assistance to locate and repair any leak or other plumbing issue in your home. And for urgent plumbing problems, our team is here 24/7 with the solutions and peace of mind that you need, any time of the day or night.
