How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
We’ve all experienced a leaking toilet at one point or another. Whether it’s a constantly running cistern or water leaking from the base of the toilet, it’s a problem that starts slow but leads to water wastage and a rising water bill if not dealt with promptly.
What are the signs of a leaking toilet?
Common indications that your toilet is leaking include the following:
- Water dripping into the toilet bowl
If the water flow from the cistern into the toilet doesn’t stop even after the cistern has filled up, it’s a common sign of a leaking toilet. This is often caused by faulty parts in the cistern. - Water pooling at the base of the toilet
This could be a simple matter of condensation or an actual leak due to worn-out parts. - Water leaking down the side of the toilet
Possible causes of this include cracks in the toilet, which calls for a toilet replacement, or worn-out bolts in the cistern.
What are the causes of a leaking toilet?
Here are a few common culprits:
- A cracked tank or toilet bowl
It doesn’t happen often, but toilets have been known to crack over time. As the crack gets more severe, so will the leak. - Loose or worn-out seals and connections
If your toilet is leaking at the base, it could be due to a faulty seal. Worn-out tank-to-bowl connections—consisting of gaskets, nuts, and bolts—could also be the reason for the toilet leak. - Corroded pipes
Over time, pipes can rust and crack, leading to water leaks around your toilet area. - A faulty flush valve assembly
If the flush valve assembly isn’t working properly, the water will run continuously into the tank, causing an overflow of water into the toilet. - A worn-out flapper or outlet valve
The outlet valve or flapper prevents water in the tank from flowing into the toilet bowl. If it’s malfunctioning, you’ll have a constant stream of water from the cistern into the bowl.
Where are the main leaking points on the toilet?
- Toilet tank or cistern
If you see unexplained moisture on the tank, it’s a sign that it has developed cracks. The moisture can grow into puddles under the tank if the cracks worsen. To confirm that the tank is cracked, pour food colouring into the water in the tank. If you see the colour appear on the surface of the tank or on the bathroom floor, you definitely have a cracked tank.
- The base
Water leaks around the base of the toilet can be due to a number of reasons: worn-out connections where the tank meets the toilet, a leaking water shutoff valve, a worn-out wax ring, etc. - Supply line or inlet pipe
This is the line that connects the supply valve in the wall to the toilet tank, providing the water supply for flushing. The joints of the supply line can weaken or come loose due to wear and tear or physical impact. If the supply line is leaking, you’ll see water pooling near the base of the toilet under the supply line or water running down the wall.
If you suspect that your toilet is leaking, call Active Plumbing to book a professional plumbing inspection today!
You’ll get upfront estimates with no hidden charges, flexible scheduling options, and best of all, a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our workmanship and parts. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Why Active Plumbing
In addition to a free quote or estimate and flexible scheduling options, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our workmanship and parts. To ensure that you can always reach us in emergencies, we’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Is your toilet acting up? Don’t wait, call Active Pumbing for a professional plumbing inspection!