Not all toilet leaks are an emergency, but most can turn into one if you don’t get a fast repair. Leaky toilets are a leading cause of water damage, high water bills and mold growth. You might be able to fix some leaks yourself while others will require professional help from one of our experienced bathroom plumbers.
Cracked Toilet Tank
If your tank has even a hairline crack in it, water will slowly leak out. The larger the crack becomes, the larger the leak grows. Eventually, the crack will fully split, flooding the bathroom as water rushes out. Cracks usually stem from aging porcelain, hard impacts or overtightening of the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl. There is no simple way to fix a cracked tank. A plumber will have to replace the whole toilet to restore proper function and prevent further leaks.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
A cracked toilet bowl is just as bad as a cracked tank, especially if the crack is low near the base. The crack will grow larger over time, eventually leading to major leaks or even structural failure of the bowl. You might be able to seal small cracks with certain sealants to provide a temporary fix. However, the best thing to do is call a plumber to replace the toilet.
Loose or Worn Tank Bolts
A dripping noise between the tank and bowl means you need to check the tank bolts. They serve the purpose of keeping the tank secured to the base, but they can become loose or corroded. Tightening them may fix the leak—just make sure not to overtighten them. You may also need to replace the rubber washers if they look cracked or worn-out.
Leaky Fill Valve
The fill valve on a toilet is responsible for refilling the tank after each flush and maintaining the correct water level. It prevents overflow, which is crucial for avoiding water waste and potential damage to your bathroom floor. If you hear a hissing noise or notice the toilet constantly runs, there might be something wrong with the valve. You can look inside the tank to check it for wear, buildup or misalignment. Sometimes, replacing the valve will resolve the leak issue and restore normal function.
Worn-Out Flapper Valve
The flapper is a rubber part of the toilet that lifts up every time you flush. It then drops back down when the tank empties to seal the water from leaking into the bowl. The more you use the toilet, the more wear the flapper endures. As time passes, it may warp or crack, preventing it from sealing properly. If the seal becomes too damaged, the toilet may even leak. Constant running, ghost flushing and weak flushes are the most common warning signs of a flapper problem. Replacing this part when it wears out is a simple way to prevent leaks and other toilet issues.
Overflow Tube Leak
Almost all newer toilets come with an overflow tube that keeps the tank from overfilling. When it malfunctions, the toilet may leak, run nonstop or flush irregularly. The continuous overflow will waste a lot of water, also impacting your water bills. Adjusting the fill level may solve the issue. If the tube has a crack in it, a plumber will need to replace the entire overflow assembly.
Faulty Wax Ring Seal
Your toilet connects to a drainpipe in the floor. It has a wax ring that seals the base of the toilet so water doesn’t leak. When this ring cracks or wears out, water and sewer gases may leak into your home. Trying to replace the wax ring is not something you should tackle yourself. It requires careful removal of the toilet, installation of a new wax ring and repositioning to ensure a tight, leak-free seal.
Supply Line Connection Leak
The toilet has a supply line that connects to your home’s water supply. Vibration and regular usage over time may cause the line to become loose, which can lead to a leak. Worn washers connected to the line may also crack or deteriorate, allowing water to escape. You can tighten the connection and replace corroded fittings or washers to stop the leak and restore proper function.
Midstate Plumbing & Air ‘s plumbers have advanced tools and knowledge to fix leaks of all types. We are your go-to local plumbing company for water leaks, toilet leaks, faucet leaks and more. Call Midstate Plumbing & Air now to get professional toilet leak repair in Bridgeport, WV.
