A leaky toilet is one of the most common problems that require plumbing service among Boston homes, both new and old. While it may not be the biggest repair challenge you face as a homeowner, it’s important to take fast action. To start, you want to pinpoint the cause of your leaky toilet. Top causes include:
- Leaking supply line
- Internal parts, such as the flapper
- Broken toilet tank
Sometimes it’s easy to find the cause. Other times you need to inspect every part of the toilet until you find the culprit. Either way, don’t give up until you find what you’re looking for. This isn’t the type of problem that goes away on its own.
How to Fix a Leaky Toilet Flapper
The process of fixing a leaky toilet flapper is straightforward. Here are the steps you should take:
- Turn off the water at the supply line and empty the tank
- Remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one
- Inspect the tank ball and replace it, if necessary
- Turn the water on and check your work
Depending on the model of the toilet, finding a compatible replacement flapper is often easier said than done. You may need to consult with a professional to find one that works.
How to Fix a Leaky Toilet Valve
A leaky toilet valve has the potential to cause serious damage to your home, as the water is not contained in the toilet tank. If you haven’t already done so, turn off the valve. Should you be unable to do so, turn off the water at the main shut off valve for your home. The first thing you should do is tighten the packing nut with groove joint pliers. Don’t go too far, though. A one-eighth of an inch clockwise turn will do the trick. If that works, you’re back in business. If it doesn’t, it’s time to replace the entire valve. This is a much more detailed process, especially for homeowners with no plumbing experience.
How Much Water Does a Leaky Toilet Use?
This depends on many factors but as a general rule of thumb, a running toilet can leak roughly one gallon of water per hour or 24 gallons per day. Over the course of a month, this works out to 720 gallons of water.
What’s the Average Cost to Repair a Leaky Toilet?
According to Porch, the national average cost to repair a leaky toilet is $94.07. However, that only takes into consideration materials, not the labor of a plumbing professional. When you add that in, the average price is $225. If a toilet in your home is leaking and you don’t have the knowledge, time, or desire to troubleshoot and repair the problem on your own, it’s time to call on a professional.
At Boston Standard Plumbing, we’ve repaired thousands of leaky toilets in Boston over the years. We’re happy to visit your home, diagnose the cause, and put an end to your leak once and for all.
Categories:
DIY Plumbing
