It’s safe to say that you don’t pay that much attention to the toilets in your home. You use them, clean them, and hope that they work as intended. However, there may come a point when you realize that your toilet isn’t working as expected. Adding to this, there’s a chance you could find water on the floor around your toilet. This requires your immediate attention, and not just because you need to use your toilet. If you don’t fix the leak, it could cause extensive damage to your home, such as wood rot, mildew, and mold. There are many causes of a leaking toilet. Understanding each and every one will help you take the necessary action, should the time come.
1. Leaking Supply Line
There’s a supply line that runs from the wall or floor to your toilet. If the connection isn’t tight and/or the supply line wears out, it could result in a leak.[i] The only plus side of this problem is that it’s a relatively simple problem to fix. Replacing the supply line is all it takes.
2. Broken Toilet Tank
You expect your toilet tank to last forever. And while it’s designed to do so, things can and probably will happen that put it at risk of breaking. For example, if you accidentally strike the tank with a heavy object, it could result in a crack. Even if it doesn’t lead to an immediate leak, the crack will eventually grow.
3. Internal Parts
If you’ve ever looked inside a toilet tank, you know there are quite a few parts. Some leaks associated with internal parts are easier to deal with than others, but all of them can cause damage to your home and an increase in your water bill. A stuck flapper can lead to a leak, as the fill valve will continue to send water to the tank. Soon enough, the water reaches the top of the tank and begins to spill over. Just the same, a warped fill valve can cause similar circumstances. If the valve malfunctions, it may not shut off completely. And when that happens, your toilet can begin to leak.
What Should You Do?
If you spot any water leaking from your toilet, turn off the supply line that runs to it. This guarantees that the leak will eventually stop (once you’ve drained the rest of the water from the tank). From there, it’s time to diagnose the problem and find a solution. If it’s something you can fix on your own, such as swapping out a warped internal part, do so and then test your toilet for leaks. Conversely, if you don’t have the experience or knowledge necessary to find a solution, don’t hesitate to contact a Boston plumber.
At Boston Standard Plumbing, we know how frustrating it is to find that your toilet is leaking. Fortunately, we’ve seen it all, so one of our experienced team members can visit your home and provide the service you require.
Categories:
Toilets
