7 Ways How To Fix A Leaking Toilet

Unfortunately, toilets leak! Finding a leaking toilet is a nuisance above everything else. However, there can be more significant consequences if you don’t address this leak as soon as possible. Many different factors can cause a leaky toilet, such as an issue with the water supply tube and more. This issue can also result from a cracked tank or supply tube, rusted pipes, a deteriorated flapper, etcetera.

If you have a problematic toilet, we always recommend having it identified and addressed as soon as possible. This can minimize the headache and costs that could be a result of waiting. This article will provide seven ways to help you fix this minor (but annoying) plumbing issue.

We want you to prolong the lifespan of your home and the plumbing system, including the supply tube, fill valve, shutoff valve, and toilet tank. By being mindful of your plumbing issues, you can avoid costly repairs. If you want to learn how to fix a leaking toilet, we can help.

Downsides of A Leaky Toilet

As we mentioned above, a leaky toilet can have more significant issues. Most commonly, this can lead to damage or higher costs. To avoid these from happening, it’s time to fix leaking toilets. 

Whether your toilet has an issue with lift, the flush, fill valve, volts, drain, flange, or nuts, you’ll want to address this. This may require replacing the entire toilet or it may be an easy fix, such as tightening a bolt.

Damage

One factor in life that can be highly detrimental is water. Water can lead to the deterioration of your floor, water supply tube, piping, and drywall. All of this can be costly to renovate. Needless to say, a toilet leaking is a major problem.

We don’t want your floor to become damage by leaks. This can result in you having to install new flooring. You would have to lift your existing floor and install new floor. To avoid this, it’s best to get your leaks looked at in a timely manner.

Mess

Nobody wants to have towels laying on the floor all of the time. Having a leaky toilet can lead to a large mess, especially if it is a problem with the fill valve.

Mold

Water in dark and cool places can begin to grow mold and mildew. Not only do these have an unpleasant odor, but they can cause health concerns. Black mold, for example, is a hazardous mold that can result in health problems, such as headaches, chronic coughing, and eye irritation. If you suspect mold building in your house, it’s essential to get that accessed. 

Being mindful of these problems is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Bacteria, such as black mold, can even lead to your house being unsafe to live in.

Inconvenience

Having a bathroom that works is essential! With that, you want to be able to have a hot shower, drain water, avoid leaks, and flush your toilet. When any of these aren’t working, it can be incredibly annoying.

Cost of Repair

As mentioned, water damage can cause damage to other structures in your home that are more concerning than your toilet. Furthermore, leaving a leak for too long can cause it to seep through the flooring and the ceiling on the lower floor. This will have to be replaced if you get water damage in your drywall and flooring. 

Thankfully, you can purchase a toilet repair kit to get the job done! By spending a few extra hours fixing your home, you can avoid even bigger issues down the road.

Cost of Water Bill

If you notice that your water bill has begun increasing, this can also be a sign of a toilet leak. This can be due to a faulty fill valve.

The Most Important Step: Finding the Leak

To fix toilet leaks, you have to find it and what it’s caused by. Take some time to see exactly where the leak is and what’s causing it.

Finding the leak may be a difficult feat. You’ll have to take a look at the flange, nuts, bolts, valve, and more.

One way to identify where the leak is coming from is to put food coloring in your toilet tank. If you begin to see the coloring seep into the bowl, this means that there is a leak between these two structures. Look for issues such as excess water or water pooling.

You may also find the water coming from the bottom of the tank or around the bowl. Water under the tank may mean that the washers are deteriorated or loose. You can also identify this if the bolt spins. The water around the bowl could indicate an issue with the wax seal. 

Some common areas that may be the place of the leak include:

• Closet flange

• Refill tube

• Tank lid

• Overflow tube

• Toilet flapper

• Water supply valve

• Flush valve

• Shutoff valve

• Fill valve

If you suspect any of these issues, you may need to install a new component. Identify what is the issue, and then go to the hardware store to pick up a new bolt, nut, valve, or flange if necessary.

Straightforward Process to 7 Ways to Fix A Leaking Toilet

Now that you’ve identified where the toilet leak is coming from (and hopefully the cause of it), you’re ready to start fixing it. We will identify seven things you can do to fix your toilet. 

Before starting, you will want to organize supplies. This may include new bolts, nut, flange, pipe, putty knife, or more. The damage that you see will determine whether you have to replace or repair the damage.

Assess Toilet Tank and Toilet Bowl

Before starting the hard repairs, assess the outer appearance of the toilet. This will involve looking at the tank and bowl. Are there are cracks? Any superficial damage may require a new toilet in itself. By identifying this, you will save time.

Another thing that can cause a leak is a poor installation of the lid. Take a look around the lid to ensure that it is installed properly and tightly. Otherwise, some water can leak out upon flushing. These small issues can make a big impact as you fix your toilet.

Check Water Supply Tube

The water supply tube has a big job! This is exactly why you want to make sure that it isn’t an issue with the water supply. If that’s the case, we recommend getting a plumber in to make sure that the flush valve and flange are working properly. Otherwise, the plumber may have to consider replacing this.

Tighten Tee Bolts

The toilet bowl is secured to the ground with two bolts. These bolts are referred to as tee bolts. If these bolts loosen, it can cause rocking in the toilet. If you notice that your toilet leaks, this could be the culprit.

Suppose you notice that these tee bolts aren’t tight or that the toilet rocks when you sit on them; it means that you should tighten them. This is an effortless task! Simply take an adjustable wrench or screwdriver (depending on the type of bolts you have) and tighten them. 

Unfortunately, if the rocking of the toilet occurs for too long, your wax ring may be broken.

This often is the cause of the problem.

If this is the case, try the next step. 

Replace the Wax Ring with a New Wax Ring

Wax is used, as it is bacteria resistant. The wax ring secures the toilet bowl and creates a water barrier. Wax rings often have a pretty good lifespan and are inexpensive to purchase. 

If you need to replace the wax ring, follow these steps:

• Turn off the water line by twisting the water valve in a clockwise direction

• Drain the toilet of all the water supply

• Drain or flush the toilet and get rid of water in the tank

• Remove the bolts

• Detach the toilet completely 

• Move the toilet out of the way

• Address any floor damage that may have occurred

• Prepare the toilet flange

• Remove the existing wax ring 

• Replace bolts

• Attach the new wax ring

• Position the toilet into place

• Replace bolts

• Reconnect the toilet by simply tightening water supply line

• Use caulk for watertight seal

• Flush the toilet and ensure the water level is appropriate

Reconnect Water Supply Line

A loose water supply line can result in a toilet leak or a poor water level. If this is the case, check the supply line. It should connect to the tank securely. Both the nut and the rubber stopper should be tight and attached properly. If there is any leaking here, completely detach and reattach the waterline.

A putty knife can make detaching the toilet much easier.

Reinstall the Toilet to Bathroom Floor

The toilet may have become loose over time. This can cause leaking. Though this is frustrating, it is an easy fix. You’ll need some time, a wrench, a screwdriver, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves, and caulk. If you’re wondering how to fix a leaking toilet by reinstalling it, this point is for you.

Completely disconnect the toilet tank and reinstall it. Make sure to thoroughly clean the bathroom after and use safety wear, such as gloves. While doing this, we recommend also replacing the wax seal. You can find different YouTube videos to help you with this process. 

If your toilet leaks, you may also replace the flush valve, old gasket, bolts, flange, or pipe. If this is too complicated, you can call a professional plumber to assist with the job. Taking the time to completely reinstall a toilet can be daunting. Thankfully, there are certified and licensed tradesmen that can help you with this project.

If you need a new toilet, they can be purchased from your local hardware store or online. We recommend doing some research on different models and styles. This will ensure that you are happy with your purchase for years to come!

Why does the toilet leak from the base?

This usually results after the seal in the toilet has failed. How can one install and maintain a new wax lining on a bathroom wall or in the closet?

Damaged Seal

Water in the toilet base may indicate that the sealing seal was damaged. But sometimes this is something different. Take a sponge and rinse the toilet with towels. Check for puddles of water under the toilet before entering a new one, this will be checked.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for toilets to leak from the base. While this may be alarming, it doesn’t have to be! Over time, different items within the toilet structure will deteriorate. This will require occasional maintenance. This can be expected for any homeowner. If you are experiencing this, do not panic. Just take the time to assess the situation and provide the best solution for your family.

Call A Professional Plumber

If all else fails, call a professional plumber! Sometimes toilet leaks can be tricky, or some homeowners don’t want to DIY. That’s okay! There are licensed plumbers that can help. If you have a difficult time solving the problem, or identifying the leak, or if you just don’t have the time, we can help. Call our team today, and we will book an appointment to help fix your leak.

If you aren’t equipped to fix a leaking toilet on your own, then it sometimes is better to call in the professionals. By doing the wrong things (or tightening bolts too much, etc.), you risk causing more damage. Though many people can DIY a toilet tank problem, some people cannot. This is why there are companies that you can rely on that can help!