Calling for water leak repair is urgent whenever you have a leaky toilet. Fortunately, this type of plumbing problem is usually easy to spot.
How To Tell If Your Toilet Is Leaking
- A steady drip
- Puddling on the bathroom floor
- Constant or frequent running
- Loud groaning in the pipes
- Rippling around the edges of the water in the bowl
In some cases, however, a leaky toilet isn’t so readily obvious. You might not even realize you have an issue until you see an unexpected spike in your water bill. Luckily, a simple test can detect a leaky toilet and getting the problem fixed won’t cost an arm and a leg.
How To Check For A Leaky Toilet
To find out if your toilet has a hidden water leak, food coloring is all you need. Place a few drops in the tank, then wait for about a half-hour – but don’t flush! When time’s up, check the water in the bowl. If any food coloring has seeped inside, you may have a leaky toilet.
For a quick DIY toilet repair, you can try cleaning the flapper, as built-up sediment or rust could be the source of the problem. But, if it fails a second food coloring, it’s time to call a plumber for leak repair.
How Much Can A Toilet Leak Cost You?
A minor toilet leak might not seem like a big deal, but you’ll probably think otherwise after the water bill arrives. According to the EPA, the average household has water leaks that amount to over 10,000 gallons in waste every year. And, if you have a toilet leak, you could end up wasting 200 gallons every day! The longer you go without plumbing repair, the more the problem will cost you in wasted water.
What Causes A Toilet To Leak From The Bottom?
If your toilet’s wax seal has broken down or certain components are loose, such as the t-bolts, the result can be a leak at the base of your toilet. Other possible causes of a leaky toilet can include: damage to the toilet’s tank or bowl, issues with the fill valve or flapper, or pipes that have begun to corrode. It is typically recommended you consult with a professional plumber to best determine the cause of the leak and the repair that is needed to resolve the issue.
Can You Fix A Leaky Toilet On Your Own?
If you’re handy and have the right tools, you might be able to tackle some toilet leak repairs on your own. Some jobs, like replacing a flapper or wax ring, don’t require specialized expertise or equipment. That said, determining the reason for your toilet leak may not be so simple. And, if you aren’t careful when repairing a leaky toilet, you could actually make the plumbing problem worse – and more costly to fix.
If you think you might have a toilet leak, the experienced professional plumbers at American Plumbing offers free consultations and water leak repair estimates to homeowners in Utah, Salt Lake, and the surrounding counties.
American Plumbing Services is known for providing expert workmanship and exceptional customer service at an affordable price. To schedule a professional water leak repair assessment, contact our Provo office today.
