The average American seems to flush the toilet four to five times per day. For a family of four, this could mean your toilet endures over 16 flushes each day.
Noticing a problem with any part of this plumbing system can raise some serious concerns. While a plumber can get costly, you need the porcelain throne in working order, or things may get messy.
Read on to learn what to do when you suspect a leaking toilet.
Check for Signs of an Actual Water Leak
When you see water on the bathroom floor, it could potential come from several areas. Maybe somebody stepped out of the shower to use the potty. Or, maybe one of the kids got reckless with the sink water.
To make sure. Write down the number on your water meter, and then shut the water off for a few hours. If you come back to a higher number, then you are dealing with a leak.
Stop Using Your Toilet
Do not continue to use your toilet if you notice a leak. It could worsen the problem, make a mess, and create unsanitary conditions in your bathroom. Use another bowl until you fix those leaking pipes.
Understand the Anatomy of Your Toilet
We don’t often think about the intricacies of a toilet. But, if you want to find a leak, you should know what to look for with each of the parts that could contribute:
Inside the Tank
The inside of the toilet tank contains several moving parts. Fortunately, issues with these usually come with an easy fix. This will only cause clean water to leak.
Check that the float ball did not fill with water and sink below the waterline. This would cause the ball cock to not stop the water flow, causing a leak from the lid. Also, check the overflow tube to make sure it properly drains the water.
Gasket
Look to see if the water seeps from leaking pipes beneath the tank. This could indicate a dysfunctional gasket.
The gasket connects the tank to the toilet bowl. This should also only leak clean water coming from the tank.
T-Bolts
Water leaking from floor level could indicate a simple problem with the T-Bolts. These bolts attach the toilet to the floor.
They may or may not be hidden beneath a plastic cover at the base of your toilet. Tighten the bolts or replace them if they appear rusty or broken.
Wax Ring
Water leaking out from the bottom of your toilet could also indicate an issue with the wax ring. This round structure seals the connection between your toilet drain and sewer pipe.
Often with this issue, the water leaks beneath the floor. If not taken care of promptly, you may need to replace your flooring.
Call for Sewer Repair
If you cannot identify the source of your plumbing issues or fix the problem alone, then call for a sewer repair service. Do not let the issue go, because it will only grow into a more costly issue. A plumber can quickly find the leak and fix it up for you.
Do You Have a Leaking Toilet?
If you suspect a leaking toilet, don’t panic. Assess the situation, stop using it for now, and fix what you can. Call a plumbing service for help when necessary.
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