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Why is My Toilet Leaking? Here Are the Top 3 Reasons

We’ve all been there. You look at your basement floor and ask “why is my toilet leaking?” A leaky toilet can be much more than a nuisance. It can cause all sorts of problems, such as damage to your flooring, subfloor, or ceilings. Catching the problem early can prevent costly repairs down the line. That will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. Some of these issues are pretty simple to handle, while some are pretty messy.

If DIY isn’t your thing, or if your water damage is already extensive, we invite you to contact the on-time and family-friendly craftsmen from ProMaster. We deal with these types of problems every day. We’d would love to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing a repair is completed properly. Check out these three reasons for your leaky toilet.

Why is My Toilet Leaking? 3 Reasons:

Reason #1: The Supply Line

Beneath your toilet you will notice a shut off valve and supply line that delivers water into the tank. Both the supply line and valve have the potential to leak over time as connections or seals wear out. If you notice water dripping down the supply line, or from the valve itself, this is likely the cause of your leak. Sometimes these issues can be resolved by simply tightening the connections on the supply line. Other times it is necessary to replace the line or the valve to prevent further leaks and water damage.

Reason #2: Bolts and Gaskets

The connection point between your toilet tank and toilet bowl can be another problem area when asking “why is my toilet leaking?” The bowl and tank are connected by two bolts that can loosen over time. Additionally the rubber washers on these bolts, or the rubber gasket between the tank and bowl, can become damaged or brittle. This can also be the cause of a leak. While tightening the bolts will sometimes stop the link, it may be best to replace the bolts, the bolt washers, and the gasket to ensure that the problem is solved. This extra bit of precaution can keep you from performing multiple repairs for the same leak.

Reason #3: The Toilet Flange & Wax Ring

If you are noticing water around the base of your toilet, or have water stains on the ceiling below an upstairs bathroom, this is likely the result of issues with your toilet’s flange or wax ring. The “closet flange” is the connection point between your toilet’s outgoing waste and your home’s plumbing. If this flange is damaged, off level, or improperly sealed, your toilet could leak. Additionally, unlike our previous two issues, this is a dirty water leak. That means it’s extra important to resolve quickly. The most common repair for this type of leak is to replace the wax ring that creates the seal between the toilet and flange. There are also foam products that can take the place of the traditional wax ring. While this isn’t always the most fun DIY job a homeowner can pursue, it can save you a ton of time and money in wood rot or drywall repair down the line.

Toilet Repair in Cincinnati

If you’re sick of asking “why is my toilet leaking,” and need a repair, or  if you already have water damage caused by a plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to contact ProMaster. Our professional craftsmen have a ton of experience repairing wood rot and other types of water damage, so you know that the job will be done right the first time. Feel free to fill out the “Reach Out” form below, schedule online, or call 513-322-2914. Our Home Repair Heroes would love the opportunity to assist you however we can, to help you make your home a better place to live.

Comments

  1. I recently noticed my toilet was actually sinking into the floor! After removing the toilet I saw how extensive the damage was. The floor all around the toilet and especially behind it was rotten. It looked like the toilet could have fallen through at any time! As I looked at the closet flange I noticed one wax ring still in good condition and part of another wax ring was stuck under the good one. In my humble experience, i have never seen a wax ring that wasn’t squished. This ring looked like it was barely making contact, and the piece of another ring was really strange. It looks like I didn’t have a good seal. Maybe the wax ring wasn’t thick enough? I had to replace a portion of the subfloor and floor. Now i have to put down underlayment and linoleum.

  2. There are various causes behind toilet leak, it could be due to condensation on the bowl, bathrooms usually get very humid especially during and after a shower which can often cause condensation to drip on your toilet. The leakage could also be due to cracked bow, although toilets are built to last for years, but cracks do sometimes develop on them over time. Often times this will start as a hairline crack that develops into something more severe. Therefore, it is recommended to call in a professional, before the problem further intensifies.

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