Common Causes of Toilet Leaks

No one wants to come home to a puddle of water on the bathroom floor. Nevertheless, this is a common problem that occurs because of leaky toilets. Whether you have an older home with an equally aged bathroom or a new home with new plumbing, you could face a toilet leak at some point in time. Here are some of the most common causes of toilet leaks, along with some suggestions for how to fix them.

Loose or Broken Float Assembly

The float assembly in the tank of your toilet is responsible for controlling the water flowing into the toilet. If this is not working properly, you may experience a slow, steady leak inside your toilet bowl that will cause your water bill to rise. A dysfunctional float assembly may also cause the back of the toilet to overflow, which will create that dreaded pool of water on the floor. You may be able to tighten the arm that controls the plastic ball with a simple screwdriver. If that does not work, you will need to consider replacing the float assembly or adjusting another component of it.

Rust, Clogs and Corrosion in Your Pipes

One of the most common causes of toilet leaks is clogged pipes. Rusty and corroded pipes are common in older homes. Over time, the impurities in the water can cause the pipes to wear down from the inside out. You may not notice this inside your home, as the piping could be leaking underneath the house or in another area. If your water bill is unexpectedly high though, you may consider getting a plumbing inspection to check for leaks in the pipes. If there are any leaks there, you can talk to your plumber about replacing the affected piping to fix the problem.

Cracked Tank or Toilet Bowl

Cracks in tanks and toilet bowls are more common than you might think. This may only cause a small leak at first, but it will get worse with continual pressure from using the toilet. It is best to repair these issues right away. In some cases, the cracks can be sealed, but that may not provide a permanent solution to the problem. It would be best to consider replacing the toilet at that point to avoid more disastrous results in the future.

Worn Washers and Bolts

There are two large bolts on the sides of your toilet that anchor it to the floor. If the bolts, washers, or gaskets around these areas wear down, they can create a leak from the base of the toilet. This may go unnoticed at first until you see mold or rust forming around the bottom of the commode. At that time, you should consider replacing the bolt assembly to prevent further wear.

Leaking from under the toilet

Most plumbers choose not to caulk around the base of a toilet because that can hide leaks caused by a bad wax ring. Usually, any waste water that escapes the wax ring drops downward but if the water leaking around the toilet is obviously waste water, you could have a leaky wax ring that requires resealing. Leaks from anywhere under the toilet need to be addressed so that damage to the adjacent floor does not occur.

Other causes of toilet leaks

There are a number of other causes of toilet leaks, from faulty fill valves to obstructed overflow tubes and more. If you cannot easily identify the source of the problem or you have a difficult time fixing it on your own, call in a professional plumber to get the job done right. Here at Abbott’s Plumbing, we offer complete plumbing inspections and upfront pricing, so you know exactly what it will take to get your leaky toilet back in working order. Whether it’s a small part that needs to be replaced or an entire toilet, our expert plumbers have the tools and knowledge to complete the task at hand. Contact us for any toilet leaks.