Common Causes of Leaking Toilets & How to Fix Them

Leaking toilets can cause significant disruptions to your household and waste litres worth of water that you end up paying for in your next water bill. These are just three top reasons why you should address this issue quickly.

You can minimise disruptions, water wastage and save money all by just knowing the common reasons why your toilet leaks and how to fix them. In this blog, we’ll give you all the information you need to do just that.

Identifying the Source of the Leaking Toilet

One of the first steps in fixing a leaking toilet is being able to identify which component is causing the leak. Leaks can often occur around the base of the toilet, from the tank into the bowl or from the flushing mechanism, the location of the leak will provide important insights into what is causing it.

To help you get started, here are 6 of the most common toilet leaks, their causes and how you can address them:

1. Worn Out Flapper Valve

The most common cause of toilet leaks is a worn-out flapper valve. When the rubber on the flapper valve wears out it can allow water to continuously seep into the bowl. You can generally fix this leak by purchasing a new flapper valve at your local hardware store and installing it as per the included guidelines. Just be sure to make note of your toilet model and purchase a compatible valve.

2. Faulty Wax Ring

A faulty wax seal is another common cause of toilet leaks, especially around the base of the toilet. There will be a wax ring sealing the connection between your toilet and the floor drain, but if it’s not installed correctly it can cause water to pool around the base of your toilet.

This can be simply fixed by replacing the seal, however, unfortunately, you will need to lift the toilet to do this, so it’s best left to the professionals. Professional plumbers will also be able to ensure that the new seal is installed correctly to prevent future leaks or issues.

3. Loose or Faulty Water Supply Line

Next is the water supply line. Similarly to number 2, a loose or faulty water supply line can cause water to drip or pool around the base of your toilet. You can check for leaks by inspecting the pipe for cracks or damage or if it is loose. If it’s loose you can simply tighten it with a wrench, however, if it is damaged you will need to replace the line. 

To ensure a secure seal with no further leakage, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to complete replacements or repairs.

4. Cracks in the Tank or Bowl

This should be a little more obvious to the untrained eye than the previous issues, however, it’s still easy to overlook. But, if you do notice any cracks in your tank or bowl, it’s important to replace the toilet as soon as possible, regardless of whether it has started to leak or not. 

Leaks from toilet bowls can be hazardous as they won’t just leak clean water, so it’s essential to contact a qualified plumber to complete the necessary replacement in a timely manner.

5. Overfilled Float Cup or Ball

Another common cause of toilet leaks is an overfilled float cup or ball. The float cup or ball is responsible for controlling the water level of the tank. So, if it’s set too high it can cause water to spill into the overflow tube and continually leak. However, if it’s set too low your toilet won’t fill enough to be able to flush effectively. 

You can simply adjust the float to the correct level by bending the arm or adjusting the screw, depending on the type of float your toilet has.

6. Corroded Flush Valve Seal

Finally, a corroded valve seal at the bottom of the tank can cause water to leak into the bowl. Valve seals can corrode over time due to continued exposure to the minerals in the water, so it’s important to check it periodically to ensure it is in good condition.

If it is worn out, you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store and install it as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Minimise Leaking Toilets in Your Home

Knowing the signs and common issues will help you address leaking toilets promptly can minimise disruptions and water wastage and keep your water bills where they should be. So, if your toilet springs a leak be sure to check for the above signs and think twice about the issue before attempting DIYs; it is always better to contact a professional plumber for expert repairs and replacements where necessary.

Additionally, regular maintenance can help to catch issues before they turn into a leak, saving you time and stress. If your toilet is having issues, contact our experienced team at Tropical Coast Plumbing to schedule maintenance or repairs.