The toilet is one of the most important fixtures in any place, whether in a home or an office. Luckily, it’s also rather low-maintenance and only requires getting cleaned and disinfected regularly. However, the moment there’s a problem with it, there’s no overlooking the issue. A leak can lead to bigger issues: pooling water, the walls ending up close to ruin, and the floor getting damaged.
Another major result can be the internal pump running non-stop. It has the dual negative effect of the utility bill rising per month and water getting wasted—basically, a whole lot of bad stuff.
Read on to learn more about the usual causes of a leaking toilet:
Leaking Toilet? The Flapper Is Probably Damaged.
Until it’s flushed, the water held up in a toilet’s tank will stay there. The flushing motion leads to the tank’s flapper lifting for water to flow into the bowl. The interior gets protected against bacteria and stains that way. Whether the flapper is made from plastic or rubber, it should be able to hold a seal for the tank water to stay. That way, there’s a clear barrier between the bowl and tank. As soon as the flapper goes back to resting, water fills the tank again for the next use.
By principle, flappers are quite simple, but they’re not without risk of damage. As time passes, it can be subjected to wear and tear, such as breaks, cracks, or warping. In those cases, water flowing between the bowl and tank are out of control. Tank water will then unnecessarily leak into the bowl—the “silent leak,” as many plumbers say. Despite the name, there’s a certain sound of trickling to it.
The term comes from the difficulty in realizing there’s a leak in the first place. People usually figure out they have it when it’s too late, symbolized by a higher-than-usual water bill. Pay extra attention after you flush to any water-related sounds from your toilet. A filled bowl shouldn’t have trickling water anymore.
Leaking Toilet? The Supply Line Might Be Cracked.
A cold-water supply line is usually what brings water to toilet tanks. The line is generally a closed system ensuring air doesn’t seep in and, in turn, water doesn’t seep out. A crack or two can appear in the supply line due to high-water pressure or as the years go on. There’s bound to be water around the toilet on the floor. Extreme cases will lead to a full-on flood.
Leaking Toilet? The Tank Likely Has Problems.
The tank might be damaged somehow if there’s water around your commode. This issue is particularly problematic because the best solution is for a new toilet to be installed. Yes, addressing the leak can happen by using putty and sealants. However, just getting an upgrade altogether is best for peace of mind and less hassle down the line.
Conclusion
When a toilet leaks, it cannot and should not be ignored. There are a number of common causes for this. The flapper is probably damaged, the supply line might be cracked, and the tank likely has problems. When you notice a leaking toilet, call a plumber right away!
Looking for a plumbing company in Columbiana, AL to address your leaking toilet? Professor Plumb is here for you! With over 20 years of experience, we can do new installations as well as plumbing and gas services.