Edmonton, Is Your Toilet Leaking? Identify the Causes

All households in the 21st century are equipped with indoor toilets, and for the most part, we know how they work. When you face difficulties, understanding how a toilet works may seem as complex as the Riemann Hypothesis. If you see a toilet leaking at the base or think the tank is leaking into the bowl, it can be annoying to deal with.

Leaks can cost you thousands of dollars in water damage if leaky toilets are not dealt with right away. Furthermore, toilet leaks aren't exactly clean; they can pose health risks for you and your family. Even though a leak from the toilet tank to the bowl may not cause major damage, it can still result in higher water bills.

What is happening, why is your toilet leaking? What is causing it? How do you make it stop? What is the meaning of life? Great news! By the end of this blog, you'll know the answers to the 3/4 questions above. However, you may have to look inward to find the answer to the last one.

When facing a leaking toilet, don't fret! Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton is always at your service, ready to offer professional tips and high-quality services. Mr. Rooter Plumbing boasts a team of qualified plumbers who are well-versed in tackling all your plumbing needs. While some minor toilet leaks can be resolved with your own efforts, our experts are here to cater to more complex problems. Trust in our team to provide the top-notch services you deserve.

Toilet Leaking in Edmonton: Here’s What We Know About the Causes

Puddling water around your toilet is not normal, and if your socks are soaked by the time, you've finished your business, something is quite wrong. Though not all leaky toilet situations are the same, there are four common problems you should look for. Thoroughly examine every possible location and type of toilet leak to pinpoint the problems and potentially save valuable time and money on plumbing service.

Running Toilet Leaking (Toilet Tank Leaks):

Before you panic about having leaks from your tank to the toilet bowl, it is a common issue in households. The problem is commonly known as a running toilet due to the sound it produces, which gives the impression that your toilet is continuously flushing. Here are the warning signs that show the potential signs of a running toilet:

• Constant sound of running water in your toilet
• Irregular water cycling, sometimes called "phantom flushing"
• The water level in your bowl rises constantly
• Hissing sounds when you flush

Where to Check for Running Toilet Trouble

The best way to check for a running toilet is by removing the toilet tank lid. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Soon the tank will be completely colored, if you see that color coming into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

There are a few potential causes for this leakage, but generally, when a leak occurs, it is best to replace all of the wearable items in the tank as they are all usually due for replacement.

To some a small leak may not seem like a big deal. While the cost of wasted water varies directly with the amount of water wasted, there is a greater risk. If the toilet were to become clogged this water would continue to pass from the tank to the bowl, eventually causing the bowl to overflow and spill onto the bathroom floor. In this scenario (which does happen), the water will continue to overflow until the water is shut off, potentially causing massive damage to the home.

Leaking From the Base

If the bathroom floor surrounding your toilet is sopping wet after use, it's likely that you have a base leak. This could also materialize as dripping or staining on the ceiling below. Here are some common reasons why your toilet base might be leaking and affecting your plumbing:

• Loose T-Bolts: Over time, it is possible for the bolts securing your toilet to the floor to loosen, preventing the wax ring from creating a proper watertight seal. This issue is likely if you notice your toilet shifting or wobbling when you sit on it. By examining the base of the toilet, you should be able to identify these loose bolts. Gently nudge or pull them to see if they move or if the base feels insecurely attached to the floor. While this may or may not be the cause of your water leak, it is undoubtedly a problem that should be resolved. Fortunately, you may be able to tackle this issue yourself with a few basic tools. Simply remove the caps using a screwdriver or putty knife and gradually tighten the bolts, alternating between the left and right sides. Remember not to over-tighten them, as excessive force could potentially damage the porcelain.
• Deteriorated Wax Seal: The base of your toilet contains a wax ring that creates a watertight seal between the fixture and the wastewater pipe. As time goes by, this essential component can deteriorate, leading to excess water leaks each time you flush. Fortunately, the solution is a cost-effective one, typically involving the installation of a new wax seal by your plumber to restore proper functionality.
• Cracked Bowl: If you notice a crack in the porcelain of your toilet bowl, water may leak directly from the bowl before reaching the base. Thoroughly inspect both the inside and outside of the plumbing fixture for any indications of cracks. In order to spot tiny hairline cracks in shiny white porcelain, you may need to utilize a flashlight. Should you discover any cracks, it is essential to have a professional plumber help with a toilet replacement. Sometimes these cracks may only be visible from beneath your toilet, which would require removal and inspection from beneath.

Leaking From A Crack

If you have a porcelain base, chips and cracks are sometimes unpreventable. While a minor cosmetic hairline crack on the exterior of a tank may not seem like a pressing issue, it is crucial to take precautionary measures, especially if the crack is small and does not cause any leaks. Nevertheless, it is advisable to promptly seek the expertise of a licensed plumber to thoroughly investigate any other types of cracks that may be present.

A toilet that is leaking through cracks means the crack goes through both sides, compromising the structural integrity of your toilet. A crack on your tank could lead to a total collapse or break that will cause severe water damage. Book an appointment for toilet repair with Mr. Rooter Plumbing to address this problem, right away. Generally, if you notice a crack in the porcelain, we recommend replacing the toilet as failure could cause significant damage.

Damaged Water Lines

Toilets have their own water supply line to avoid cross-contamination with other drainage lines. If your toilet is leaking, it could be because your water line is leaking too. Bathroom supply lines often go unnoticed because of their inconspicuous location. But if a line behind your toilet cracks, bursts, and breaks, you will notice right away.

Toilets leaking from the water supply line can also be caused by loose fittings, worn washers, or stripped threads in your supply line connections. These lines will connect to your fixture and the wall. If those faults are not the source, then the supply line itself could be cracked or ruptured, requiring a water line replacement.

Professional Help For Toilet Leaking in Edmonton: Mr. Rooter Plumbing

You are truly missing out if you don't choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton for your plumbing issues. We are the plumbing professionals who can assist you with common household plumbing issues like adjusting tank levels and replacing water supply valves.

Contact our customer service to schedule a toilet leak appointment and discover why we're the top plumbers in Edmonton and the surrounding areas of Pleasantview, St. Albert, and Empire Park.