The Most Common Causes Of A Leaky Toilet

Proper maintenance of all parts of your house is essential for you as a homeowner. This way, your property is more comfortable for you and your loved ones to live in. As you take care of your home, you may notice issues with your plumbing and other systems. It’s best to ensure prompt repairs once you identify any problems. This prevents issues from worsening, helping you maintain a livable home. 

A leaky toilet is one of the concerns most homeowners encounter. This may be an external or internal issue. Water dripping on the outer parts of your toilet can cause flooding in your bathroom, leading to water damage. On the other hand, an internal leak can result in significant water waste and an expensive water bill. 

Therefore, fixing a leaky toilet immediately is essential. Some plumbing issues may be easy for a homeowner to handle. However, some aren’t and may require a professional. If you need an expert to fix your toilet, contact reliable plumbers like Water Workx. You can also find professional plumbers by researching online or asking for recommendations from trusted friends. 

Understanding the common causes of toilet leaks is important as it helps you prevent extensive damage. Below are some reasons you may encounter external or internal toilet leaks: 

1. A Damaged Tank

Toilet tanks hold water used to flush. In most cases, this part is made of strong materials like porcelain, making it robust and durable. However, tanks sometimes break or crack due to prolonged stress, causing water leakage. Water may also drip from this component if the rubber gasket underneath is worn out.

If you notice toilet tank damage, repair it as soon as possible, so the issue doesn’t worsen. Prompt restorations will also prevent mold growth that may cause allergic symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and headaches. 

You can use a sealant to fix a damaged toilet tank. However, this is a temporary solution to prevent significant water waste. Call a plumber afterward. They know the best ways to repair this plumbing component. If the water tank is too old or the damage is severe, they may advise and help you to replace it.  

2. A Cracked Bowl

Like toilet tanks, most bowls are made of robust materials like ceramic ware or porcelain, but they can still crack. If this happens, clean or waste water will leak onto the floor. If not corrected, this issue can cause significant damage, requiring you to undertake a complete floor replacement or other expensive repairs.

In case of a hairline crack on your toilet bowl, applying a sealant may help prevent the damage from becoming severe. This may only temporarily solve the issue, so you need a plumber to ensure proper repairs. However, replacing the bowl may be the best solution if it has extensive damage. 

3. Corroded Pipes

The pipes supplying water to your toilet bowl can rust over time. This will cause water to drip or flood around the toilet. 

You may experience this issue if your plumbing system is too old. In this case, the remedy is to replace the corroded pipes immediately. Hire an emergency plumber to perform this task. 

Since they’re well-trained and have possibly installed new water lines many times, they’ll do a quick and more efficient job. Besides, they know the best types of pipes and where to buy them. So, they can get you high-quality products that last longer.  

4. Faulty Connections

A toilet has various connections that enable it to function properly. These links can disconnect, causing leaks. Faulty toilet connections can result from gaskets, bolts, and nuts loosening or wearing out. 

If you suspect that bowl-to-tank or other links are faulty, establish if the securing elements are loose. If this is the case, fastening is an easy remedy to consider. However, if the connectors are worn out, call an expert to replace them.  

5. Condensation

If none of the above issues are causing your toilet leak, the problem may be condensation. Bathrooms become humid and wet during and after taking a hot shower. When the humid and warm air comes into contact with the cool bowl or tank, it will cause small water droplets to form on these surfaces. 

Condensation shouldn’t worry you as it only causes small water drips that look like leaks. If it’s a concern, a plumber can fix this issue by insulating your toilet. 

Final Thoughts

Toilet leaks can lead to significant water waste or ruin your bathroom flooring. Therefore, it’s best to resolve them immediately. It’s also helpful to understand the common causes of leaky toilets, such as a damaged tank, a cracked bowl, corroded pipes, faulty connections, and condensation, along with the corresponding solutions. 

Some issues may be easy to fix, while others are more complicated and best left to the professionals.