If you flush your toilet and it’s leaking, it’s an unpleasant experience. We tend to take our plumbing systems for granted and when they stop working, it’s always a surprise. The first step is to call your local certified plumber for professional help. But you need to determine if the leak is at the base or the toilet tank because these are two very different problems. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when you’re dealing with this issue.
What is the Cause of a Toilet Leak?
If you’ve ever wondered what causes toilet leaks, you may be surprised to learn that there are two main causes. If you’ve noticed water pouring through the ceiling from a toilet located on an upper floor, it may be a problem with the base. The toilet has a wax ring that seals the base to prevent leaks and when it fails water can escape. The other issue occurs when the toilet is flushed and the water leaks from the space between the tank and the bowl. The probable causes are a worn “spud” washer or a loose tank bolt. The spud washer is the gasket that seals the area between the tank and the bowl.
The Toilet Bowl is Cracked
Some toilet leaks are caused by a hairline crack in the surface of the toilet bowl. This crack may be hard to see, but it could extend down the bowl and out of sight. The crack could reach right down the bottom of the toilet at the base and the bowl may be unable to retain water. Another problem, in this case, may be a foul odor caused by sewage that has entered the crack and is now trapped under the toilet.
A Wobbling Toilet
If you’ve noticed water leaks and the toilet is wobbling from side to side, there may be a connection. In many cases, the wobbling is caused by a loose bolt that connects the toilet to the bathroom floor. This is easy to fix if you have some DIY experience. But, the wobble could be caused by a loose gasket that is leaking water into the floor and weakening it. This is a more complex repair and you need to contact your local plumber to repair the problem.
Water Waste
A toilet leak may not seem like a big deal, but ignoring the problem is a bad strategy because plumbing problems tend to get worse over time. It’s also important to note that a toilet leak wastes a lot of water each day and that can drive up your bills. It’s estimated that an average toilet leak will waste 30 gallons of water per day, which equates to 2,000 gallons wasted every month. This can increase a monthly water bill by around $200 which would encourage most people to seek a fast solution to the problem.
If you have a leaking toilet, be sure to contact your local certified plumber today.
