A leaking toilet can flood your bathroom and cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home quickly.
To avoid disaster, you’ve got to act fast!
Here at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve been helping Chicago-area homeowners recover from water damage since 1996.
In this blog, we’ve compiled our top tips to help you learn to tackle a leaking toilet.
Key Takeaways
- To fix a leaking toilet, identify the source of the leak and address it accordingly. If the leak is severe or you’re not confident you can fix it, contact ServiceMaster of Lake Shore at (312) 707-8597.
- If you’re going to do the repairs yourself, be sure to turn off the toilet’s water supply to prevent further leakage and potential water damage.
- Faulty wax rings, damaged flappers, corroded tank bolts and gaskets, malfunctioning fill valves, and cracked toilet bowls or tanks are the most common causes of toilet leaks.
Before You Get Started
Turn off the water supply
To turn off the toilet’s water supply, twist the shut-off valve (which is usually located behind the toilet near the floor) clockwise.
Protect yourself
Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from contact with sewage, gray water, and other hazardous substances.
Prep the area
To prevent severe water damage (hopefully), clean up any standing water around the toilet using towels or a mop.
Open the windows and place a standing fan to promote airflow. These simple steps help prevent mold growth and protect your flooring and other surfaces from further damage.
Common Causes of Toilet Leaks and How to Fix Them
1. Faulty Wax Ring
A faulty wax ring is a common cause of a leaking toilet.
This part seals the connection between the toilet base and the drain pipe, and if it fails, it can lead to a major leak and serious flooding.
Signs:
- Water pooling around the base of the toilet
- An unpleasant sewer gas smell
- Noticeable rocking of the toilet when you sit on it
How to Fix It:
Equipment Needed
- New wax ring
- adjustable wrench
- screwdriver
- putty knife
- rags
- bucket.
Steps
- Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
- Use a putty knife to pry the toilet base away from the floor gently.
- Remove the old wax ring and clean the flange.
- Place the new wax ring on the flange and carefully reposition the toilet.
- Tighten the bolts while ensuring the toilet doesn’t rock.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Pro Tip: Double-check the toilet is level after replacing the wax ring to prevent future leaks.
2. Worn or Damaged Flapper
The flapper controls the water flow from the tank to the bowl and may wear out or fail over time, causing a leak to develop.
Signs
- Continuous water running
- Uneven flushes or weak flushing power