Whether you’ve given it a thought or not, your toilet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, which is why it’s no surprise to hear it running even in the middle of the night.
But if everyone is tucked in bed, and you’re still hearing it, you may have a problem. A leaking toilet is one of the more common plumbing issues a homeowner can deal with.
In most cases, the leak is restricted to the inside of the toilet, which can be easy enough to fix. On those rare occasions that the toilet itself is damaged and leaking water onto your bathroom floor, the repair may be more urgent.
When these issues crop up, you should know more or less how to diagnose them, and what repair solutions are needed. If that’s not the case, then be sure to read on to find out what’s causing your toilet leak and what you should be doing to fix it.
Signs Your Flapper is Damaged
The flapper in your toilet is responsible for draining water from the tank into your bowl in order to flush it. Because they’re made from plastic, rubber, or silicone, they’re prone to deterioration and water leaks. Some common signs your flapper is damaged includes:
Low water pressure while flushing.- The constant sound of running water.
- Toilet takes longer to refill.
- Higher than usual water bills.
- No tension in your flush lever.
There are multiple types of toilet flappers based on the model and brand of your toilet. They can be as simple as a one-way stopper or as complex as a three-way assembly that creates a complete barrier in your toilet. Luckily, because flappers are so often the cause for toilet leaks, they can easily be replaced.
Common Causes For Running Toilets
After you’ve replaced your flapper, your toilet is still running and leaking. Generally, these issues will stem from either a damaged valve or water line, or a crack in the actual toilet.
Like any fixture in your home, the toilet can deteriorate with age. This includes the seal at the base of your toilet. Be on the lookout for excess moisture as this could be an indication that there’s an issue.
The valve that controls the water levels in your toilet is also a common cause for concern. Made from metal, it can deteriorate with age. An easy way to determine if this is the problem is with a visual inspection. If there’s rust or scale buildup on the valve, professional repairs will be needed.
The Benefits of Toilet Maintenance
The easiest way to prevent leaking toilet issues is with regular maintenance. At Honest Abe’s Home Services we offer a full myriad of toilet solutions including repairs, replacements, and regular maintenance.
Also, we take the time to educate our customers on how to properly maintain your system. The next time you need help, be sure to give our plumbers a call.
If you want to try your hand at fixing the toilet yourself, a good tip is to check the level on your toilet float. This can directly affect how much water is filled into your toilet with every flush.
