6 Common Causes of Toilet Leaks

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Causes of a Leaking Toilet

A toilet isn’t a complicated piece of machinery. However, if you hear strange noises or notice water on the floor, you might find that it takes some trial and error to find the source of the leak. The problem could require a toilet repair or simply an adjustment. The first step is finding the cause of the leaking toilet. Here are a few:

1. Pipes

Water impurities can cause metal pipes to corrode and rust. Rusted pipes can eventually crack causing leaks around the toilet.

2. Bowl

Toilet bowls seem pretty durable, but an old toilet can develop cracks. A hairline crack may not be very noticeable unless you’re looking for it, but it can also leak. However, it’s important to act on it quickly because the crack can only get bigger.

3. Tank

Just as the bowl can crack, so can the porcelain of the tank. Most likely, if either develops a crack the whole toilet will need to be replaced.

4. Flapper

One of the most common causes of a leaking toilet is the flapper. The flapper is the rubber seal that opens the flush valve when the toilet handle is pressed. The flapper is responsible for keeping the water in the tank. Over time, the flapper can get worn due to mineral deposits from the water and toilet cleaners, causing it to warp. This will cause a continual leak into the bowl.

5. Flush Valve

When the toilet is flushed, the flush valve regulates the flow of the tank water into the bowl. When this assembly is faulty, it can cause an internal leak. In this case, the toilet might continuously run or you might hear dripping noises.

6. Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the flow of the water that refills the toilet tank after the flush. The fill valve can accumulate mineral deposits over time. These deposits can prevent the valve from completely shutting off.

It’s best to deal with a water leak as soon as you notice it. If your home sustains water damage from a leaking toilet, call SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at 423-245-5552