How to Tell if a Toilet is Leaking

Slow leaks are harder to identify. However, there is a neat trick you can use to check if there’s any undetected leakage.

If there is a noticeable difference in the water bills, and the bathroom floor is always wet, it means something is wrong with the toilet and needs repairs. The problem may lie with a broken valve, the flush handle, or the cistern.

Here are the most common ways to tell if you have a leaky toilet:

The water level in the tank

When the toilet is still running even though no one flushes it, the water in the tank drops, and the pump works to refill the missing water. This is called a “Phantom Flush.” The water in the tank should match the toilet line and be below the tube. The other problem may be an overflowing pipe with too high water. This is an easy fix using a screwdriver.

Issues with the flapper

Another reason the water runs more than usual, without the toilet being flushed, is a faulty or improperly working flapper. This rubber valve lifts when someone flushes the toilet, and if it’s not working correctly, the water will run down the toilet bowl even after the flushing is completed. To fix the problem with the flapper, replace it or alter or modify the chain.

Slow leaks

Slow leaks are harder to identify. However, there is a neat trick you can use to check if there’s any undetected leakage.

Before beginning this process, it’s best to flush the toilet and wait for the cycle to finish. Next, add a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring to the water tank to color the water inside. After 30 minutes (ensure the toilet hasn’t been flushed during that time), if the color in the toilet bowl is colored, it means there is a leak.

Issues with the toilet base

If there’s a lot of water near the bottom of the toilet, the base is leaking and needs fixing. A simple way to confirm this is to wipe the wet floor and place dry paper towels around the toilet. If there is a leak, the towels will get wet. But if nothing happens, flush the toilet and see if the water leaks.

Leaking hose and valves

Behind the toilet, there’s a hose with a shut-off valve attached to it. This may be the culprit for a wet bathroom floor. To fix this, turn off the valve while holding the other side of the hose.

Call a professional

There are various reasons why a toilet is leaking. Some issues can be fixed quickly, while others will require professional help. Don’t hesitate to contact an expert to prevent the leak from escalating.

Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-630-0224.