How to Check if Your Toilet Tank is Leaking
A toilet could be dripping without you being aware of it. Spotting toilet leaks can be challenging as they typically go unnoticed, making them hard to detect. A small leak may go unnoticed for several months before you become aware of its presence. Your utility bills will rise considerably as the problem continues on a daily basis. If your water bill is higher than usual, it's possible that your toilet is leaking. So how can you tell if there is a leak in your toilet tank?
Symptoms of Leaks
- Constant Flushing Noise: It is customary to hear the water sound with every flush. Nevertheless, do you encounter continual flushing sounds even when the toilet is not in operation? Pay close attention for a moment. If the toilet continues to run post-flush, it is very uncommon. The noise of flowing water might suggest that the toilet's water is seeping into the bowl.
- Water on the Floor: Water may be present on the floor around the rim of your toilet. This indication suggests there is probably a leakage occurring in the porcelain. A loose connection between the tank and the toilet may also be indicated. Inspect the connection bolts and securely fasten them. If you feel uneasy doing this task, a qualified plumber at Texas Rooter can assist you without a doubt.
- Brown Stains: Did you observe a difficult-to-remove mark near the bottom of your toilet? It is possible that there is a leak near the toilet bowl that causes a stain. The older the leak, the darker the ring color will be. This type of stain color is a result of water damage on the toilet's base. If water escapes onto the floor instead of going down the drain, you will notice old rings forming around the base. You need to address this issue by calling for toilet repair to avoid causing permanent damage to the property.
- Sewer Smell: Sewers have their unique odor from accumulating waste. The pipes in your drains collect through the sewage system. There’s no reason for your home to carry this foul stench. If you notice this reeking smell, check for leakages in your plumbing. When the toilet bowl leaks, the dirty water from waste could collect on the floor, leaving an unpleasant odor.
- Toilet Tank Level: The overflow pipe prevents water from overflowing and causing a mess on the floor. This tube ensures that toilets maintain the necessary water level for an effective flush. Remove the cover of the toilet tank and check the water level. A probable leak can occur as the water passes by the tube. Check if the water continues to flow by raising the rod after flushing the toilet. You may need toilet tank repair in Garland if any problems arise.
- Toilet Flapper: Like all things, a flapper can deteriorate over time and lead to a leak. An impaired flapper restricts the movement and leads to water leakage from the tank into the bowl. Switch off the water source and examine the water level inside the container. If the water level drops within 15 to 20 minutes, it indicates a problem with the flapper. The weak retention power of the flapper will cause water to continuously leak into the bowl.
Luckily, a flapper toilet replacement is easy. Shut off the water flow to the toilet by turning the handle at the bottom of the hose. Flush the toilet and empty it. Once you have taken out the existing flapper, install a new one that is the same size and model. A plumbing service can help with this installation procedure.
If you notice any of these symptoms or feel that your toilet needs a professional plumbing repair service, contact our plumbers at Texas Rooter.
