5 Common Causes of a Leaking Toilet: From the Tank to the Base

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A leaky toilet is one of those common household problems that, once it occurs, cannot go ignored for long. The main throne of your home, your toilet can develop leaks virtually anywhere—internally and externally. An external leak can cause water damage and flooding in your bathroom. If your toilet is leaking from the tank, this can lead to a huge waste of water, causing your utility bill to increase. Either way, a leaking toilet is no fun. Today, our plumbing experts are sharing some of the most common causes of a toilet leak and what you can do if you encounter water in your bathroom.

Condensation on the Bowl or Tank

Oftentimes not a cause for concern, if you spot water on the outside of your toilet tank or bowl, it’s a smart idea to check whether your condensation is from a leak. Your bathroom is a humid, wet space, especially during and after a shower. When the water inside your toilet makes the outside of your tank or bowl cool, it reacts with the warm, damp air causing condensation. The amount of water this produces is generally small and not something you need to worry about.

Worn-Out or Stuck Flapper

One of the most common causes of a toilet leak stems from your flapper. The flapper is a device within the tank that blocks the water from entering your toilet bowl. If your flapper becomes worn out or stuck, not only can it cause one of the more severe toilet leaks, it can also cause a huge amount of water loss. If your toilet is leaking from the tank, chances are it’s due to a worn-out or stuck flapper.

Faulty Fill Valve Float

Your fill valve is the hollow ball that acts as a sensor to let the toilet tank know when it needs to be refilled and allows the valve to open and vice versa. If cracked or not aligned, your fill valve will run continuously, short-circuiting this process.

Rusted Pipes

If your toilet is leaking from the base, it might be time to call in a professional plumbing service. Leaks from the base can be caused by several things, including rusted pipes. The pipes that lead to your toilet can rust over time causing cracks and breaks which eventually will lead to water around your toilet. This problem should be addressed immediately because if left alone, you run the risk of rot and mold where your toilet meets the floor.

Loose or Faulty Connections

Your toilet is made up of various connections that tend to become loose over time. If water is pooling around the base of your toilet, there’s a good chance the rubber linings are worn out or damaged. It’s a smart idea to periodically check your tank-to-bowl connections, as this area can cause a leak as well.

Whether your toilet is leaking from the base or the tank, finding and fixing the leak as soon as possible can help prevent costly damages to your home. At Fosh Plumbing & Heating, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to ensure your toilet is leak-free and your bathroom floor is always dry! Contact us today for all your plumbing needs.