How to Check a Toilet for Leaks in 4 Simple Steps
Are you worried that your toilet might be leaking? Not every toilet leak is easy to spot. Sometimes, you may notice water around the base, while in other cases, water may be leaking quietly from the tank into the bowl. A toilet that keeps running or an unexplained increase in your water bill can also be signs that something is wrong.
The good news is that you can check for some of the most common toilet leaks yourself. Before a small problem turns into water damage or a bigger plumbing repair, follow these four simple steps to learn how to check a toilet for leaks.
How to Check a Toilet for Leaks in 4 Simple Steps
Checking your toilet for a leak does not have to be complicated. You can start by looking inside the tank and checking for hidden leaks that are not immediately visible.
1. Remove the toilet tank lid.
Start by carefully lifting the lid from the top of the toilet tank. Place it somewhere safe, as the porcelain can crack if it is dropped.
Once the lid is removed, take a look inside the tank. Check whether the water is constantly moving or running when the toilet has not been flushed. You should also look for any obvious signs of damaged or worn components.
2. Check the Water Level in the Tank
Inside the tank, there should be a mark showing where the water level should normally sit. Depending on the toilet, this line may be located on the side or back wall of the tank.
If the water level is too high, it may run into the overflow tube and cause the toilet to keep running. If the water level is too low, the toilet may not flush properly.
The fill valve controls the water level and may need to be adjusted if the water is not sitting at the correct height.
3. Do a Food Colouring Test
A food coloring test is one of the easiest ways to check for a hidden toilet leak.
Add around 15 to 20 drops of food coloring to the water inside the toilet tank. You can use any color. Once you add the coloring, do not flush the toilet.
Leave it for about 30 minutes. During this time, the colored water will show whether water is leaking from the tank into the bowl.
4. Check the Water in the Toilet Bowl
After waiting for 30 minutes, check the water in the toilet bowl.
If the color from the tank has appeared in the bowl, your toilet has a leak. In many cases, this happens because the flapper is no longer creating a proper seal.
A worn flapper allows water to slowly escape from the tank, which causes the toilet to refill more often than it should. This is one of the most common causes of a running toilet.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
The right way to fix a leaking toilet depends on where the water is coming from. Some small problems can be handled with basic repairs, while others may require a professional plumber.
1. Check the toilet flapper.
If the food coloring test shows water leaking into the bowl, check the flapper inside the tank.
The flapper sits at the bottom of the tank and creates a seal over the flush valve. Over time, it can become worn, warped, or damaged. When this happens, it may no longer seal properly.
Replacing the flapper can often stop the leak and prevent the toilet from constantly refilling.
2. Tighten the Toilet Bolts
If you notice water around the base of the toilet, check the bolts on either side of the toilet.
Remove the small plastic covers and see if the bolts are loose. Tighten them carefully, but avoid applying too much pressure because overtightening can crack the porcelain.
If water continues to appear around the base, the problem may be related to the wax ring underneath the toilet.
3. Check the Water Supply Connection
Water near the back of the toilet may be coming from the water supply line.
Look for moisture around the supply line and the connection points. A loose fitting may sometimes be tightened, but a damaged or worn supply line may need to be replaced.
If you are unsure where the water is coming from, it is better to have the connection inspected.
4. Replace the Wax Ring
If your toilet is leaking at the base, the wax ring underneath the toilet may be damaged.
The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the drainpipe. When it fails, water can escape onto the bathroom floor, especially after flushing.
Replacing a wax ring involves removing and reinstalling the toilet. If you are not comfortable doing this, calling a plumber can help ensure the toilet is properly resealed.
When Should You Call a Plumber for a Toilet Leak?
Some toilet leaks are easy to identify, but others may be caused by hidden plumbing problems. You should consider calling a plumber if:
- You cannot identify where the leak is coming from
- Water keeps appearing around the base of the toilet
- Your toilet continues running after basic repairs
- You notice a crack in the toilet tank or bowl
- The floor around the toilet shows signs of water damage
- The leak returns after replacing the flapper or other parts
Get Help With a Leaking Toilet
A toilet leak may seem like a small issue, but it can waste water and cause unnecessary damage if left untreated. By checking the tank, water level, and toilet bowl, you can often identify some of the most common causes of a leak.
If you find a problem and are not sure how to fix it, Kepsten can help. Our team can inspect the toilet, identify the source of the leak, and provide the right repair solution to get your bathroom plumbing working properly again.
