Contents
You’re in the middle of your usual Saturday errands when you notice a growing puddle on the floor near the toilet. You panic for a second, thinking maybe you left the bathtub running upstairs. But, no, that can’t be it. The water is coming from the toilet. Now, you’re really confused. What could be causing this leak? What should you do about it? No one likes a leaking toilet. Not only is it annoying, but it can also lead to serious water damage. Besides being frustrating and messy, water damage from a toilet leak is a health hazard and poses risks to you and your family.
The good news is that fixing a leaky toilet can be easy using personal and professional help.
Determine the Source of the Leak
As a homeowner, you know that water damage and leaks can cause serious problems. But with your toilet, you might not realize that the leak’s source can be just as important as the fix. For example, if your toilet is leaking from the base, the wax ring likely needs replacing. However, if the leak is coming from the tank, you likely have a cracked flush valve or a faulty flapper.
Knowing the source of the leak will help you determine the best course of action and avoid making things worse. So, before you start any repairs, look closely at where the leak is coming from. This way, you can fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Tighten or Replace the Tank Bolts
When you discover water damage and leakage in your toilet, it is important to take action right away to prevent further damage. One of the first things you should do is to check the tank bolts to determine if they need to be tightened or replaced.
Tank bolts hold the tank to the bowl, and over time they can become loose. Water will leak, causing damage to your bathroom if the bolts are loose. In addition, it is important to check the seal between the tank and the bowl – this, too, can cause water leakage if there is any damage to the seal. By taking these simple steps, you can fix water damage and leakage in your toilet and prevent further damage from occurring.
Reseal the Bowl-to-Floor Connection
If your leak is coming from the bowl, you might fix it by resealing the bowl-to-floor connection with a silicone sealant. It is a common spot for leaks because the seal will break down over time due to age or wear and tear.
If this is the case, clean the area around the leak and apply a generous amount of sealant. You might need to apply a second layer of sealant if the first one does not hold. Once the sealant is dry, your leak should be fixed. The sealant must be dry completely before using the toilet again.
Call a professional Service
You might not realize it, but a severe toilet leak can damage your home. It’s recommended to call a professional service like a professional if the leak is severe. A professional will fix the problem quickly and efficiently. They have experience dealing with water damage of all kinds and will work diligently to repair toilet leaks. In addition, they will also take steps to prevent future leaks from occurring.
If your toilet is leaking, don’t panic. Just call a professional, and they’ll determine where the leak is coming from and fix it quickly, easily, and efficiently.
Look at our directory of amazing home service professionals and start calling them to find if they are the right fit for you!
