How to Detect a Toilet Leak?

• Food Coloring: Choose a bright color, like red or blue.
• Paper Towels: You'll use these to wipe up any spills.
• Adjustable Wrench: You might need this to tighten connections if you find a leak.
• Toilet Tank: The part of the toilet which holds clean water and other minor components.
• Toilet Tank Lid: This is the cover on the back of the toilet.
• Toilet Bowl: The part of the toilet you sit on.
• Shutoff Valve: A valve or lever located behind the toilet, used to turn on/off the water supply.

Check the Toilet Bowl for Leaks

With your materials on hand, carefully lift off the lid of the toilet tank and gently set it aside. Grab your food coloring and put a few drops into the toilet tank. Wait for about 10-15 minutes without flushing. This coloring will help you see if water is leaking from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.

After about 10 to 15 minutes, look into the toilet bowl. If you see the water in the bowl changing color, there might be a leak. If the water remains clear, move on to the next step.

Inspect the Toilet Tank

If you noticed dye in the bowl, the flapper valve might be leaking. This valve controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. Gently press down on the flapper valve to ensure that it is sealing properly. If it's not, you might need to replace it.

After your observation, it's time to flush the toilet. Watch the tank as it refills after flushing. Once the tank is full, inspect the water level. It should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. If it's higher, adjust the float arm or water level to prevent overflows and leaks.

Check for Exterior Leaks

Most toilet leaks are running toilets, or leaks from the toilet tank to the toilet bank. But exterior leaks are also common.

Carefully examine the area around the toilet. If you find moisture, there could be a leak at the base of the toilet. This might require tightening the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. If tightening does not do the trick, then it might be time to call in a uniformed plumber. The wax ring could be worn or there could be more insidious damage.

Residents in the area are welcomed to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire an experienced plumber. We are proud to offer emergency plumbing service and repair.