When you use the restroom, you always expect your toilet to flush and keep your bathroom looking clean. But many homeowners never give their porcelain throne a second thought. Inside the toilet is an entire system of levers and closures that help the water flow from the tank, into your toilet, and out into your sewer lines.
Have you been in your room and heard the toilet running even when no one is in there? No, it isn’t a ghost, it could be you’re dealing with a leaking toilet. While you may think that as long as it isn’t leaking on the floor you’re good, a toilet that’s leaking internally, could be wasting water, which leads to higher water bills – and no homeowner wants to deal with that! So what’s behind that leaky toilet? Read on to find out!
What is a Toilet Flapper?
The tank behind your toilet hides the entire flushing mechanism. While the look may depend on the system you have, the most common situation is a float.
A float measures the level of water, a chain that connects from the actual flushing lever, and a flapper that sits over the pipe leading into your toilet. This flapper creates a secure seal around that pipe, preventing any wasted water.
A faulty flapper is one of the most common causes of a leaking toilet. These are often made from rubber, plastic, or silicone, but all do the same job – preventing excess water from flowing through, and allowing the tank to refill. As such, one of the first repairs that can be done in your bathroom to stop a leak is to replace the flapper.
Why Else Could Your Toilet be Leaking?
Although the flapper is the main cause of toilet leaks, it isn’t the only one. There are some other warning signs you can look out for, including:
- Cracked Porcelain: Probably the worst-case scenario, your toilet can crack and leak with old age. Unlike an internal leak, which only wastes water, an outside leak in the porcelain can spill water onto your bathroom floor, and lead to serious damage.
- Faulty Float: The float inside the toilet is what measures the amount of water needed to fill the tank. If it’s not aligned properly or damaged in any way, it could force the fill valve to continue running water indefinitely, leading to the sound of a running toilet.
- Leaky Supply Line: Behind the toilet itself is the water supply line that runs from the water main in your home. Over time, these valves can deteriorate, particularly around the rubber o-rings. If you notice a small puddle of water around that valve, you could have found your issues.
How Toilet Maintenance Helps
Dealing with a leaking toilet can be a difficult task, particularly because it affects the comfort of your home. Your best bet for preventing these issues is with regular toilet maintenance.
Not only will this keep your toilet running and flushing in top shape, but also it can reduce the risks of leaks and water damage. For homeowners in Bonita Springs, Plumbing & Cooling Nerds is here to help.
We offer toilet repair and installation services and can also inspect your flushing system to determine if there’s a cause for concern. If you happen to have a clog during the inspection, we also offer drain cleaning services. Be sure to give us a call at (239) 215-3330 to schedule an appointment today!
