4 Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them
If you take the time to look around your home, there is likely no fixture as reliable and trustworthy as your toilet. It’s always there when you need it, and it always works as it should. That is, until one day, it just doesn’t work like it used to. Something as simple as a leak is impossible to ignore and can cause a lot of problems. If you’re not sure what’s causing the leak or how to fix a toilet, here’s a simple guide for you.
Damaged Flipper
Your toilet works by storing water in a tank, which is then released when you flush it. Whenever you flush, a little thing called a flapper serves as the door that lifts open to allow the water to flow out and into the toilet. Over time, this flapper can either warp, crack, or break, resulting in a leak.
This can be hard to detect immediately, and plumbers even refer to it as a silent leak. However, an easy fix for a damaged flapper is to replace it with a new one. It’s relatively cheap, and you can replace it yourself with a toilet repair kit.
Cracked Supply Line
Water flows into the toilet’s tank through a cold-water supply line. When it is working properly, the line is a closed system, preventing air from seeping in and water from seeping out. As with other components, this can also crack or be damaged over time. When that happens, you’ll notice a puddle of water always forms on the floor around your toilet.
A tiny crack is fine, but if left on its own, it could cause some serious flooding in your bathroom. Switch off your water supply in the meantime while you call plumbing services for help.
Damaged Tank
As mentioned before, your toilet holds clean water inside a tank that will be used when you flush. If you start to see water on the floor around your toilet, a damaged tank could be a likely cause.
As a temporary solution, you can apply putty or sealants on the crack or hole on the tank to stop the water from leaking out. However, it may not hold for long. Still, the best solution here is to install a new toilet. If you have a two-piece toilet, you can usually just buy a new tank rather than replacing the entire toilet.
Damaged Bowl
A damaged boil will almost always result in a leak. Since your bowl is designed to always hold water, any holes or cracks will likely drain the water directly on your bathroom floor. A crack in heavily used porcelain or ceramic ware will not be fully sealed with putty or glue. This is a serious problem as you run the risk of spilling wastewater on your floor. As a rule of thumb, any structural damage like a crack on your toilet warrants a new replacement.
Conclusion
Toilet leaks are an uncommon problem to have, but they can cause a lot of headaches to you and your family when they happen. Even if the issues are small, they can quickly add up and result in costly repairs if you just leave them be. For any plumbing-related issue, it’s always best to call your local plumber to fix it for you.
Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a cracked water line, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help. We’re just a phone call away whenever you need emergency plumbing services in Mendocino County. Our team of professional plumbing experts is reliable, skilled, and always ready to help. Call our 24/7 hotline for any plumbing emergencies.
