How To Respond to a Leaky Toilet

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

How To Respond to a Leaky Toilet

Toilets tend to be very reliable. They often last up to and more than 40 years with just a little bit of care from time to time. Once in a while, however, water may appear around the base, seeping out from underneath and soaking into the floor. A leaking toilet can cause significant water damage when it isn't repaired in a timely manner. The correct repairs may depend on the source of the trouble:

• Dry wax ring
• Seal failure
  
• Broken tank flange
  
• Loose tank
  
• Improper installation
  
  

If you've noticed that your toilet is leaking a lot, it's best to have a water damage professional take a close look at the structure of your home to repair mold and other potential issues.

Identify the Source of the Puddle

How can you determine the source of your bathroom leak? If there's a pool around the leaking toilet, there's a good chance it's the wax seal that has failed. Your first step is to soak up all the water and dry off the toilet and surrounding area. Next, watch for a new puddle to form. Water may seep from under the toilet, drip from a faulty valve, leak from a damaged supply tube, or even run down a sweating tank.

Repair the Leak

If the water is coming from under the toilet, try tightening the bolts at the base. If this doesn't work, remove the toilet to access the wax ring. Don't forget to turn off the water to the bathroom first and close the valve completely. Remove the old gasket and replace it with a working wax gasket. Make sure the seal is complete before replacing the toilet. Pay attention to each step in the replacement process to ensure proper installation.

Look a Little Deeper

Remember that a leaking toilet affects more than the bathroom. You may have solved the puddle problem at the base of the toilet, but hidden moisture could continue to affect your Redding Ridge,CT, home. Contact water damage remediation professionals to ensure you don't have weakened flooring or growing mold.