How to Detect a Leaky Toilet

In this article, you’ll learn how to check for toilet leaks. Mr. Rooter Plumbing explains four steps to identify a toilet leak. Our team of experienced plumbers is committed to helping you save water, prevent damage, and ensure the proper functioning of your toilet.

4 Steps to Check for Toilet Leaks

• Step 1: Listen Carefully For Running Water

One of the easy ways to tell if your toilet is leaking is to use your ears. Ensure everything is quiet, and get close to the toilet to listen for any unusual sounds. Do you hear a constant dripping sound from the tank or bowl? Is there a hissing sound coming from the tank? Is water continuously running even when the toilet is not in use? These are strong indicators that you may have a toilet leak. Contact a professional plumbing company for toilet leak repair.

• Step 2: Perform a Simple Toilet Dye Test

Another effective way to check for a toilet leak is to perform a dye test. This test can help you verify if the flapper in your toilet is sealing correctly. Performing a dye test is easy and should take under 20 minutes. Here are the steps to perform a toilet dye test:

• Flush the toilet to ensure the tank is empty and clean.
• Carefully add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the toilet tank.
• Allow the dye to sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour.
• Check the toilet bowl for any colored streaks or spots. If you see color, it indicates a leak from the tank to the bowl.
• Reach out to a professional plumbing repair service to help you fix the leak.

• Step 3: Shut Off the Water to Toilet Overnight and Check the Water Level in the Tank

Turn off the water supply to the toilet and mark the water level in the tank. You can use a marker or a piece of tape to mark the current water level in the tank. Leave the toilet undisturbed for at least 8-12 hours. In the morning, see if the water level in the tank has changed. If the water level has dropped, it’s undeniable that there’s a leak.

• Step 4: Watch Out For Telltale Signs of a Toilet Leak

Are there water stains on the floor around the toilet base? Is there a constant puddle of water on the floor around the toilet bowl even after cleaning up? If so, you possibly have a leak at the base of the toilet bowl. There’s a good chance the wax seal between the toilet and the floor is damaged or worn out. A reputable plumbing service can help you fix any faulty components and restore proper functioning.

Need Help Fixing A Toilet Leak? Mr. Rooter Plumbing Is Here To Help

Looking for a professional plumber to help you fix a toilet leak? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are the experts you can rely on for all of your toilet plumbing needs, including clogged toilet repair, handle replacement, and toilet replacement.