toilet leak repair

Your plumbing system is one of the most important systems in your home. If you do not keep it properly maintained a number of issues can arise and cause you problems. One of the most annoying issues of a plumbing system is a leaking toilet.

A leak increases your water consumption thus increasing your water bill. Some typical sounds associated with a silent leak are sounds coming from the toilet when it is not being used, needing to keep the handle pressed down to completely empty the tank, water that runs down the sides of a toilet when it is not being flushed and runs even when the handle has not been pressed down. These can point towards a leak; however, you may have a leak even if you cannot hear it or see it. This type of leak is called a silent toilet leak. In order to diagnose this type of leak, you will need to perform one of the following tests.

The Dye Test

This test is very popular among homeowners. To perform this test you will need to purchase a dye kit from your local plumbing supplier or your water company. The dye supplied is typically red in color. Once the dye has been purchased you are ready to begin the leak test. Remove the water tank cover and any product that colors the water, such as a toilet cleaning tablet. In order to do this test you will need completely clear water. Next, place enough dye in the tank to create a deep red color. Wait thirty minutes and verify if the water changed color. If the water has turned even a light pinkish color, you have a silent leak.

Shut Off the Water to the Toilet

Another way to determine if you have a silent leak is to turn off the water to the toilet at bedtime. In the morning, check the water level in the tank. If there is less water in the tank than there was when you went to bed, you have a silent toilet leak.

Toilet leaks can cause you to waste a lot of water. In fact, some homeowners lose as much as 500 gallons of water each day due to a leaky toilet. This not only increases your water bill but also is not good for the environment. There are several reasons for a leaky toilet, including a worn out ball or flapper, a crack or hole in the overflow tube, the gasket under the flush valve is damaged or a new washer or seat is needed for the ballcock.

Call our 24 hour emergency plumbing services if you need help with leaking toilet repair.

Because silent leaks cannot be heard or seen many homeowners do not know they have a leak until they get a huge water bill or experience a serious plumbing issue. One of the most important maintenance tests that a homeowner can perform is a silent leak test using one of the methods described above. Performing this test will ensure that your toilet is running properly, improve your water conservation efforts and keep your water bills low.

Call our 24 hour emergency plumbing services if you need help with leaking toilet repair.