Why You Should Never Ignore a Leaky Toilet

In the grand scheme of all that's going on in your household, a leaky toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience that doesn't warrant your immediate attention. Sure, you hear the occasional drip or maybe notice a little water pooling around the base—no big deal, right? Wrong. These "small" issues can quickly turn into major headaches. Here's why you should never ignore a leaky toilet.

"Minor" Leak Misconceptions

• It's not an urgent plumbing problem
• It can't do much damage
• It doesn't make a difference in your water bill

You may be seeing a slow drip, but there could be a much bigger issue beneath the surface. Left unaddressed, a minor leak could waste hundreds of gallons of water each month, potentially damaging your home's structural integrity and racking up water bill fees. Make no mistake: even a small leak is a big concern.

Connect with our team the second you spot the drip. Should the problem quickly escalate, our 24/7 emergency services have you covered.

The Hidden Dangers of Toilet Leaks

Out of sight, out of mind? Not with toilet leaks! Here are just a few of the many ways a leaky toilet in one room could cause whole-house chaos.

Floor Damage

If the leak is located near the base of the toilet, water can soak into the bathroom flooring. That water can lead to staining, warping, and even rot, with laminate and wood flooring being the most susceptible to damage.

Mold and Mildew

What's the perfect breeding ground for mold? Damp areas behind walls and under floors. Mold and mildew aren't just structural concerns—they're health risks as well.

Ceiling Damage

A leaky toilet upstairs can damage the ceilings below. That can lead to a slew of problems, including sagging, stains, and electrical hazards.

Foundation Issues

A persistent leak can seep into your foundation, causing cracks, shifting, or settling issues over time.

Common Types of Toilet Leaks

Not all leaks look the same. Here are a few of the most common culprits:

• Base leaks: A pool of water around the base of the toilet often indicates a broken wax ring or a loose connection.
• Wax ring failures: The wax ring seals the toilet to the drain. When it breaks, it allows dirty water to leak under the toilet, which often goes undetected until serious damage has occurred.
• Cracks in bowls or tanks: A hairline crack can slowly leak water over a long period of time and could eventually lead to a full break.
• Tank-to-bowl leaks: These occur where the tank meets the bowl and are typically caused by worn-out bolts or gaskets.

DIY Detection Tips

Now that you are aware of the dangers, you may be wondering how to check for a leaky toilet. Here are three quick tricks you can try.

1. Check the floor. Try to gently rock the suspected leaking toilet. If it moves or the floor feels soft, there could be damage underneath.

2. Give it a listen. Toilet constantly running or making hissing sounds? Those are signs of an internal leak.

3. Perform a food coloring test. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait about 15 minutes—don't flush the toilet during that time. When the 15 minutes are up, check the toilet bowl. If there's colored water inside, you've got a tank-to-bowl leak!

When to Call In the Pros

While you may be able to handle quick fixes yourself, such as replacing a flapper, most require professional attention. Even if the work seems straightforward, there could be hidden issues at play. When it comes to how to fix a leaky toilet, it's best to call on the pros here at Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, even if the issue seems minor.

We've proudly served residential and commercial customers since 1986, providing honest advice, dependable repairs, and 24/7 emergency service our community deserves. Whether you need to repair a leaky toilet tank or are looking for toilet maintenance tips, we're here to help—with a satisfaction guarantee on every job.

We'll Give Your Leak Our Full Attention

Whether you suspect a leak or simply want peace of mind, turn to Stephens. From inspections to repairs, plumbing to AC units, we've got you and your entire home covered.