Toilet

A leaking toilet wastes water and money. The good news is, you can often find and fix the problem yourself. Here's a simple guide to help you do it.

Why You Should Check for Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks often go unnoticed until your water bill spikes. Common signs include:

• The sound of running water when the toilet isn’t in use.
• Water trickles into the bowl after flushing.
• A constantly moving water line inside the tank.

Even a small toilet leak can waste up to 200 gallons per day, so it’s important to act fast.

Step 1: How to Check If Your Toilet Is Leaking

1. The Food Coloring Test-This is the easiest way to detect a silent leak

• Remove the tank lid.
• Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank (not the bowl).
• Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak — likely from the flapper valve.

2. Check the Flapper Valve

• Lift the toilet tank lid and look at the rubber flapper at the bottom. If it’s warped, cracked, or doesn’t seal properly, it’s letting water leak into the bowl.

3. Inspect the Fill Valve and Overflow Tube

• If water constantly flows into the overflow tube, your fill valve may be set too high or worn out.

Step 2: How to Fix a Leaking Toilet

1. Replace the Flapper

• If the flapper is old or damaged, turn off the water supply, flush to drain the tank, and remove the old flapper. Install a new one that matches your toilet model—most cost less than $10 at hardware stores.

2. Adjust or Replace the Fill Valve

• If the fill valve keeps running, adjust the float height so the water stops just below the overflow tube. If it’s still leaking, replacing the fill valve is a quick fix.

3. Tighten Tank Bolts and Replace Seals

• If water leaks around the base of the toilet or between the tank and bowl, tighten the bolts carefully or replace the rubber seals.

4. Check the Wax Ring

• If water appears at the toilet’s base, the wax ring may need replacement. This fix usually requires removing the toilet—if you’re not confident, call a plumber.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Toilet Leaks

• Don’t use chemical tank cleaners—they damage rubber parts.
• Inspect the flapper every six months.
• Avoid over-tightening tank bolts.
• Use high-quality replacement parts from trusted brands.

When to Call a Professional

• If you’ve tried all the above and the toilet still leaks, it’s best to call a licensed plumber. Persistent leaks can lead to water damage or mold under your flooring.