4 Factors That Can Cause Your Toilet To Leak When You Flush

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet after flushing in Cary, NC

Consider These 4 Factors When Troubleshooting Your Leaking Toilet

If your toilet leaks when you flush, there are a few possible explanations. It's important to troubleshoot a toilet leak as soon as possible. If undetected or unresolved, a leaking toilet can wreak havoc on your home and cost you in water damage repair. As a homeowner in Cary, NC, check for these factors when troubleshooting your leak:

1. Dry Wax Ring. Check the integrity of your wax ring, the component between your toilet's base and the flange. If it has dried out over time, it can crumble and cause water to leak from the toilet's base onto the floor and surrounding area.

2. Improper Wax Ring Installation. Installing the wax ring can be a tricky task, especially for someone with little plumbing experience or know-how. If improperly installed, the wax ring can create breaches and allow water to escape. A foul odor is another symptom of improper wax ring installation. Don't forget to use your nose when investigating your bathroom leak!

3. Broken Flange. The toilet flange is a pipe fitting that mounts the toilet to the floor and connects it to the drainpipe. A broken flange compromises the drainage of water after flushing and can force water out of the toilet's base onto the bathroom floor. In addition to a leaking toilet, a toilet that rocks back and forth may also be a sign of a broken flange.

4. Loose Tank. The bolts that connect your toilet and its tank can come loose over time. This disconnection can cause the tank gasket to move, allowing water to bypass the gasket and head for your floor!

Consider these four factors when troubleshooting your leaking toilet. With a little time and attention, you can quickly pinpoint the source of the leak and put a plan in place to resolve the issue. The sooner you pinpoint the source, the sooner you can fix it and save money and time over the long run.