If you’re a new homeowner or just haven’t had plumbing issues before, you may not know what to do when you find a toilet leak. To avoid problems, it’s always best to seek a professional’s assistance with a fix. In the meantime, learn about some common causes of toilet leaks so you can better describe the problem to a plumber.

3 Reasons Why Your Toilet Could Be Leaking

1. Loose Bolts

Although they’re normally hidden under plastic caps, two bolts hold your toilet firmly to the floor. If they loosen over time, the toilet can start wobbling, and, in the worst case, break the wax seal that keeps water and sewer gases from escaping. Unfortunately, you won’t usually spot this leak directly, but if you notice the floor around the toilet bubbling or warping, contact a plumber.

2. Corroded Supply Line

Over time, the line that fills your toilet tank can corrode. If there’s a full break, you’ll likely notice where it’s coming from, but if slow leaks develop in the joints of the line, it can lead to a slow trickle that’s hard to pinpoint. While you’re checking the toilet, put your hand on the line that runs from the bottom of the tank to the wall. If it feels damp, this is likely the problem.

3. Warped or Stuck Flapper

Sometimes the leak stays within the toilet, but that doesn’t make it any less harmful to your water bill. If your toilet is constantly running, the problem is likely in the tank. The flapper is a large rubber piece that closes the tank when the bowl is full, but if it forms an imperfect seal, water will escape. In the tank, follow the chain from the flush arm toward the bottom of the tank, where the flapper is, and look for gaps.

If you’ve found a toilet leak, it’s time to contact a professional. For homeowners in the Honolulu, HI, area, the plumbers at Quality Plumbing are the reliable source for drain cleaning, leak detection, and remodeling work. They also offer water purification services so your family can enjoy safe, clean water. To contact a professional for a free estimate, call (808) 384-0412.