A leaky toilet shouldn’t be left unresolved for long. It can drive up your water bills and cause mold to spread. But you might not realize that you need to contact your septic service if you can’t determine the source of the problem. Below are three of the most common reasons why toilets develop leaks.

Why Is the Toilet Leaking?

1. Flush Valve Failure

The flush valve is the flapper situated at the base of the toilet’s tank. Its role is to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl—but only when you flush. If it continues to do this around the clock, then that means it’s not properly fitted against the base. That can cause water to leak directly into the toilet bowl. You can test this theory by adding a couple of drops of food color to the tank. Wait around 20 minutes, then check the toilet bowl for signs of color. If you notice an issue, try repositioning the valve or have a septic service technician to assess the problem.

2. Ballcock Valve Issue

It’s not unusual for ballcock valves to develop problems. It’s sometimes referred to as the fill valve because it’s responsible for filling the tank with water. It’s usually situated on the left side and may be made with either brass or plastic. If it fails, it might just be that it’s positioned too high. You can try adjusting the arm of an older ballcock valve by bending its arm to re-establish the point where the water supply stops after flushing. If you have a float-cup model, you can lower the water supply level by pushing the arm downward.

3. Loose Tee Bolts

One of the most obvious signs that you need to call a septic service is the sight of water around the toilet. While this is often an indication of a clogged drain somewhere in the bathroom, it could also be indicative of loose tee bolts, or the small caps that are situated on each side of the toilet. When they come loose, they can cause the seal on the toilet to break, which forces a leak. You can resolve this by tightening them until they are secure, or replacing them if they’re cracked.

No matter the scope of your concern, you can trust in the experts at A – 1 Pumping Service and Drain Cleaning to come to your rescue. Based in Whitfield County, GA, the septic service offers more than 20 years of industry experience handling everything from stubborn clogged drains to septic pumping to leach field repairs. Don’t allow a leaking toilet to go on for long—get in touch with the area’s leading professionals today. Visit them online to browse their services or call (706) 272-3352 to schedule an appointment.