Leaky toilets can lead to excess water waste and costly utility bills for homeowners. If you suspect that a toilet in your home is leaking, investigate the problem right away, so you can find the source of the leak and fix it. This task requires a bit of plumbing knowledge and a few simple supplies.

How to Identify Toilet Leaks

One of the first signs that a toilet is leaking is if you can hear water running to it when it has not been flushed recently. You may also see water trickling into the bowl. If you suspect a leak but aren’t sure, place a drop of dye or food coloring in the tank and wait a few minutes. If the color makes it into the toilet bowl, there’s a leak.

How to Fix a Leaky Toilet

In most cases, a leak is due to a flushing handle that is stuck in place, so try adjusting it before taking other action. If that doesn’t work, open the tank and locate the overflow tube, which is a thin, flexible tube designed to collect extra water if the level in the tank gets too high. If this tube is currently collecting water, try adjusting the ballcock, which is a device made to detect when water levels reach their desired spot, so the flow can be stopped. Lower the floating component to at least a half-inch below the top of the overflow tube. You may also need to replace the ballcock system within the tank.

If the water level appears normal and none of these tricks have solved the problem, there’s likely an issue with the flapper. This is the part that is attached to the tank’s lever with a chain. You can either add some slack to the chain, so the flapper can create a tight seal against the flush valve opening or replace it with a new part.

Once you’ve mastered the art of fixing toilet leaks, you may be interested in learning more about your home’s plumbing system or turning those skills into a career. Berk Trade and Business School in Long Island City, NY, offers a variety of adult education courses and training for technical careers like plumbing and electrical work. The school offers accredited programs that teach important technical skills, along with the real-life attitudes and responsibilities needed to excel in the workplace. View a full schedule of classes online, or call (718) 729-0909 to discuss enrollment.