If you’ve never had to maintain a house before, it can be challenging to know when your toilet needs plumbing repairs. Learning how to identify leaks is a key responsibility of homeowners, so use the guide below to find out how you can spot these moisture issues.

How to Know If Your Toilet Is Leaking

1. Phantom Flushes

A leaking toilet can cause the bowl to drain, automatically triggering the flushing mechanism in the tank to refill the basin. Water flowing into the bowl continuously is also a sign of a problem, even if it’s only a trickle. A small leak can equate to several gallons of wasted water and unnecessarily high utility bills.

2. Noises

Your toilet should be silent when it isn’t flushing, so any odd sounds coming from an unused appliance typically indicates a leak. Hissing often means that the tank valve isn’t closing properly and water is getting into it.

If the flapper isn’t working, you’ll hear the toilet running when it isn’t in use. Have a professional perform a few plumbing repairs to replace the valve or flapper to stop the noise and leak.

3. Difficulty Flushing

A leaking toilet is challenging to flush because it isn’t getting enough water to fulfill the task. As a result, you may be pushing the handle multiple times or holding it down to drain the waste. This issue usually stems from a problem with the valve, flapper, or ball that controls the water flow into the tank.

4. Foul Odors

If you detect sewage odors in the house, there’s likely a leak in the main line, a clog, or an issue with the septic tank. This issue should be addressed immediately, as sewage and the bacteria it carries is harmful to your health. Exposure to large amounts of the methane gas it produces can cause respiratory distress.

If you experience any of these issues, turn to Kauai Maintenance & Construction in Kalaheo, HI. These experienced professionals will assess your fixture to determine the leak’s cause, then perform the necessary plumbing repairs to restore its function and efficiency. If a complete replacement is needed, they’ll install a new toilet quickly and ensure it’s fitted properly. Get more information about their services online, or call (808) 635-5040 to schedule an appointment.