Identifying and Repairing Toilet Leaks
A bad wax ring should be the only reason wastewater leaks below the toilet.
If there is suddenly water on the bathroom floor beside the toilet, there's no need to panic. It is essential to understand the source of leaks before attempting repairs. After cleaning up the excess water, consider the following before assuming the seal between toilet and drain line needs repair. The below causes may be preferable in terms of the cost of repair, and can help homeowners avoid unnecessary work.
Condensation
According to plumbers, the most common cause of water leaks on the bathroom floor is "sweating." Water condenses outside the toilet's tank and leaks onto the flooring. The water temperature difference inside the tank causes toilet tank condensation, or sweating. Generally, tank water is cold while the air temperature in the room is warm. Thus, condensation happens.
Quick solution:
Toilet tank liners can insulate the cold water inside the tank from the damp exterior.
Anti-sweat toilet tank valves blend cold and warm water entering into the tank to minimize the temperature level difference inside and outside the toilet tank.
It is sometimes difficult to confirm if the water on the floor is coming from condensation. Generally, the tank must be dried entirely with a towel, and then observed to see whether water continues to collect on the exterior.
Dripping from below the toilet
A bad wax ring should be the only reason wastewater leaks below the toilet. However, even if the wax seal is damaged, the water flushed through a complimentary drain should stay on the wax on the closet flange (below the toilet) and onto the flooring. Water should go directly down from the toilet and into the waste line.
If it is confirmed that wastewater is on the floor, the issue is likely more than a damaged wax ring. Although there might not be recurring overflow issues with the toilet, the water will still likely come out in the path of least resistance.
Quick solution:
Resealing the toilet bowl with a new wax ring is a good first step. Plumbers also recommend examining the possibility of an interruption in the waste lines. Sometimes, just changing the wax ring will not resolve the problem, and drain issues may continue due to another issue, like an existing clog in the drain.
Valve leak
Check to see if water is leaking from the pipe connection in the rear end of the shut-off valve near the wall.
Quick Solution:
If this is the case, the valve might have to be replaced. However, it might resolve if the valve is tightened onto the pipe, depending on the kind of valve and pipe in place.
Water pooling from other parts of the bathroom
More often than not, a toilet is the source of a water leak in a bathroom. However, other leaks may pool near the toilet when the cause is from another fixture, like the sink.
Quick Solution:
Try putting a rug or two on the bathroom floor to see if the direction of water flow can be distinguished. If water stops gathering near the toilet, check the other fixtures for leaks.
Supply line leaks
Look for water leaking from the joints on each end of the pipe, where the line connects both to the inlet of the toilet's fill valve and the shut-off valve on the wall. If there is a stiff supply line, try changing the supply washers. Usually, the supply line will be connected straight to the shut-off valve as a single-piece system.
Quick Solution:
After replacing the supply washers, plumbers recommend utilizing versatile stainless-steel water bends, which are much more durable and easier to connect.
Water leaking from the toilet tank
If condensation has been ruled out as the cause, the tank should be checked for leaks. This process is relatively straightforward.
Quick solution:
Remove the toilet tank cover; be cautious, as tank covers tend to be heavy and can break easily.
Add food coloring to the water in the toilet tank.
Avoid flushing for some time.
Observe if colored water drips from any part of the toilet tank.
Any cracks in the tank should be highlighted by the colored water. Other sources might be from the foam gasket where the flush valve allows water into the bowl.y cracks in the tank should be highlighted by the colored water. Other sources might be from the foam gasket where the flush valve allows water into the bowl.
Dripping from in between the toilet bowl and the tank
The colored water test can also be employed to check for leaks between the tank and bowl. There are a few ways to distinguish different types of leaks between the toilet tank and bowl:
Water dripping near the middle indicates a need for a new tank-bowl sponge gasket. Plumbing professionals can also suggest acquiring new washers for the tank bowl.
Tank-bowl gasket leaks: Flushing the toilet will increase this leak.
Water leaks due to the washers and bolts will appear closer to the toilet bowl side, closer to the border, and away from the center. However, this is not a common issue.
Quick solution:
To address tank-bowl leaks, lift the toilet tank from the bowl, and replace the washers identified from the process above. Depending on the toilet style, this plumbing repair and the components required may vary. When replacing the tank-bowl rubber washers, homeowners may wish to use the opportunity to replace older tank-bowl bolts as well.
Fill valve shank gasket drip
Always inspect the shank gasket where the ballcock connects to the tank. The fill valve or ballcock allows water to enter the tank and is a common source of leaks.
Quick solution:
The colored water test can usually identify this type of problem. Look for cracks in the tank near or around the gasket. If no cracks are visible, try tightening the shank nut beneath the tank. Only tighten the nut a quarter turn at a time while continuing to monitor the leak. If it persists after a few turns, the gasket needs to be replaced.
If none of the quick solutions provided address the toilet leak, call a local plumbing professional to complete an assessment and repair today.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.
