Bathroom Help 101: 4 Reasons Your Toilet Might Be Leaking

If you have noticed water pooling around your toilet, it is likely that there is a leak somewhere within your toilet's plumbing. While noticing a leak might be a bit troublesome, the good news is that they are usually easy to fix. But before you break out the tools, you must first identify the route cause of the leak.

If you don't know where to begin looking, don't worry. Here are four common areas that can cause your toilet to leak:

1. Corrosion

Depending on the age of your toilet and plumbing system, it is possible that corrosion is causing the leak. As your pipes and toilet age, they begin to corrode. Once corrosion has taken its toll, you will likely begin to notice the telltale signs of a leak, such as pooling water or a wet floor. Corrosion may take place in any part of your plumbing system. However, if your toilet is leaking, it is more likely that the corrosion is taking place in the pipes that lead to your toilet. The corrosion might also be apparent on the inner workings (pipes and gaskets) within the toilet itself.

You can identify corrosion by looking at your pipes and toilet. If you notice any areas that appear black or weak, corrosion is likely the culprit.

2. Cracked Tank or Bowl

Another reason your toilet might leak is from a crack within the tank or the bowl. Since these areas hold water, they need to be pristine. Any small crack or hole in these areas can easily cause water to leak out. Unfortunately, if your toilet is cracked, there is only one solution: replace the toilet.

3. Float Issues

Inside the tank of your toilet, you will notice a small ball attached to a metal rod. This contraption might look useless, but it is actually very important. The float is responsible for telling your toilet when to stop running or filling with water. If the float is damaged, your toilet might constantly run and that can cause your toilet to overflow. The easiest way to fix this issue is to replace the float.

4. Damaged Washers or Bolts

Finally, damaged or worn out bolts and washers can also cause your toilet to leak. Since bolts and washers are what hold your toilet together, it's not surprising that damaged ones can cause water to leak out. Fortunately, you can remedy this issue by securing the toilet with new washers or bolts.

For more information, contact Ideal Plumbing & Heating or a similar company.

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