Having a leak underneath the toilet is not a pleasant thing to have happen. It will make your bathroom smell like urine and will leave your floors and walls damp. If you are experiencing this problem, there are some simple things that you can do to fix the problem. You may need to replace the flapper, the wax ring, or the tank.
Replace a wax ring
Having a leak underneath the toilet is not a fun thing. It can lead to major damage to the subfloor of your bathroom, and it can be difficult to determine where the leak is coming from. But it is possible to pinpoint the source of the leak with a little bit of patience.
One of the first things to do is to look for water spots. If the area around your toilet is damp, you may have a leak. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a faulty shut off valve or a tank that has a crack. You should also look for water spots on the floor or ceiling.
If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, you can try to dry out the area with your hands. If the area is still damp, you may need to look at the toilet base to see where the leak is coming from.
Replace a toilet flapper
Performing a simple replacement of your toilet flapper is one of the easiest plumbing tasks. If your toilet flapper is leaking underneath your toilet tank, it is probably time for a new one.
Most toilet flappers are made of rubber. These flappers will start to wear out after a few years. This is because rubber softens and hardens with time. To prevent a leaking toilet, make sure your flapper is replaced at least every four to five years.
If your flapper is old or if you notice debris on the rubber surface, it is time to replace it. The replacement flapper should be the same size as the old one. You will need to remove the old flapper from the tank by unhooking the chain from the flush lever.
Check your cistern
Having a leaking toilet cistern is not only inconvenient, but can also cause damage to walls and floors around the toilet. When a leak occurs, you may have to hire a plumber to fix the problem, which can cost as much as a couple of hundred dollars. But, there are a few steps you can take to prevent a leak from happening in the first place.
First, you should test the water level in your cistern. If the level is below the overflow pipe, then you have a leak. You may have to drain out the tank, or replace the seal. Then, you can refill the tank.
You should also check the water supply fitting, the joint between the tank and the bowl. A leak here can be a sign of a more serious problem, like a broken pipe or faulty seal.
Remove the toilet if it’s not the tank
Getting rid of a leak underneath the toilet can be a big job. You may need to replace the gasket, or it may need to be repaired. It is a good idea to contact a plumber to fix the problem if it is too difficult to handle on your own.
If you are experiencing a leak, make sure that the shutoff valve is turned off before attempting any repairs. If it is difficult to turn off, you may want to try WD-40. You can also try loosening stubborn shutoff valves by using a wrench or a putty knife.
If you do not have a ratchet with the right size socket, you can use a long flat screwdriver to loosen the bolts. You can then remove the nuts with needlenose pliers or a wrench.
Hire a professional plumber
Having a plumbing problem that involves a toilet can be a frightening experience. It is important to take action to avoid more damage. Getting a professional to help you fix a toilet leak is a great way to make sure the problem is fixed properly and fast.
Plumbing repairs don’t have to be expensive. A small leak below the flange can cost as little as $100 to fix. However, a corroded or leaky pipe can cost as much as $3,900 to fix.
A toilet that won’t flush can be an indicator of a problem with the tank or wax ring. A professional plumber can replace the wax ring to fix the problem.
A toilet that won’t flush may also mean that the seal is broken. If the seal is broken, water can leak from the tank into the floor.
If you need a plumber in Phoenix that can help with toilet repair contact Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ call us.
