Finding & Fixing a Silent Toilet Leak

Are you suffering sticker shock from an unexpected rise in your water bill? The culprit could be your toilet.

Silent leaks in your toilet aren’t just an expensive waste of water — they can lead to lasting water damage to your property. Luckily, there are some simple ways homeowners can detect and treat toilet leaks to maximize water efficiency and reduce overspending.

In this blog post, the plumbing professionals at All Comfort Services explain potential reasons behind your toilet leak, how to identify them, and what you should do if you suspect a leak in your toilet system.

Identifying a Silent Toilet Leak

Hidden leaks can be hard to detect, but there are a few easy ways homeowners can find out if their toilet is leaking. First, try lifting the toilet seat and see if you notice water trickling down the sides of the bowl or moisture accumulating around the toilet base. If you do, there may be a leak.

Flushing the toilet is another way to tell. If you have to hold the handle down for longer than normal, it could indicate a hidden leak in your fixture.

A dye test is a more effective method for determining whether you have a hidden toilet leak. Remove the top of your toilet tank and add a few drops of dark-colored food dye to the tank water. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and refrain from flushing the toilet during this time.

After you’re done waiting, check the bowl to see if there are streaks of color. If you see any color changes, it’s a clear sign that your toilet is leaking.

Causes of Toilet Leaks

There are several reasons why your toilet may leaking, the most common of which are:

• Improper valve settings: If the valve is set too high, it can lead to sudden leaks in your toilet. A simple adjustment should resolve it.
• Damaged toilet flapper: Over time, your flapper may warp, crack, or break, reducing its ability to control water flow and potentially causing leaks.
• Cracked supply line: If you notice water on the floor around your toilet, it’s a clear sign that your supply line needs repair.
• Damaged toilet tank: Another potential reason for water on the floor is a damaged toilet tank, which may require a full toilet replacement.
• Rusted fill valve: When the fill valve becomes damaged or corroded, it may need to be replaced to prevent your system from leaking.

Why Is Your Toilet Running at Night?

Many toilets run only at night; that’s because people use much less water during these hours. In many municipal water systems, water pressure rises considerably during this time.

It’s not uncommon for system water pressure to rise by 15 to 20 pounds per square inch (psi) and by as much as 30 psi in some situations.

This pressure rise could cause “water creep” in your gravity-fed tank by 1/2 inch or more. That’s why toilet manufacturers typically suggest the water level be set at approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.

Trust All Comfort Services To Repair Your Leaky Toilet

Do you suspect a hidden leak is causing the sudden rise in your water expenses? All Comfort Services offers the toilet repairs you need to quickly restore your leaky toilet to full functionality.

With 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed and a team of certified technicians ready to address your needs, you can rest assured that we’ll have your toilet back in top working condition in no time.

Neil Harrop( Plumbing Division Manager )

Neil has over 25 years of experience as a plumber. In his free time, he coaches his son’s baseball team.