How To Identify a Toilet Leak

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Toilet base repaired from leaking in a Newtown, PA home

A bathroom leak in Newtown,PA, can be confusing and frustrating. If you’ve discovered a puddle of water around your toilet, you might be dealing with crack or leak from the fixture. This should be identified quickly and taken care of to avoid water damage. Here are a few ways to identify what’s happening in a leaking toilet.

Tank Condensation

Does your toilet have water beads that run down the sides of the tank or bowl? The water you are looking at may not be from a leak. When there is a distinct temperature difference in a bathroom, condensation can build on the toilet.

This usually occurs when the weather outside is cold and the inside of the toilet is warm. Condensation gathers on the toilet and runs down the exterior of the fixture. This process is sometimes called toilet “sweating” and can be wiped away.

Tank Leak

Sometimes the problem is more serious. If you think that you are truly dealing with a leaking toilet, here is a simple method that can help you discover where the leak is coming from:

1. Carefully remove the toilet tank lid.
   
2. Add some organic-based food coloring to the water
3. Let the toilet sit and see if any of the colored water leaks out of the tank

If colored water does escape the tank, you can be sure that the leak is coming from up there.

Toilet Base

If the water you are concerned about is surrounding the bottom of the toilet, the problem will likely be right at the base. Although it could be condensation, it’s usually a malfunctioning wax ring that seals the base. This can be fixed, but keep in mind that the toilet might need to be removed for the repair.

It isn’t too complicated to discover what’s wrong with a leaking toilet, but it is important to act fast. By calling in professionals to fix the toilet or restore any water damage, you can prevent future water problems from occurring in your bathroom.