What Are the Causes of Leaking Toilets?

A leaking toilet can be almost as difficult to solve as a Rubik's Cube. But, if you know what you are looking for, then the job will be much less arduous. Also, with do-it-yourself toilet repair the replacement pieces are only a few dollars and won't hurt your pocket book.

Water Around Floor Bolts

If you have water puddling around the base of your toilet or leaking down into the floor below the toilet, then your wax ring has worn away. You can purchase a wax ring for $2.99 at stores like Menards, as of January 2010.

Water Between Tank and Bowl

Water between the tank and the bowl means that your tank-to-bowl gasket is no longer sealing correctly. This is an easy job but will require you to take the tank off of the bowl.

Leaky hose

If there is water leaking from the supply line, running between the shut-off valve and the threading of the water supply valve's threads (the piece on the bottom of the toilet tank), then one of the washers inside of the house has become defective. It's best to simply purchase a new supply line than trying to find a washer to fit inside the end of the leaking hose. Supply lines cost only $3.49, as of January 2010.

Running Water

Running water inside the bowl, is a key sign that the flapper inside your tank has worn out. When replacing this make sure to turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet once, so the tank is empty when you are working in there.

Leaking Shut-Off Valve

If water is leaking from the handle of your shut-off valve, then you need to replace it. Make sure that you turn off the main water supply in the house first. If you don't do this and remove the toilet's shut-off valve, then water will come streaming out freely.

References

• Menards