Encountering a leaking toilet is one of those panic-inducing situations, which can also be expensive for homeowners, inflicting considerable damage to bathroom fixtures and flooring while increasing water bills when overlooked. Since you might be wondering about the possible causes of this nerve-wracking predicament, we have you covered with this comprehensive blog, entailing prevalent reasons why your toilet leaks when you flush and troubleshooting tips. However, if you want a long-lasting and quality result, you should employ professional plumbers in Sacramento to solve all your plumbing needs!
Common Reasons for Toilet Leaks When Flushing
The leading culprits are numerous and include:
● Loose and Damaged Bolts:
Your toilet’s base is anchored to the sewer pipe by a set of bolts, which may allow the water to seep out from under the bathroom when you flush if they get loose or damaged. Although the issue is fixable by tightening the bolts, if they are corroded beyond repair, consider replacing them.
● Worn or Broken Wax Ring:
A wax ring beneath your toilet is responsible for providing a watertight seal between the toilet base and the sewage pipe flange, and if it becomes broken or worn down over time, it can cause water to leak when you flush. If the wax ring is to blame, consult professional plumbers in Oakland to replace it.
● Cracked Toilet Tank or Bowl:
If your toilet tank or bowl gets a crack, it may allow the water to leak out when flushing. While you can fix the crack with a waterproof sealant, depending on its location and severity, replacement is the best alternative in some instances.
● Malfunctioning Flush Valve or Flapper:
When you flush the toilet, the flush valve and flapper produce a flow that propels waste down the drain. If either part is damaged or malfunctioning, water can leak and damage your bathroom floors, necessitating quick action to diagnose the issue and replace the damaged party instantly.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet When Flushing
Are you dealing with a toilet leak? Fret not! Following straightforward steps can help you readily fix the problem:
● Tighten or Replace Loose or Damaged Bolts:
In troubleshooting the toilet leaking, try tightening any loose or damaged bolts using a wrench, but ensure not to over-tighten them, as it may damage the toilet or flange. If the bolts are eroded, enlist the expertise of a professional.
● Replace the Wax Ring:
Stick to the below steps to replace a worn or damaged wax ring:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet, remove the supply line, and flush the toilet to drain any residual water from the tank and bowl.
- Loosen the bolts holding the toilet to the floor and carefully take it off the flange.
- Scrape the old wax ring from the flange and the toilet’s bottom. Place a new wax ring on the flange, ensuring it’s properly centered.
- Carefully lower the toilet back onto the flange, verifying the mounting bolts pass through the holes in the toilet’s base.
- Press down on the toilet to compress the wax ring and create a watertight seal.
- Reattach the bolts and reconnect the water supply line. Now, test the toilet for leaks by flushing it several times.
If you’re uncomfortable attempting this repair alone, contemplate seeking professional plumbers in San Jose if you reside there.
● Repair or Replace a Cracked Toilet Tank or Bowl:
If your toilet or bowl has a crack, use a waterproof sealant designed explicitly for porcelain fixtures. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the adhesive. After waiting for some time, test it for leaks. However, if the crack is extensive, it’s best to leave it for professionals since they’re outfitted with the correct equipment and training to replace them safely and effectively.
● Inspect and Repair the Flush Valve or Flapper:
To fix a malfunctioning flush valve or flapper, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the tank lid.
- Inspect the flush valve and flapper for signs of damage or wear.
- Remove any damaged components with new ones as necessary, using the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Reattach the tank lid and turn the water supply back on.
- Flush the toilet multiple times to test it.
