Is Your Toilet Leaking – Signs to Watch for and What to Do About It

Bathroom plumbing issues are something that can happen at any time. Homeowners often assume these are the kinds of issues that only happen to older homes, but that isn’t the case at all. Even newly built homes can have issues, and as a homeowner, you want to be sure you’re staying on top of any potential problems and watching for red flags. Plumbing issues are not only inconvenient, but if left untreated, they can lead to some pretty extensive and expensive repairs.

So, let’s talk toilets. A common issue that can happen with toilets is that they leak, but that leak may not always be as obvious as you’d assume. Here’s a look at the signs to watch for that show your toilet may be leaking.

There Is Staining on the Floor

The first thing you can do is take a look at the floor surrounding the toilet. You want to look for any signs of staining on the floor. It could look gray, brown, or yellow and is a sign that the toilet is leaking. Typically, if there is a stain, it also means the leak has been going on for quite some time, which could signal additional water damage. It may also indicate that it is a slow leak, since there is no noticeable pooling of water and the area is dry.

There Is Water on the Floor at the Base of the Toilet

This one is a really obvious sign that the toilet is leaking. If there is water pooling, or the floor feels damp, then you know for certain there is a leak in the tank. This can happen at the base of the toilet, where it meets the flooring. This is more common in toilets that get used a lot, or older toilets that need replacing.

Strange Sounds are Coming from the Toilet

Sometimes it’s not so much the sign of water pooling or staining, rather it’s about listening for new and unusual sounds in the toilet. One common sign is the sound of water running long after you have flushed the toilet and the water has re-filled. As this plumber points out, it could be a few different issues such as the fill valve or the toilet flush, or it may actually be a leak.

There Is an Unpleasant Odor on a Regular Basis

Finally, there is scent, which can also be a red flag and early warning sign. If you notice a new smell that seems to linger and remain, and smells of sewage, this could signal a leak in the actual toilet bowl. At the same time, it could be a more in-depth issue such as a plumbing problem, a problem with the actual pipes, and so forth.

Because gas can be harmful (methane), and it can be a very involved repair job, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to take a look.

Watch for Signs and Act in a Speedy Manner

At the end of the day, it’s all about watching for the red flags and then reacting to them in a timely manner.

About The Author: Justin Jersey is a journalist, stylist and blogger. He is an aesthetician by heart who often writes about Art, Fashion, decorating and DIY ideas. He loves sparking creativity and giving them ideas for their own spaces.  Follow him on Twitter or Pinterest.

Photo by Christa Grover from Pexels