How to Check a Toilet for Leaks

Why Is It Important to Take Care of Toilet Leaks?

Even small leaks can cause a significant amount of water damage, mold growth and could even expose your loved ones to harmful bacteria. In addition to health concerns and property loss, homeowners may also struggle with rising utility costs. If you want to avoid the hassle and expense of restoring your bathroom, then it is important to keep a close eye on leaks, and to take care of them as quickly as possible.

How to Check Your Toilets for Leaks

Thankfully, there is an easy way that property owners can check for toilet leaks. Simply remove the lid and put 15 to 20 drops of food coloring into the tank, making sure that the new shade of the water is visibly changed. Walk away from the toilet for half an hour, and make sure to tell others to avoid using the bathroom during this time. When the 30 minutes has passed, look in your toilet bowl. If the water remains clear, then you dont have a leak. If the food coloring from the tank has mixed into the water in your toilet bowl, then there is likely a crack in the overflow tube or a damaged flapper, which is causing a leak between the bowl and the tank. Also, check around the outside of your toilet, to see if any of the food coloring water has made its way to the exterior of the bowl or tank, or dripped onto the floor nearby. This could indicate a crack in the porcelain or a deteriorating wax ring.

Repairing a Toilet Leak

If the leak is occurring between the tank and the bowl, then you may need to replace the flapper, overflow tube or another part inside your toilet tank. If there are signs of leaks around the base of your bowl, then you may need to tighten the tee bolts or replace the wax ring. If you notice cracks in the bowl or tank, then you will need to install a new toilet.