Toilet leaks
Are there strange sounds coming from your empty bathroom? If so, your house might be haunted… or more likely, you’re dealing with a toilet leak.
Common signs that your toilet is leaking:
You have to jiggle your toilet’s handle to get it to stop running
You have to hold down the handle to get it to empty completely
Water is trickling down the side of the toilet long after it’s been flushed
Phantom flushing
Your toilet could also be leaking without any obvious signs, called a silent leak.
There are two very simple options for testing your toilet for leaks:
OPTION 1: Grab some food coloring
OPTION 2: Turn off the toilet before bed or leaving your house
OPTION 1: CHECK IT OUT
Grab a bottle of food coloring and place 10-15 drops in the toilet tank (the back part). Wait 10-15 minutes then look in the toilet bowl.
Notice colored water? You have a leak. Typically the leak is around the plunger ball or flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. A toilet repair kit will typically range from $10-20.
Is the color clear but your toilet is behaving strangely? We can connect you with a professional who can help you investigate further.
OPTION 2: TURN IT OFF
No food coloring? No problem! Before going to bed or leaving the house for a few hours, turn off your toilet valve. This is the tubing that connects your water supply to your toilet. These valves usually have a lever or round handle. Twist clockwise to shut off. Check back a few hours later.
Is the water line below where it was before you left? Then you have a leak. Typically the leak is around the plunger ball or flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. A toilet repair kit will typically range from $10-20.
Is the water line at the same level but your toilet is behaving strangely? We can connect you with a professional who can help you investigate further.
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