A leaking toilet is one of the most frustrating problems, but you can correct this issue on your own with a few steps. If the toilet is leaking either below the base or from the tank, then these problems can be corrected with toilet repair service and proper maintenance. Here is detailed guidance on how to fix a leaking toilet.
Turn Off the Water Valve
To do away with toilet leakage, start by turning off the water supply valve to stop the leakage. Locate the valve at the back or the side of the toilet, and gently turn it to your right. Stopping the water provides room for safe toilet repair without risking water damage.
Drain and Dry the Tank
If the leak originates from your tank, remove the lid and flush the entire tank until it empties. After that, use a sponge to dry up any remaining water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, increasing water bills and exacerbating the water wastage problem. This step is important as it leads to a clean working environment and ensures water does not drip to the surface. Moreover, it makes it easy to assess the extent of leakage accurately.
Turn off the Water Supply
In this step, you loosen the compression nut to detach the tube supplying water to the tank. If it leaks, temporarily tape the water pipe. Get a bucket or towel to hold spilled water and prevent water from spilling over the surrounding area. The average cost of water in the United States is $3.99 per 100 cubic feet (748 gallons). Therefore, finding leaks is increasingly crucial for saving each unit.
Take out the Toilet Bolts and Nuts
Look for the caps at the base of the toilet bowl, and their heads have rounded faces. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and nuts that keep the toilet in close contact with the floor. A light application of pressure is necessary.
Once the toilet is unhinged, carefully lift it and place it on a blanket or towel to prevent damage. It’s advisable to have a helper to assist with lifting and maneuvering the toilet, especially if it’s heavy or awkward. This step ensures safe removal and prevents accidents or injuries during handling.
Scrape Off the Old Wax Gasket
Scrape off the remaining wax of the old wax gasket from the toilet flange stuck to the bottom of the toilet using a putty knife. The aim is to ensure the new wax gasket is free from any obstruction for a nice, water-tight fit on the new bowl and closet flange.
Loosen the screws and add a strap under the flange if necessary. Secure the flange back to the floor once adjustments are made. Ensure the flange is level and properly aligned before tightening the screws. Proper alignment and attachment prevent movement and ensure a stable base for the toilet.
Install New Wax Gasket
Reconnect the water supply. This means that after the old wax seals have been replaced with new ones and are firmly attached to the floor along with the closet flange, a small amount of plumber’s grease will be placed on the flange. This will give a tight seal between the closet and the floor, preventing leaks and providing stability.
Attach the water supply tube to the valve shank at the bottom of the tank and secure the closet bolts. Verify that there are no leaks near the connections, and if there are, make sure the leaks are sealed well enough to keep water from escaping. It is important to connect the toilet correctly to prevent leaks and maintain normal operation.
Final Words
Finally, attach the supply tube to the shut-off valve, fill the tank, and flush to see if there are leaks. After flushing, keep your eyes on the washroom for a few minutes and check later to ensure there are no leakages. The repair test confirms that the toilet can be used without problems and that all the leaks have been permanently fixed.
The EPA estimates toilet flushes to be responsible for almost thirty percent of your daily water use. It is, therefore, crucial to identify leaks in toilets, as they can result in thousands of gallons being lost each month. Following these steps will effectively eliminate a leaking toilet and prevent further damage. Sometimes, simple fixes will solve a leaky toilet, but if your toilet needs professional repair, do not hesitate to contact us. Plan your bathroom repair with Tiger Services, LLC, to bring the bathroom of your dreams to life.
