A toilet that’s always running is more than just an annoyance; it’s wasteful and can cost you money. If you let it go on without repair, you’ll definitely regret it. But, unfortunately, a leaky toilet tank may be harder to spot than you’d expect. Luckily, there are some signs to watch for and also a conclusive test that can be performed to find out whether or not you actually have an issue.
It’s better to find the problem before you open your water bill and see a huge jump. If you take the time to listen while you’re in the bathroom and you notice your toilet is running, don’t hesitate to check into it further. It’s not just a coincidence if it seems to be happening every time you’re in there … you likely a problem.
Other than the obvious sound of flowing water you hear when the toilet is running, a tip-off that you may have a leak is the minor rippling of the water along the edge of the bowl. You should only see this rippling effect when your toilet is actually filling. If you notice it at other times this is a good indication of a leak.
Test for a Leaky Toilet
Believe it or not, all you need to test for a leaky toilet is a little bit of food coloring. Just open the lid of the tank and squeeze in a few drops of your choice of color. And whatever you do … don’t flush! Just sit back and patiently wait for a few hours.
After about an hour or two, have a look inside the bowl. If you see food coloring, then you definitely have a leak.
How to Fix a Leaky Toilet
Depending on the severity of your problem, you may be able to fix the leak yourself. Common causes of leaks include dirt, sediment, or rust build up on the tank flapper. You should turn off the water supply before attempting to clean the flapper, which you can do with a sponge or paper towel. Once you’ve completed your cleaning, it’s a good idea to use the food coloring to run a second test to make sure everything is working properly.
If you’re in need of any assistance, have questions on how to test for a leaky toilet tank, or suspect you have a leaky toilet and would like to talk to a professional, reach out to one of our Action Plumbing experts today.