How to Fix a Leaking Toilet: Step by Step Guide

There is a myriad of reasons why the toilet can start leaking. Give this article a thorough read to understand how to fix a leaking toilet.

How to Fix a Leaking Toilet

A leaky toilet happens often and can be quite bothersome, though not dangerous.

Fixing a leaky toilet isn’t always straightforward. But if you can locate where the leak is coming from, it’s easier to solve. You can check for leaks in the toilet tank water by using Leak Detector Tablets or food coloring. These dye tablets are available on Amazon and make it simple to find leaks.

Toilet Leak Detection Dye Tablets (Detect Silent Leaks) 20 Pack On Amazon – (Paid Link) 

Here’s an easy way to find out if your toilet is leaking water into the bowl or onto the floor:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

Step 2: Mark the water level in the toilet bowl with a marker.

Step 3: Add some colored dye to the water in the tank and wait for 10-15 minutes.

Result 1: If the water in the bowl changes color, it means there’s a leak from the tank into the bowl. This could be due to a faulty flush valve.

Result 2: If you see the colored water on the floor, it indicates a crack in the tank or gasket, and they need to be replaced.

Result 3: ​Check if the water level in the tank has changed. If it has increased, there might be a problem with the inlet or float valve. If it has decreased, there could be a leak in the flush valve.

Once you’ve identified the issue, you can proceed to fix your leaky toilet tank easily.

How do you fix a toilet that is leaking from the bottom?

Do you notice water gathering around the base of your toilet? Is the floor around the toilet feeling spongy or showing signs of swelling? If yes, there’s probably a leak between the drain line and the toilet horn, where waste usually exits.

These small leaks can cause damage to the floor over time, including the surface and the structure beneath it. Delaying repairs could lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

If you’ve checked and confirmed that the toilet isn’t leaking from the base, let’s continue investigating. Here’s a quick overview of what to do if you find water leaking from the flapper, inlet valve, float valve, or flush valve. Let’s explore each one below:

The Flapper

Sometimes the water comes out or trickles through the bowl which is a leakage around the flapper. You can test it simply by turning off the water supply at the shutoff valve. If you notice that the water in the tank is dropping noticeably, understand that the problem might be in the flapper chain. If the chain of the flapper is too tight, this type of water dropping can happen.

All you have to do is adjust it slightly to settle back in its place. Are you still hearing water leaking into the bowl? If that is the case, the second possible source is leakage around the flapper. In this case, you have to replace the flapper.

Replacing a flapper is not hard. The first step is to drain the tank and pull it loose. Adjust a matching flapper that suits the hinges of the overflow tube. Sometimes the rubber label needs to be repaired.

Here is the Amazon link for replacement flappers. Once you have removed the faulty flapper just match it to one found on Amazon.

The Inlet Valve

If you’ve already tried the above steps and it doesn’t work, take a look inside the tank. If the water level rises above the overflow tube the problem might be with the inlet or float valve. To know what the problem is you have to determine the technology behind the valve system. Know that the rising water instructs the inlet valve when to shut “Off” and “On”.

If this mechanism gets interrupted somehow, it keeps spilling water through the overflow tube and into the bowl. To examine the inlet valve, you have to flush the toilet and check whether the water flow is stopping or not while holding the floating rod.

If it doesn’t stop, you have to adjust the float valve moving down slightly, ensuring it’s not touching or hampered by anything else.

You can also try to fix it by turning the screws on top of the valve. If you still face a problem, you have to replace it. If the water stops flowing while holding the floating rod, the inlet valve is fine and the problem is with the float.

Float Valve

Now check whether the float valve is shutting off properly or not. Pull up the float to see if the water stops running. If it stops adjust the level of the float in the inlet valve. You will find a screw at the top of the ballcock.

It will allow you to adjust the level of the float. You can reduce or raise the level of the water in the tank with this adjustment. After the adjustment, if you face the same problem, then check the float if it has any holes and lies too low in the water.

The hole doesn’t allow the float to raise enough to the inlet valve and causes the problem of dripping water. In these cases, you have to fix your tank by replacing the float but don’t have any stress. It’s easy to replace and also inexpensive. Here is the Amazon link to replacement float valves (Paid Link) just match it to the one you currently have.

Flush Valve and Seal

Sometimes the seal and the flush valve between the tank and bowl become old and cracked. So, you know what to do, replace it, and solve the problem.

How to replace a flush valve and seal on a leaking toilet

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Replacement flush valve and seal kit
• Towels or rags
• Bucket

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Locate the shut-off valve behind or beside the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. Flush the toilet to drain the tank and remove any remaining water using a towel or sponge. Place a bucket or towel beneath the toilet to catch any excess water that may leak during the process.

Step 3: Remove the Tank Lid and Disconnect the Water Supply Line. Carefully lift the tank lid off the toilet and set it aside in a safe place. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut connecting the water supply line to the bottom of the tank. Once loosened, carefully remove the water supply line from the tank and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the Old Flush Valve and Seal Inside the tank, locate the flush valve assembly connected to the bottom of the tank. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws or bolts securing the flush valve to the tank. Next, disconnect the flapper chain or any other attachments connecting the flush valve to the toilet handle. Once disconnected, lift the old flush valve out of the tank and remove the old seal from the bottom of the tank.

Step 5: Install the New Flush Valve and Seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new flush valve and seal. Insert the new seal into the bottom of the tank, ensuring it sits flush and creates a watertight seal. Then, place the new flush valve into position and reattach any screws or bolts to secure it to the tank. Connect the flapper chain or attachments to the toilet handle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Reattach the Water Supply Line and Turn On the Water. Carefully reattach the water supply line to the bottom of the tank and tighten the nut securely with an adjustable wrench. Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply to the toilet. Allow the tank to fill with water and check for any leaks around the new flush valve and seal.

Step 7: Replace the Tank Lid and Test the Toilet. Once you’ve confirmed there are no leaks, replace the tank lid and ensure it sits securely on top of the tank. Give the toilet handle a few flushes to test the new flush valve and seal. Listen for any unusual sounds or observe any signs of leaking water.

How can I stop a toilet from dripping?

Stopping your toilet from dripping is essential to prevent water wastage and potential damage to your bathroom. Here are some steps to help you fix a dripping toilet:

1. Identify the Source: Determine where the drip is coming from. It could be from the tank or the base of the toilet.
2. Check the Tank: Inspect the tank for cracks, leaks, or worn-out parts. Tighten any loose bolts or connections.
3. Replace the Flapper: If the drip is coming from the tank, the flapper may be worn out or not sealing properly. Replace the flapper with a new one to ensure a tight seal.
4. Adjust the Water Level: Sometimes, the water level in the tank may be too high, causing water to run into the overflow tube continuously. Adjust the float valve to lower the water level.
5. Check the Fill Valve: Inspect the fill valve for any signs of damage or wear. Replace the fill valve if necessary.
6. Tighten Connections: Check all the connections between the tank and the bowl for any leaks. Tighten any loose connections with a wrench.
7. Inspect the Base: If the drip is coming from the base of the toilet, there may be a faulty wax ring or a cracked toilet base. Replace the wax ring or consult a plumber to repair the cracked base.
8. Test the Toilet: Flush the toilet and observe if the drip persists. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs until the dripping stops completely.

By following these steps, you can effectively stop your toilet from dripping and ensure efficient water usage in your bathroom.

Final Words

A leaking toilet can be frustrating because it wastes water. But now you know how to fix it! If you see your floor staying wet, grab some pliers, rib joint pliers, and a container to catch the excess water. Fixing a toilet isn’t hard, and you don’t need expensive plumber tools for it.

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