A Guide on How To Fix a Leaking Toilet in Boxborough, MA

A leaking toilet doesn’t have to flood your bathroom to be a major problem. Even a small leak wastes water, increases your utility bills, and can potentially damage the floor and walls, not to mention the seemingly constant cleanup. 

Fortunately, many toilet leaks aren’t difficult to remedy, even for a novice homeowner. This guide explains common problems, troubleshooting steps, how to fix a leaking toilet, and when to call trusted plumbers in Boxborough, MA, for help.

The Most Likely Reasons Your Boxborough Toilet Leaks

Most toilet leaks stem from faulty components or the effects of wear and tear. Knowing how to fix a leaking toilet starts with learning why it’s leaking. So check for the following issues when you discover water where it shouldn’t be. Before attempting any DIY repair, remember to turn off the water supply to the toilet to avoid a big mess.  

Faulty Flapper 

You’ll find the flapper at the bottom of the toilet tank. This rubber part lifts up when you flush so the water flows into the bowl. It’s common for flappers to wear out over time, becoming warped or damaged, which allows water to leak into the bowl constantly. 

To determine if this is the issue, remove the tank lid and flush the toilet. If the flapper doesn’t close completely for any reason, replace it. That should stop the leak.

Malfunctioning Full Valve 

The fill valve determines how much water flows into the tank, so if it’s not functioning properly for any reason, it can cause the toilet tank to leak. You might also notice a constant trickle of water in the toilet bowl. 

To check on the valve, remove the tank lid and flush. Watch the fill valve while the tank refills. If it doesn’t shut off or overflows, you may need a new valve. Adjusting the float mechanism can also solve the issue. 

Issues With Tank Bolts

If the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl become loose or corroded, water may leak from the base of the tank through the holes. When this occurs, you may be able to tighten bolts to solve the issue, but if that doesn’t work, replace them. 

Cracked Tank or Bowl

Porcelain toilets are fragile, and even a tiny crack in the tank or bowl will allow water to trickle out. Replacing the toilet is the only way to deal with this issue. 

Leaking Seal

Every toilet has a wax ring that creates a seal between the toilet base and the drainpipe. If the ring becomes worn or damaged or is installed incorrectly, water will leak from the bottom of the toilet base.

To inspect the wax ring and determine if this is the issue, you’ll need to unscrew the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor and move it to the side. If the wax ring shows any signs of wear or damage, replace it. 

Do You Need Help From a Professional Plumber?

While it’s easy to solve some simple issues with replacement parts and caulking from the hardware store and basic tools, if you don’t know how to fix a leaking toilet, it’s better to get help from a professional. In some cases, attempting DIY repairs will only make things worse, or there could be an issue deeper within the system that you can’t see.

Some of the issues that you should call in an expert for include:

• Persistent leaks, no matter what you do to solve the problem
• A cracked toilet, since a new one, is best installed by a professional with the right skills and tools.
• Frequent clogs and leaks indicate a bigger problem, like a sewer line clog
• Sewer smells, which can mean improper toilet installation or a problem in the sewer pipe
• Water damage around the toilet
• Leaks from multiple spots on the toilet

Plumbers have expert knowledge of how to fix a leaking toilet and will solve the problem much faster without the risk of additional damage.