There’s a reason why the plumbing market is worth an estimated $124 billion. Plumbing is one of those things that we take for granted every day that we use it. But, the second that something goes wrong with it we instantly go into panic mode.

Few plumbing problems can cause as much anxiety as leaking toilets. But, is this issue that big of a deal? Can you afford to put it off for a few weeks, or even months? If you want to learn the answer to these questions, and more, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll break down why you should fix a leaking toilet as soon as you discover it. We’ll also go over some of the common causes of leaky toilets. Let’s get started!

Why Are Leaking Toilets Such a Big Deal?

When you see a little water coming out of your toilet, you might have the urge to instantly try and downplay it. After all, how much damage could a small leak cause? Sadly, they can cause a lot more than you might think.

The first reason why a small leak is a big issue is any wood that might be nearby. When water comes in prolonged contact with wood it causes it to become warped and rotten. Not only does this make it unattractive to look at, but it’s also a potential safety hazard.

If your floor is made of wood, then heavy appliances could potentially fall through and harm someone. And, rotten wood isn’t the only safety hazard. There’s also the mold to consider.

Leaky toilets provide a constant supply of moisture to your home. And, as you probably know, bacteria and mold thrive on moisture. The more you breathe this substance in, the more adverse health effects you’re going to experience.

Finally, there’s the fact that leaks are wasteful. While this isn’t as dramatic as rotting wood, or mold, it’s still a problem. Not only does it hurt the environment, but it also makes your water bill a lot larger.

What Are Some Common Causes of Leaky Toilets?

Regardless of whether you plan on fixing the toilet yourself, or hiring a professional, you need to know the cause of the problem. However, before you identify the cause, you need to know that there’s a problem in the first place.

As such, make sure that you familiarize yourself with these signs first. Then, you can move on to the specific component that’s malfunctioning.

This is important even if you’re hiring a professional because it helps them save time and bring the necessary components to fix the problem.

1. Damage to the Flapper

The flapper is the component of your toilet that’s found in the tank. It’s responsible for allowing water to flow into the bowl after someone flushes the toilet. Sadly, over time the flapper is likely to get damaged or warped.

That means that water will begin leaking from the tank into the toilet. Keep in mind that damage isn’t the only problem that can happen to your flapper. It’s also possible for it to get stuck open.

When this happens water will continually pour into the bowl. Both of these problems will likely require you to replace the flapper.

2. Crack in the Supply Line

The supply line is responsible for bringing water into the tank. Old age and water pressure damage can cause cracks in this supply line. This, in turn, can cause water to start pooling around your toilet.

A cracked supply line is something that you should never attempt to fix by yourself. Instead, contact a professional right away.

3. Damage to the Tank

You should also inspect the tank of the toilet. Are there any cracks or holes that are causing a leak? If you notice this, then you might be tempted to try and fix it with a sealant. However, we recommend against this.

Instead, you will likely need to replace the toilet entirely. Or, if your toilet is a two-piece, then you can just purchase a replacement tank.

4. A Fill Valve That is Rusty

Your fill valve determines how much water enters your tank after you flush. A damaged or rusty fill valve will likely make your tank overflow with water. Typically, this process requires simply replacing the valve.

Just make sure that you turn off the water supply and drain everything properly before you attempt it.

What Should You Do If You Discover a Leaking Toilet?

When you discover a leaky toilet you might be tempted to try and fix the problem yourself. However, unless you have experience dealing with plumbing issues, then we highly recommend that you contact a professional instead.

A good plumber can not only get to the root of the problem, but they can fix it in a way that cuts off lasting damage. This is the most important difference between professional and DIY fixing. DIY fixes might put a bandaid on the issue.

But, they do little to fix the underlying problems. This, in turn, can come back to haunt you if the toilet continues leaking without your knowledge. We’ve already discussed some of the issues that leaking toilets can cause.

So, save yourself a headache and contact a professional to help you fix it.

Want More Content? Keep Reading

We hope this article helped you decide whether or not leaking toilets are a big deal. In our opinion, they are. As such, we recommend calling a professional as soon as you discover it.

That way, you can address the problem early on and minimize any possible damage. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.