Is your toilet’s tank leaking? It is one of the most common and most annoying problems in Australian households. Even though it might seem like a minor issue, you need to fix it as soon as possible because it can cause many additional problems. Even the smallest leak can result in an enormous waste of water, high water bills and the formation of mould. If you neglect this problem and wait until it escalates, you might need to pay for expensive repairs in the end. So, what you should do? Let us help you by listing the possible causes and outlining the best solutions!

5 Most Common Causes

1 – Faulty Flush Valve

The first thing you need to check is your flush valve. Can you spot any problems with it? It triggers the mechanism inside your tank to fill the toilet bowl with water, and it can cause leaks if it doesn’t work properly.

2 – Broken Flapper

The second thing to inspect is the flapper. It is the mechanism located inside the tank that pushes the water inside the toilet bowl. Can you open the tank and look into it? A damaged, faulty, or worn-out flapper needs to be fixed or replaced.

3 – Fill Valve is Not Working

The fill valve is connecting your water supply with the tank, and problems might occur if it is leaking. To test if this is the problem that causes the main leak, pour a coloured liquid into your tank, and see if it dyes the water in your toilet bowl.

4 – Your Toilet is Not Properly Sealed to the Floor

Your toilet should be properly connected to the sewage pipes and secured with a watertight seal. If you notice water on the floor around your toilet, it is a sign that you may have a crack at the base.

5 – You Have Damaged Sewer Pipes

If the root cause is not anywhere in your bathroom, it could be somewhere in your sewage system. Broken pipes can cause leaks and other major problems. Since they are concealed and you can’t access them, only your plumber can detect the issue.

Quick Fixes

If your toilet is leaking, there are a few things you can do before you decide to call a plumber. If the flushing valve is broken, you can try replacing it. You can also try fixing a leaky fill valve by yourself. For this task, you will need rubber gloves and pliers. Before you get on to work, make sure to turn off your water supply. Next, flush the toilet to eliminate the remaining water and open the lid on the tank. Finally, try to tighten the fill valve with pliers. If the flapper is broken, purchase the appropriate one and replace the old flapper.

Get Professional Help

If you can’t stop the leak by fixing or replacing the valves or the flapper, then it is likely that you have a more complex problem such as a damaged seal, a crack on the base of your toilet or a broken sewage pipe. These issues require the immediate attention of your trusty local plumber. Don’t hesitate to ring a professional if you can’t stop the leak by yourself. They can conduct a detailed inspection of your plumbing system to accurately diagnose the issue and fix it expertly.

GA Perry has a team of professional plumbers trained to resolve all common problems expertly and efficiently. Get in touch with us, and we will send someone your way.