Does a Leaking Toilet Always Require Replacement?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Does a leaking toilet require replacement?

Does a Leaking Toilet Always Require Replacement?

When a chronically leaking toilet becomes a problem in your home in Columbia, TN, you may need a new fixture. If your toilet leaks uncontrollably, you risk the spread of bacteria and mold throughout your home. It is critical to take action to minimize the damage from a flood:

• Turn off the water supply
• Begin water extraction
• Sanitize your space

Sometimes a minor repair of an old toilet can address a leak and prevent damage.

Base Ring Replacement

A toilet's porcelain base hides the floor hole through which the waste pipe runs. A wax ring around the hole prevents water from overflowing as it passes through the pipe. The porcelain base can loosen and press against the ring, tearing the wax and causing a leak when the toilet flushes. Sometimes, the wax naturally deteriorates over time. Replacing this critical part by first removing the entire unit from its foundation might extend your fixture's life.

Tank Flapper Replacement
The toilet flapper opens upon flushing to facilitate water movement through the pipe connecting the tank and the bowl. After each flush, the flapper seals the opening that leads the water into the bowl. The flapper can wear out and provide an insufficient seal causing a leaking toilet. A new part may be enough to solve the problem.

Loose Bolts Tightening
The bolts that fix your toilet to the floor can loosen over time and cause water to leak from beneath the porcelain base. Tightening the bolts with a wrench involves removing the plastic caps that cover them. Bolts that do not tighten usually have corrosion and require replacement.
When a slowly leaking toilet leaves you wondering if you need a new fixture, consider that you might solve the problem with a minor toilet repair. A flooding toilet that contaminates your home may require the services of a professional cleaning and restoration company.