Remove the tank lid, then flush. After the flapper / tank ball drops and the tank refills, add several drops of dark food coloring. Wait at least 20 minutes. If any trace of color appears in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.
Get some dye tablets from a hardware store or use food coloring. Put the tablets or coloring in the toilet tank and if the valve is leaking you will see the dyed water entering the main part of the toilet after a few minutes (wait about 10 minutes).
Identifying a Silent Toilet Leak
First, try lifting the toilet seat and see if you notice water trickling down the sides of the bowl or moisture accumulating around the toilet base. If you do, there may be a leak. Flushing the toilet is another way to tell.
The two most common causes of a toilet leak are the flapper or fill valve. To check for these leaks, lift the tank lid and look at the back wall of the toilet tank. You will see a water line that marks the level at which water fills the tank.
Replace Toilet Flapper or Gasket
To get to the toilet gasket, remove the the two bolts that attach the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. You will need a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. Each bolt will have a rubber gasket or washer that helps prevent leaks. Replace these gaskets with new ones.
Causes include a leaky flapper, too much water in the tank, or refill tube issues. Leaky Toilet: Expect to pay $100–$600 for leaky toilet repairs. Leaks happen where the toilet meets the floor, at the water supply valve, and between the bowl and tank. Clogged Toilet: Repairing a toilet clog costs $85–$600.
Thermal imaging cameras, or heat scanners', can be used to help find hidden leaks in hot water pipes under floorboards, concrete and behind walls. Thermography cameras can help identify problem areas that the naked eye cannot detect, revealing hidden water leaks that are otherwise out of sight.
Another common culprit of silent leaks is a faulty fill valve. To check this component, flush your toilet and observe if water continues to flow into the tank even after it's full. If so, adjusting or replacing the fill valve should do the trick. Sometimes a simple adjustment of certain parts can solve minor leaks.
An undetected toilet leak could waste as much as 5 gallons of water per minute. The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve (flapper) at the bottom of the toilet tank.
If there's a toilet base leak where the tank connects to the toilet bowl, check the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and tighten them if needed. If the bolts are tight and the leak persists, replace the bolts and the gasket between the tank and toilet base. Lastly, check for cracks in the tank.
Remove your tank lid and observe the water level. If you are doing this in the middle of the night you should visibly see the water going over, or close to it. You can also sometimes see water lines in the tank where the water has risen.
Dripping and gurgling noises – Any unusual noises coming from your water tank could be the result of a leak. Low water pressure – An unresolved leak can cause water pressure to drop. Mould and mildew – Leaks can create a damp environment, leading to mould and mildew growth.
Seeing water leaking from the base of your toilet is usually a sign that some plumbing connections aren't fully tightened. There's no need to panic, as this can be easily fixed with some simple DIY know-how.
A small leak, which can be caused by tiny cracks or deterioration of toilet components like the flapper, can waste an extra 158 gallons a day. Based on current water rates, that adds $248 to your quarterly water bill. A larger leak can waste up to 3,370 gallons a day, adding more than $8,054 to your water bill!
A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.
Find the Leak With an Acoustic Device
An acoustic leak detection device can help your plumber find the leak using sound. The plumber places the device on the floor and moves it around while listening to the sounds the device picks up. As the device moves closer to the leak, the sound changes.
Source of damage
If the source of the damage comes from inside your home, such as a water leak from plumbing , a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, you'll likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.
Look for water stains, damp spots, or peeling paint on ceilings, walls, or floors. These signs may indicate a nearby leak, and by following the path of the water damage, you can narrow down the possible source. Examine Faucets and Fixtures: Leaky faucets and fixtures are common culprits of water leaks.
Roto-Rooter costs $100 to $600 on average for minor fixture repairs or clogged plumbing. Roto-Rooter rates for fixing a toilet or sink are less than for unclogging drains and sewer lines. Plumbing services for emergencies like burst pipes cost $1,000 to $3,500.
Replace the Tank bolts and the gaskets. You can get them at a typical hardware store. Then turn off the water to the toilet and flush it. Then you can take the lid off the tank, remove what standing water is left with a sponge, then replace the bolts and gaskets.
Use Roto-Rooter Products to Help Prevent Toilet Clogs. A backed up toilet is a nasty chore to deal with. Sometimes the problems are immediate.