How To Locate A Leak On Your Toilet
When you have a leak on your toilet or any leak for that matter, it is important to repair it as quickly as possible. The water from a leak can cause serious damage to your home. When you know that your toilet is leaking but you’re not sure where the leak is, there are a few steps to troubleshooting a leaking toilet. There are no tools necessary for troubleshooting, but you will need some food coloring (preferably red) and some paper towels. The food coloring helps in identifying where your leak is which is why bright colors are the best.
To find your leak, complete the following steps:
- Flush the toilet and thoroughly dry the exterior of the toilet and the floor surrounding it.
- Pour a small amount of red food coloring into the tank behind the toilet bowl. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of food coloring and wait an hour.
- After you have waited an hour, if no leaks are easily visible, you will need to use a paper towel. Wipe the towell under the toilet tank where it connects to the toilet bowl. If you find red water here, then your leak is most likely related to the tank bolts that are connecting the tank and the bowl together. If not, wipe around the base of the toilet bowl where it meets the ground. If you find red water here, then your leak is most likely related to the connection of your toilet and toilet flange. Often, it is necessary to pull the toilet and replace the wax ring, toilet flange, or toilet bolts.
