Just like that, any feelings of exhaustion are gone, replaced by panic. Suddenly, water begins pooling around the toilet. Turns out the issue is a leaking toilet.
Fixing it can cost quite a bit of time and money, and professional plumbers will take some time to get out there.
How can a leaking toilet be avoided? Prevention. Here are a few ways to avoid disaster and keep toilets in top shape.
Research Your Home
Every homeowner should have at least a passing familiarity with the history of their home. While, yes, it certainly adds an element of charm, there’s a far smarter reason behind the research.
Knowing when a house was built and how often it’s maintained is a great way to determine whether or not the problem could be plumbing-related. Older homes, as one may expect, tend to experience more plumbing issues than newer homes.
Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with the toilet itself. It may be that the toilet is old and the pipes haven’t been replaced in decades.
Look For Water Stains From The Leaking Toilet
Sometimes a leak is easy to spot due to water stains. If stains are present, immediately turn off the water to prevent further damage to the home.
Should one hear that dreaded dripping noise, immediately search the area around the toilet for water stains. Aside from telling how recent and vast the damage is, stains can give a rough idea of where the leak is coming from.
Not all water damage comes from the pipes themselves. Sometimes, cracks in the toilet or an issue with the tank can result in leakage.
Replace The Wax Seal Surrounding Your Toilet
There’s a bit of good news and bad news when it comes to replacing a wax seal.
The good news is that replacing said seal is cost effective and should last between 20 to 30 years. The bad news is that replacing a wax seal without experience is extremely difficult.
It’s recommended that readers who need to replace their wax seal call a professional for assistance.
Perform Maintenance Regularly
The best way to prevent a leaking toilet is by performing maintenance on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be too often, a few times a year should suffice.
Check and tighten any pipes that feel loose or wobbly. Ensure that the wax seal surrounding the toilet isn’t starting to break apart. Make sure any screws bolting the toilet down aren’t beginning to rust from water damage.
A little maintenance can prevent a whole lot of expenses in the long run.
Need Help Fixing A Leaking Toilet?
A leaky toilet is a nuisance, to say the least, and may even cause damage to the floorboards or tile around it. Be sure to keep a lookout for signs of leakage, and find a professional plumber should the toilet need repair.