How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
Dealing with a leaking toilet isn’t just a minor annoyance; it can quietly rack up your water bill, damage floors, and even lead to mould sneaking into your home. If you spot water pooling around the base or hear a persistent trickle, don’t ignore it. What might seem trivial could quickly become a costly problem.
Dealing with a toilet leak promptly can save you money, minimise water wastage, and protect your home from expensive damage. In this guide, we’ll explore some typical causes of toilet leaks—like worn seals or hidden cracks—and help you decide whether it’s a DIY job or time to call in the experts.
The sooner you take action, the better. Let’s look at what’s causing that leak and how to stop it before it gets worse.
Spotting a Leaking Toilet Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
A leaking toilet isn’t just an inconvenience—it can quietly waste 260 litres of water every day and lead to costly plumbing repairs. The good news? Catching the problem early can save you money and prevent damage to your bathroom.
Obvious Signs of a Toilet Leak
A major warning sign is definitely water collecting around the base of your toilet. It usually points to a worn-out wax ring or a loose fitting.
If you hear a constant trickling sound, the culprit might be a faulty fill or flush valve. Even small cracks in the toilet tank or cistern can lead to slow leaks that damage floors and walls over time.
Hidden Leaks: What to Watch For
Not all leaks are easy to spot. Some happen inside the toilet tank, allowing water to silently trickle into the bowl—wasting water without you even noticing.
A quick test? Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and wait. If the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a hidden leak.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Leak
Even a minor leak can quickly become a much bigger, more expensive problem. If left unchecked, it could cause structural damage, encourage mould growth, and seriously spike your water bills.
In many cases, a plumber is needed to replace worn-out parts like the fill valve, outlet washer, or rubber seal. If the issue lies with the shut-off valve, lever, or bolts, a proper fix requires the right tools and know-how.
Essential Tools for Fixing a Leaking Toilet
Before you start tackling that toilet leak, make sure you have the right tools nearby. The right equipment will make the job easier and help you steer clear of extra plumbing hassles.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench – Perfect for tightening or loosening bolts and securing connections.
- Screwdriver – Handy for removing screws from the toilet tank or flush valve.
- Plumber’s tape – Seals up loose or worn connections in the water supply hose to prevent future leaks.
- Replacement parts – Depending on the issue, you might need a new fill valve, flapper, or outlet washer.
- Bucket and towels – Because nobody wants water all over the bathroom floor when disconnecting parts.
Having these essentials nearby will make it much easier to inspect, diagnose, and repair your leaking toilet. And if things don’t go as planned—or if you’re unsure about any step—calling a licensed plumber is always a smart move.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide
A leaking toilet might seem like a big problem, but in many cases, it’s an easy fix—if you know what to look for. Follow this simple guide to tackle the most common toilet leaks and save yourself from bigger plumbing issues down the track.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
First up—turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve, typically on the wall behind or beside the toilet, and turn it clockwise until the water stops.
Once that’s done, flush the cistern to drain the tank. Any remaining water? Use a towel to soak it up. If the shut-off valve is stuck, don’t force it—an old or cracked valve can break completely. If that happens, it’s best to call a plumber to replace it.
Step 2: Check the Flapper
A worn-out or misaligned flapper is one of the top causes of toilet leaks. To check, remove the toilet tank lid and find the rubber seal at the bottom. If it’s damaged or not sealing properly, water will keep running into the bowl.
To fix it:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Disconnect the lever chain.
- Swap out the old flapper for a new one.
- Make sure it seals properly before reattaching the chain.
If the leak continues, inspect the flush valve—it could be loose or incorrectly installed.
Step 3: Inspect the Fill Valve
If your toilet seems to refill unexpectedly, the culprit might be a faulty fill valve. Lift the tank lid and inspect for leaks or any loose connections around the valve.
To replace it:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Unscrew the hose and remove the plastic nut securing the fill valve.
- Install a new fill valve and tighten the connections.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
If the issue persists, it might be time to call in a professional.
Step 4: Replace the Wax Ring (If Water Is Pooling at the Base)
Spot water around the base of your toilet? It might be a worn wax ring causing leaks that seep into the floor, potentially causing hidden damage.
Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose.
- Remove the bolts securing the toilet to the floor.
- Carefully lift the toilet and set it aside.
- Scrape off the old wax ring—make sure there’s no residue left behind.
- Position a new wax ring over the flange and carefully reseat the toilet.
- Tighten the bolts evenly to secure the toilet in place.
- Reattach the hose, turn the water back on, and test for leaks.
If water still leaks, the problem could be with the outlet washer or another internal seal.
Step 5: Test for Hidden Leaks
Some leaks aren’t visible right away, but there’s a simple trick to check. Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes—don’t flush. If the colour appears in the bowl, you’ve got a slow leak somewhere in the flush valve or rubber seal.
Another method? Wipe around the cistern and fill the valve and hose with a dry cloth. If you notice moisture appearing, there’s likely a slow leak that needs attention.
How to Keep Your Toilet in Great Shape (and Avoid Costly Repairs)
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way when it comes to your toilet. Regular check-ups can save you from unexpected (and expensive) plumbing issues down the line.
Every few months, take a quick look inside the tank. Check for any loose connections, a worn-out rubber seal, or even a small crack in the cistern. If something seems off, don’t wait—swap out damaged parts like the outlet washer or wax ring before they turn into bigger problems. Even a slightly faulty fill valve can lead to hidden leaks, so if you’re replacing anything, make sure it’s installed correctly.
When it comes to cleaning, skip the harsh chemical cleaners. They might promise a sparkling toilet, but they can actually weaken plastic components inside the tank over time. Stick to mild solutions to keep everything working smoothly.
Most small leaks are easy to prevent with routine care, but if you’re dealing with persistent issues, it’s worth calling in a professional plumber for your toilet repairs. They’ll make sure your toilet stays leak-free—and save you from a plumbing headache later on.
Stop Leaks Before They Drain Your Wallet
A leaky toilet might seem like a small issue, but it can quickly add up to skyrocketing water bills and costly floor damage. The good news? Fixing it now saves you both time and money down the track.
Regular upkeep and quick fixes are essential to prevent unexpected plumbing messes. Whether it’s a faulty flush valve, a loose seal, or a sneaky leak, addressing the issue early keeps your home running without a hitch.
Not sure where to start? That’s where Silver Drains comes in. Our licensed plumbers have the tools and know-how to pinpoint the issue and fix it quickly. Get in touch today for reliable, no-fuss toilet repairs you can trust!
