About a month ago, I noticed a leak from my toilet. Bracing myself for the worst, I began investigating and discovered that it was an easy fix – I had a leaking toilet tank. During the process of discovery I realized there were multiple avenues that a toilet tank could leak. Here are those different types of leaks and how I would fix them:
Leak Number One:
Through the process of using a toilet, some float designs will have a flexible water hose that can come loose. These flexible hoses clip on with a plastic clip and when they come loose can start spraying water up instead of directing the water downwards. If this is the case, spraying water can splash up and drip out the back of the toilet tank, making it look like the toilet tank is leaking.
Fixing the Leak:
Re-clip the flexible water hose onto the down pipe and check for other leaks. Problem solved.
Leak Number Two:
They float connects to the water line at the bottom of the toilet. It’s possible that a leaky toilet tank is being caused by a loose nut on the flange that comes out of the toilet.
Fixing the Leak:
• The easiest first fix is to try tightening the nut that holds the float to the tank, as well as the nut that holds the water line to the flange.
• If neither of these fixes the problem, it is likely that the rubber gasket at the bottom of the tank has given up. If this is the case, buying the gasket is an option. However, a new float assembly is less than ten dollars and guarantees trouble free operation for years to come. If your gasket has given up, then the plastic or metal of your float assembly is likely on its way too.
TIP: Reconsider the use of bleach based toilet bowl maintenance products. They are bad for every part of your toilet except the porcelain. Plastic, rubber and metal stand no chance over time with bleach products being added on a monthly basis.
Leak Number Three:
The next possible leak source is the connection from the tank to the bowl. Most toilets come in two pieces and the connection is typically very robust. However, a moment of unbalance can unsettle things enough to cause problems.
Fixing the Leak:
• Some toilets tanks have bolts which hold the two parts of the toilet together. If so, trying to cinch down the bolts may do the trick
• However, if your toilet lacks these or cinching them down does not fix the problem, the only solution at that point is a new toilet.
Leak Number Four:
Whether it is from a frat house party or simply a bad slip, it is possible to actually crack the toilet tank. Toilet tank leaks from a crack aren’t pretty but may not necessarily mean that the toilet needs to be replaced.
Fixing the Leak:
• Empty the tank and let it dry overnight then get some water proof two part epoxy. Mix it together per the instructions and judiciously apply the epoxy from the inside of the tank, trying to press the epoxy into the crack as best you can.
• Superglue can work in a pinch as well but will not be nearly as reliable long term.
• If epoxy fails, some manufacturers will sell you just the tank rather than an entire new toilet. Contact your toilet’s manufacturer to find out. You may find that a replacement toilet is less expensive than just the part as well so be sure to price new toilets while checking into replacement parts.
