Leaky toilet repair Kitchener: Today we are going to show you how to detect a leaky toilet and let you know how to fix it.
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and water softener industry; and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We'll also provide you with advice on how to get the best leaky toilet repair Kitchener has to offer. So, let's get started.
Toilet repair Kitchener: Learn how to detect and fix a leak
Toilet Repair Kitchener
How to Detect a Leak
Visible Leaks: The most obvious sign that your toilet is leaking is seeing a pool of water around the base or below the tank of your toilet.
To make sure that no one has simply spilled some water on the floor, wipe up the water and wait to see if another pool forms in the same spot. If it does then you can be pretty sure that you have a leak.
Hidden Leaks: Sometimes it is not obvious to detect a leaky toilet. The leak could be happening under your floor or in the plumbing inside your walls. If you suspect a leak, you can perform the following test.
Go around your home and make sure that anything that uses water has been shut off. Take a look at your water meter's leak indicator. This is often a dial in the shape of a triangle, a circle that looks like a little clock, or a tiny silver wheel and it can detect even the smallest amount of water leaking. If the indicator is still moving even though you are not using any water, then you probably have a leak.
If you have a leak that you can't see, it's best to contact a professional plumber to determine exactly where the leak is coming from and to fix it properly.
Toilet repair Kitchener: Check your water meter to see if you have a leak
Leaky Toilet Repair Kitchener: How to Fix It
Water Leaking out of the Base of Your Toilet Bowl: If you are getting water leaking out of the base of your toilet bowl, you may have a worn out wax ring or flange. Your wax ring also known as a gasket, seals the connection between the bottom of your toilet and the drain.
The toilet flange sits on top of the floor and connects to a collar that fits through the floor. The flange helps to make a tight connection between the drainage pipe and the toilet.
You can try to fix your leaking toilet yourself or if you prefer, you can contact a professional plumber to do it for you. Here are the steps involved in fixing a leaky toilet.
Step 1: Remove The Water
Turn off the water supply to the toilet and then flush it several times. This will remove the water from inside the tank and most of the water in the bowl.
Scoop out any remaining water in the bowl with a container. Sponge out any last bits of water until the tank and bowl are dry.
Toilet repair Kitchener: Make sure you turn off the water and get rid of any water before you remove your toilet
Step 2: Remove Your Toilet Tank
Unscrew the water supply line attached to the toilet tank. Be careful as there may be water left in the hose.
Disconnect the water supply
Attach an adjustable screwdriver to one of the tank bolts on the underside of the toilet tank. Use this screwdriver to hold the bolt still as you unscrew the tank bolts with a screwdriver from inside the tank.
Remove both bolts and gaskets. You may want to ask someone to help you lift the tank from the bowl. If you are doing it by yourself, make sure to bend your knees to lift it.
Unscrew the tank bolts
Step 3: Remove Your Toilet Bowl
Remove the decorative caps covering the two bolts on either side of the base of the toilet. Unscrew both nuts with a socket or adjustable wrench. Use a putty knife to score the caulking between toilet bowl and the floor.
Gently rock the toilet bowl from side to side to break the wax seal underneath and free the base from the floor. Carefully lift the toilet off and onto some old towels or newspaper.
Toilet repair Kitchener: Remove the bolts
Step 4: Remove The Remaining Wax:
Using a putty knife, scrape away any remaining wax. Next plug up the drainage pipe with a rag in order to stop any sewer gases drifting up into your home.
Step 5: Check Your Flange
If the flange is corroded and is not fitting tightly in the collar then you should replace it with a new one.
Step 6: Insert A New Wax Ring
Place a new wax ring around the hole in the base of the toilet. The tapered side of the ring should face away from the bowl.
Toilet repair Kitchener: Re-install your toilet
Step 7: Put Your Toilet Bowl Back in Place
Apply a thin bead of caulking to the bottom of the base of your toilet bowl and remove the rag from the drainage pipe. Lift the toilet bowl and line it up over the anchor bolts. Rock the bowl back and forth to seal the wax and then hand tighten the bolts. Don’t tighten them too hard or you may crack the porcelain.
Step 8: Make Sure The Toilet Is Level
Place a level across the toilet bowl. If it is not level then put plastic toilet shims underneath the bowl to level it out. Fill the decorative plastic caps with plumber's putty and place over the bolts.
Leaky Toilet Repair Kitchener: Trust WaterSmart
If you are looking for the most reliable leaky toilet repair Kitchener has to offer, trust the plumbing experts at WaterSmart. You can rely on WaterSmart for all of your plumbing needs. We are your local plumbing experts in the Kitchener-Waterloo region proudly celebrating over 25 years of professional service.
If you are having problems with your sewer or would like to have it inspected, contact us today. We also provide a full range of other plumbing services that include but are not limited to:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Toilets and Taps, leaks and repairs
Clogged or Slow Drains
Water Softener and Dishwasher Installations
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovation
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
Backflow Testing or Device Installation
Contact WaterSmart today for a free quote.
