How to fix a toilet leak?

Summary

Having a leaking toilet doesn't bode well... First of all, there's the fact that wasting water can lead to very high bills. Secondly, between the limescale deposits in the toilet bowl and an overflowing toilet tank, a leak causes you many inconveniences. However small it may be, it must be repaired quickly.

Where to find a water leak on a toilet?

A water leak problem in the toilet should never be taken lightly. In fact, in some cases, it can cause significant water damage, which can lead to heavy and expensive repair work. Water leaks in a toilet are located in the following places:

in the toilet bowl ;
in the toilet tank;
at the toilet stopcock;
at the base of the toilet;
at the junction between the tank and the seat;
on the floor, at the foot of the toilet.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

In some cases, it is not easy to notice a leak in your toilet. Indeed, the water can flow slowly in different places, without attracting your attention. Here are the signs that show you have a leak:

a trickle of water constantly flows into the bowl;
your toilet tank never fills completely;
you constantly find water below the water inlet tap;
you notice traces of limescale in the bowl;

What causes a toilet leak?

the toilet float is incorrectly positioned;
with wear, a hole was created in the float;
the seal below the flush is defective or scaled;
the tap membrane is damaged;
limescale deposits prevent the joints from being completely watertight;
the flush or float mechanism is worn.

How to fix a leak inside the toilet tank?

To work in optimal conditions, it is recommended to empty the toilet tank and close the water supply. Then, depending on the location of the fault, you can intervene in the following ways

Repairing a water leak at the float

replace it if it is punctured or damaged;
put it back in place if it is out of adjustment or no longer goes up correctly;
use white vinegar to completely clean the float rod to remove all limescale;
straighten or replace the float rod if it shows any abnormalities;
check, clean and possibly replace the float valve membrane.

Clean or replace the flush seal

remove limescale deposits around the seal, take care to dismantle everything to carry out this operation;
if your seal is worn, it will need to be replaced;
Replace the gasket perfectly in case it has moved.

How to fix a leak outside the toilet?

It is common for the leak to be located outside the toilet. To repair this type of leak, it is possible to consider several scenarios:

Repairing a leak outside the toilet tank

Disassemble the flush mechanism and remove the tank. Replace the outer seal, the one between the seat and the tank.

Repairing a water leak at the base of the toilet

If you notice that water is stagnating at the foot of the toilet, you can opt for these solutions:

tighten the floor fixings;
replace the toilet drain pipe seal;
replace toilet wax ring;
make a silicone seal on the floor.

Here are some clues that should help you diagnose the problem. If not, Contact leak detection experts !