What's Going On When the Toilet Leaks When Flushed?
11/14/2022 (Permalink)
What Causes Leaking Toilets and How To Fix Them
If the toilet is the centerpiece of your bathroom and you've lived in it for a while, you know that everything else works around it. That's why when your toilet leaks when flushed, it's time to start asking questions. The good news is that there's no need to panic, most of these issues can be fixed with a little DIY know-how. Read on for answers to common questions about leaking toilets, including what causes them and how to fix them!
Tank flange issues
There are a few things to check when dealing with a leaking toilet, but it's important to first understand what causes this problem. The tank flange is the part that connects your toilet tank to the floor and secures it in place. If this connection fails, water can leak from inside of your toilet onto the floor below—and trust us, no one wants that! It may be time for a new flange if any portion of it appears broken or cracked. It's also possible that something as simple as over-tightening has caused damage; if this is true for you then all you must do is loosen those screws again and go back to normal operation before things get messy!
As always when talking about home repair issues like this one: don't forget safety precautions like turning off power sources before working on plumbing systems so that nothing gets shocked accidentally during installation or repair attempts!
Dry wax ring or improper installation
If you have a wax ring, it may be cracked or too dry. This can cause the toilet to leak when flushed.
To replace the wax ring, you'll need to remove the seat/lid/tank by lifting it up and pulling outwards on both sides. Then you'll need to unscrew the bolts holding down your old wax ring with a crescent wrench or pliers. If you don't have one of these tools handy, ask someone who does! Once removed, take apart your new wax ring kit (it will come in two pieces) and insert this into your toilet bowl.
How often should you replace your toilet and its parts?
When it comes to replacing your toilet and its parts, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you get the most out of them.
Toilets should be replaced every 10-15 years, but if you keep your tank clean and free of hair and other debris (like bathroom cleaning products), you may be able to squeeze another year or two out of yours. Use vinegar or baking soda instead of a harsh chemical cleaner when scrubbing down your tank, as these won't damage it like bleach might. And remember to keep an eye on the bolts holding your toilet together; if they're rusted or have loosened over time, replace them before disaster strikes!
Don't ignore a leaking toilet!
Leaking toilets can waste a ton water, which costs money. You’ll be paying for wasted water in your monthly utility bills, as well as on the cost of repairing or replacing parts of your home damaged by water damage from a leaky toilet.
Leaky toilets can also cause problems with septic systems and sewer lines. Sewer lines need regular maintenance and cleaning, but if the line becomes clogged because there's too much traffic through it (i.e., because of too many people flushing their toilets at once), this can lead to backups or even sewage leaks into basements and crawl spaces below houses where they might not necessarily be noticed right away.
If you have a leaking toilet, it is important to fix it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur and the more expensive it will be. Even if you can't fix the problem yourself, a licensed plumber should be able to help.