It isn’t uncommon for plumbing leaks to remain undetected for long periods of time. The problem is so common that the EPA estimates that the typical U.S. household is responsible for approximately 10,000 gallons of water lost annually to plumbing leaks. The home’s toilet is a common location for leaks, typically due to a poorly fitting flap or a faulty fill valve. A Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Arlington can provide the toilet repair or replacement that you need.
Signs of a Leaky Tank
Common signs of a leaking toilet include:
- Phantom flushing, or a frequently running toilet that is not in use
- A higher than normal water bill
- A failed dye test
Dye Tests
You will not always hear the toilet running, and the frequency of leaking is likely to be higher than you may realize. Performing a dye test will provide the means to determine whether the toilet is leaking.
Simply place a few drops of food coloring into the tank, which is the top portion of the toilet where water is stored for a flush. Wait about 20-30 minutes to check for dye in the bowl. If the dye appears in the bowl, you have a leaking toilet flap in the tank.
A faulty fill valve may also run when it is not necessary, causing the waste of water.
Fill Valve vs. Flapper Valve
To determine if the fill or flapper valve is at fault for a leaking toilet, inspect the overflow tube (the open pipe located in the tank). When the float fails to shut off the incoming water, the water level in the tank will rise, allowing water to escape into the overflow tube, and into the bowl. Generally, the water level should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. Replacement is the solution for a faulty fill valve. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the toilet repair that you need.
However, if your toilet is several decades old, consider replacing it with modern water efficient toilet.
Toilet Tips
- Routinely inspect around the toilet for leaks to prevent severe damage to the flooring and structure of the home.
- Each time you clean the toilet, check inside and out for cracks. Even hairline cracks call for toilet replacement as the crack could expand at any time. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for replacement.
The Frequently Clogging Toilet
Frequent toilet clogs can indicate a problem inside the toilet, or may be the sign of a problem in the drain or sewer pipe. Our plumbers in Arlington are licensed experts in diagnosing and resolving the problem of a toilet experiencing frequent clogs.
A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide a toilet replacement, toilet repair, and other plumbing services. Our licensed plumbers provide the expertise you can rely on for superior plumbing services. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.