A leaking toilet is certainly one of the most common plumbing problems to frustrate New York City homeowners, spurring house-wide havoc. It’s a nuisance, to be sure, but it’s also a huge water waster, increasing your water bill at the same time. A noisy, drippy leak is one thing. A silent leak is even more frustrating because you don’t always know it’s there right away and you don’t know where it’s coming from.
However, there are ways you can determine if you have a toilet leak.
Dye Test
You can buy a simple dye test from a water or plumbing supply company. These toilet leak detection tablets are red or blue in color and are very affordable. Place one colored tablet in the toilet tank, wait 10 minutes, then see if there is any color appearing in your toilet bowl. If you see color, you have a leak and should contact a licensed plumber.
Pencil Test
With a pencil, draw a line on the back wall of your toilet tank, as well as on the waterline on the tank’s interior. Turn off the water supply, then wait a half hour. If the water is still located at the pencil mark, the leak is originating from the refill valve to the left of the tank. If you notice the water level has dropped below the pencil mark, the leak is originating from the flush valve at the center of the tank.
Water Leak Sensor
Buy a water leak sensor that will tell you when the toilet starts to leak thanks to a flashing red light and beep. If the toilet is working properly, the sensor flashes a green light.
Fill Valve Leaks
These are hard to detect on your own. But this doesn’t mean you can’t try first. Start off with a full toilet tank, then take off the tank covering to see if the water is flowing through the overflow tube. If so, you have a leak and should call a plumber to make the repair.
When to Call an NYC Plumber For a Toilet Leak
Feel free to try these DIY approaches to troubleshoot the source of your leak, or if you even have a leak in the first place. Most toilet leaks should be addressed by a professional, but at least you can find out if you have a problem before calling one. Spending the money now on a plumber will give you peace of mind knowing the leak is fixed once and for all and you don’t have to hassle with tests.
Contact Tidal Plumbing and Heating
If you are having issues with your toilet in NYC, don’t hesitate to contact us at 718-505-9300 for prompt, efficient service.
