My Toilet Is Leaking: What Do I Do?

When your toilet starts leaking, it can seem like something minor, but even a slow drip can waste gallons of water a day and quietly damage your flooring and ceiling below and drive up your water bills. Whether you have a puddle at the base of your toilet or the sound of constantly running water, understanding what the problem is can save you from a big mess later on. 

Here’s how to spot a toilet leak at its source and when it’s time to call our Summerville, SC plumbers at Kinsmen Service Pros for a toilet repair.

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Identify Where the Toilet Leak Is Coming From

Before grabbing your tools, figure out where the leak is and what’s going on. Grab old towels and dry off everything around the toilet. Next, flush once, and watch closely. 

Water can travel along the surface of the toilet or floor before it starts pooling, so pinpointing the origin matters.

Here are some of the most common leak spots:

• From the toilet base: Usually a bad wax ring or loose bolts.
• Between the tank and bowl: A worn gasket or corroded bolts.
• From the water supply line: Loose fittings or a cracked hose.
• Inside the toilet bowl: Phantom flushing from a leaking flapper valve.

A few paper towels can help you detect the exact spot of the toilet leak. Place them around the connections and check the paper towels for dampness after each flush.

Common Causes of a Leaking Toilet

Our plumbers put together some of the most common issues behind leaking toilets.

1. Leaks from the Toilet Base 

If you notice water coming from underneath the toilet, the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor is probably worn out, or the bolts may be loose. This type of leak can quickly lead to subfloor damage if you ignore it for long. 

You need to fix it by draining it, lifting it, and resealing the toilet with a new wax ring. It’s a job best left to a professional to get it right. Otherwise, you could do it incorrectly or make the issue worse than it is now. 

2. Leak Between the Tank and Bowl 

Water dripping where the tank meets the bowl often means the rubber gasket or washers have deteriorated. These parts can be replaced, but overtightening the bolts can crack porcelain, so handle carefully or have a plumber do it.

3. Dripping from the Water Supply Line 

If you have loose or cracked supply hoses, you could have small, steady drips that slowly grow worse. Tightening up the fittings or replacing the hose and washers can help stop the drips. If you still have a leak after tightening the fittings, you probably need to replace the shutoff valve to the toilet, too.

4. Constant Running or Phantom Flushing

If your toilet keeps filling up on its own and runs without stopping, you probably have a flapper valve leak or a faulty fill valve. You can replace the flapper on your own with a kit from a local hardware store. Just make sure the flapper seals properly when the tank refills.

Quick Temporary Fixes You Can Try

If your toilet starts leaking and you can’t get help right away, there are a few quick things you can do to keep it from getting worse. None of these are long-term toilet repairs, but they’ll help you limit the mess and protect your floors until a plumber arrives.

• Shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet to stop the flow. Turn it clockwise until the water stops running.
• Dry the area completely and set down towels or a small pan to catch any drips that continue.
• If the leak is at the hose connection, wrap some plumber’s tape around the threads and tighten the fitting gently until it seals. 
• Don’t flush your toilet if water’s coming from the base. Every flush forces more water to move underneath your flooring, which can cause hidden damage fast.

Each of these quick steps can buy you more time and keep the situation manageable until a professional plumber can take a look

When to Call a Professional Plumber in Summerville, SC

Some toilet leaks are hidden or risky to handle on your own. You need a Summerville plumber right away anytime you:

• You can’t identify where the leak starts.
• There’s visible water damage or a musty odor.
• The base is leaking or shifting when you sit.
• You’ve tried a DIY fix and it didn’t hold.

A licensed plumber inspects the seals, valves, and fittings, ensuring your system works safely without further water waste or floor damage.

Call Our Team at Kinsmen Service Pros for Toilet Repairs in Summerville, SC. 

A leaking toilet goes beyond inconvenience; it can also create ongoing damage to your flooring and plumbing. If you’re seeing puddles, hearing phantom flushes, or noticing higher water bills, don’t wait for it to fix itself. Call us right away for help. We also offer 24-hour a day emergency service. 

Our plumbers at Kinsmen Service Pros offer the toilet repair in Summerville, SC you need to get your home back on track. From repairs to installations, upgrades, maintenance and more, we’re your one-stop solution for all of your plumbing needs. Schedule your appointment today!

Call Now (843) 343-1651