It’s been a little while since we talked about the toilet. It’s very important to all of us and we all visit it often, but no one really wants to talk or think about it. Not considering it, though, could result in toilet leak water damage and a real mess!

The truth about toilets, aside from them being necessary for all of us, is that their failures are the second leading source of residential water losses, after only plumbing supply line failures. Therefore, if we are property owners, it is in our best interest to try and prevent a toilet from failing, so that it doesn’t cause toilet leak water damage.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, the following are the most basic ways to prevent toilet leak water damage, some common types of toilet issues, and steps to take at the first sign of these issues to avoid a disaster:

Prevention- proper maintenance is the first step in preventing toilet failure:

-Inspect the components inside the toilet every six months.

-Remove the top of the toilet tank: flush the toilet and examine the operation of the internal tank components. Is the fill valve operating properly? Is the flush valve secure over the opening at the bottom of the tank?

-Water running periodically in a toilet tank between uses is a sign that the internal tank components are beginning to fail. The most common problem is a leaking flush valve.

-Periodically check the supply line connection to ensure that it is not loose.

-Close and open the supply valve to the toilet twice a year. It should turn smoothly and should not have signs of rust, which could cause it to lock in position.

Common toilet issues and steps you can take to remedy them:

Tank Overflow:

-To quickly address this issue, lift off the top of the tank and lift up on the float valve.

-While continuing to hold the float, shut off the supply valve. This valve is usually located on the wall or the floor near the toilet.

Clogged Toilet:

-Lift off the top of the tank and make sure the flush valve is closed.

-Do not continue to flush the toilet if it appears clogged. Use a toilet plunger or snake to clear the clog.

Toilet is Prone to Clogging:

-Consider flushing a second time once the toilet has stopped running- this can help to remove solids from the drain pipe.

-More serious toilet backups or overflows may require a professional plumbing service to clear the drain line.

Slow Leak:

-To inspect for a slow leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the toilet tank.

-Allow the toilet to sit for a period of time without flushing it.

-If you eventually notice colored water in your bowl, you have a leak.

-Other indications include red streaks on the side of your bowl. These occur from mineral deposits left over from a constant stream of water.

-Check the toilet base and supply line for signs of leaking.

-If you have toilets on upper floors, inspect the ceiling directly below for signs of discoloration.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you prevent toilet leak water damage, but if you find yourself under water, contact Joe Taylor Restoration immediately. The sooner any water damage can be addressed, the more likely you are to avoid mold damage and further destruction. However, if you discover that your toilet leak has resulted in water damage and mold, the experts at Joe Taylor Restoration will thoroughly address both and restore your property to its original condition.