Fix Your Leaky Toilets With These Easy Methods

fix leaky toilets

A leaky toilet can be an annoyance in any household, and it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent water wastage and further damage to your plumbing system. There are several ways to fix a leaky toilet, and in this article, we will discuss the best methods and tips to ensure a successful repair.

Identify the Source of Your Leaking Toilet

First and foremost, it is important to identify the source of the leak. The most common cause of a leaky toilet is a faulty flapper valve, which regulates water flow from the tank to the bowl. Over time, the flapper valve can become worn out, causing it not to create a proper seal and allowing water to leak into the bowl.

To fix this issue, the flapper valve should be replaced with a new one. A homeowner can do this simple and inexpensive repair with basic plumbing skills. You can purchase a new flapper valve at your local hardware store or online, and it should come with instructions on how to install it. Before starting the repair, make sure to turn off the water supply and flush your toilet to drain any water from the tank.

Check Your Toilet’s Fill Valve

A faulty fill valve can also cause leaky toilets. 

The fill valve is responsible for refilling the toilet tank after each flush, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause the tank to fill with water, leading to a continuous leak. If you suspect the fill valve is the problem, it should be replaced with a new one.

Replacing the fill valve can be a bit more complicated than replacing the flapper valve, so it may be best to contact a professional plumber for this repair. Residential plumbers have the necessary skills and plumbing tools to quickly and efficiently replace the fill valve and ensure your toilet functions properly.

Fix the Loose Tank of Your Toilet

In addition to replacing faulty parts, there are other steps that can be taken to prevent a leaky toilet. One of the most important is to ensure that the toilet tank is properly secured to the bowl. If the tank is loose, it can cause water to leak around the base of your toilet. 

To fix this issue, tighten the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl, being careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain.

fix leaking toilets

Wear and Tear Can Cause Leaky Toilets

Another way to prevent leaks is to regularly inspect the toilet for any signs of wear and tear. Check the flapper valve and fill valve for signs of damage or wear, and replace them if necessary. Look for cracks or other damage to the porcelain bowl or tank, which can also cause leaks. By catching these issues early, you can prevent more serious plumbing problems.

Be Careful With What You Flush

Finally, it is important to careful with what you flush down the toilet. Flushing items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other non-flushable items can cause clogs in your plumbing system, leading to leaks or other issues. Ensure that only toilet paper and human waste are flushed down the toilet, and dispose of other items in the trash.

Fix Your Leaking Toilet Now!

In conclusion, a leaky toilet can be a frustrating and wasteful problem, but it can be easily fixed with the right knowledge and tools. By identifying the source of the leak and replacing any faulty parts, securing the tank to the bowl, regularly inspecting the toilet for wear and tear, and being mindful of what you flush, you can prevent leaks and keep your plumbing system functioning properly.

 If you need help fixing a leaky toilet or if the problem persists, contact a residential plumber for assistance. They can quickly diagnose the issue and provide a professional repair to get your toilet back in working order.

Bathroom Sink Plumbing – 5 Essential Parts

bathroom sink plumbing parts

Every residential plumbing in Toronto has different parts and sections. One of the areas that play an essential role in your home’s systems is the bathroom sink plumbing and its critical components.

But why do you need to have bathroom sink plumbing occasionally? Every home plumbing fixture, for example, bathroom sinks, has several parts that can become blocked, break or leak.

As soon as you feel you need bathroom sink plumbing, contact professional plumbers in Toronto and let them solve the problem.

However, if you want to avoid frequent problems in your bathroom sink plumbing, it is crucial to know the primary parts of the system to choose and buy the most efficient and highest-quality ones.

Primary Parts of Any Bathroom Sink Plumbing System:

  1. Shutoff Valves
  2. Supply Tubes
  3. Drain Tailpiece
  4. P-Trap
  5. Drain Pipes

Now, let’s get into the details about these essential parts of your bathroom sink plumbing system.

1- You Need Good Shutoff Valves for Your Bathroom Sink Plumbing

Shutoff valves are the first essential part of your bathroom sink plumbing. These small valves are usually made from metal or plastic and are located between the water supply pipes and the supply hoses that connect to the tailpieces on the bathroom sink faucet. Most shutoff valves used in bathroom sinks have an oval handle that you can turn to close and open the valve.

One of the best things about shutoff valves in your bathroom sink plumbing is that you can turn off the water supply at the sink without shutting off the water of your whole home.

You can install most of the shutoff valves onto the water pipes without soldering, which benefits most homeowners who want to replace them with a DIY process.

Shutoff Valves in The Bathroom Sink Plumbing are Seen in Pairs:

  • The first valve is used for controlling hot water.
  • The second valve is for controlling the cold water.

2- Use High-Quality Supply Tubes

All of the bathroom sink plumbing systems have supply tubes that need to be high-quality to avoid frequent plumbing issues. High-quality supply tubes are made of:

  • Braided wire mesh
  • White plastic mesh
  • Gray solid plastic
  • Chromed copper

These bathroom plumbing parts are generally connected to the tailpieces and shutoff valves with attached nuts. If you have issues with your supply, it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to fix them.

bathroom sink and drain system

3- The Drain Tailpiece is Also Crucial for Your Bathroom Sink Plumbing

Drain tailpieces, also known as sink tailpieces, are straight sections of pipes that connect to the bathroom sink drain fitting. If your bathroom sink has a pop-up drain, the lever rod connects to a port on the back of this particular bathroom sink plumbing part.

Usually, a high-quality drain tailpiece is attached to the drain fitting with a slip nut, a threaded ring that you can tighten or loosen by hand, or channel-type pliers. A tapered plastic washer under the slip nut creates a watertight seal for your bathroom sink plumbing system.

Note: Remember to use tailpieces in your bathroom sinks that have slip nut joints since if you ever drop anything into the sink drain, you can easily disassemble the joint and retrieve your item.

4- Every Bathroom Sink Plumbing System Has P-Trap

Your bathroom sink plumbing system has a P-Trap which is made up of two primary parts:

  1. U-Bend
  2. Trap Arm

These two parts of your P-Trap are curved sections that allow your sink to connect to your home’s sewer line. The curved trap is used in the system to provide a safety feature for holding standing water and preventing sewer gasses from rising up and out of your bathroom sink drain.

Every time you run water down the bathroom drains, the old wastewater in the bend is flushed out and replaced with new water. You or your plumber need to assemble the P-Trap parts with slip-nut joints.

5- Be Precise When Choosing Drain Pipes

The last part of your bathroom sink plumbing system is the drain pipe. It is connected to your residential plumbing system from one side, and the other side is connected to the trap arm with another slip nut joint. With slip nut joints, replacing or repairing the pipes will be easier.

Most of the drain pipes used in bathroom sinks are three inches in diameter. However, depending on your fixture, you can choose a smaller or larger one.