Call a plumber for a toilet leak when water pools at the base, when the toilet rocks or shifts, when the tank bolts or supply hose drip, or when a stain appears on the ceiling below. A toilet that only runs into its own bowl is less urgent but still worth fixing to save water.
Water at the Base
If you find water around the base after flushing, the wax ring that seals the toilet to the drain has probably failed. Every flush can send a little water under the floor. Over time that can rot the subfloor and stain the ceiling below. Close the shutoff valve and use another bathroom until it is fixed.
A Toilet That Moves
A toilet should not rock. Loose floor bolts, a cracked flange, or a weak subfloor let it shift, which can break the seal and start a leak. Tightening the bolts too hard can crack the porcelain, so it is safer to have it checked.
Drips From the Tank or Hose
The bolts and gasket between the tank and bowl wear out over time and can drip. The flexible supply hose behind the toilet can crack, loosen, or burst. If it starts spraying, close the valve behind the toilet or the main right away.
Stains Below
In two-story homes and apartment buildings, a leak may first show up as a brown ring on the ceiling under the bathroom. Take it seriously, and let building staff know if you share the structure.
A toilet that runs between flushes is usually losing water past a worn flapper. You can confirm with a few drops of food coloring in the tank.
When water is getting out of the toilet, a plumber can reseal the toilet or replace the worn part before damage spreads. A running toilet is an easy addition to a scheduled visit for small bathroom fixes. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.