Q&A for How to Fix a Leaky Toilet Tank

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Can a toilet leak without you knowing?

James Schuelke
Professional Plumber
James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California. James has over 32 years of home service and business plumbing experience and has expanded the Twin Home Experts to Phoenix, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest.

James Schuelke

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

Yes, especially if the leak is in the tank. To see if your toilet tank is leaking, lift the lid on your tank and check if the water level has gone up or down. This might mean water is leaking into or out of you tank.

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Question

How do you know what part of the toilet to replace?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

If you're not sure, just buy a kit with all the pieces—they're pretty inexpensive. Then, just turn off the water supply and swap everything out. That way, you don't lose hours trying to figure out if it's a washer, or a spring, or some other small part.

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Question

My toilet is leaking where the water supply line enters the tank. How do I fix it?

Community Answer

Either the washer inside the tank is flawed or the nut underneath is not tight enough. Turn the water valve to the toilet off at the supply, either at the wall or floor. Then flush the toilet. The tank will now only have a couple inches of water. Try to turn the flush valve gently. If it moves easy and you do not see the washer squeeze out or a break in the washer, simply tighten the nut underneath the tank. You can buy a new flush valve for around $20.

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Question

I just installed a brand new toilet and everything seemed to be working well until about an hour later. Where the screws/nuts attach the tank to the bowl is leaking on the left side. Is it just as simple as tightening the nut?

Community Answer

All the nuts need to be tightened back and forth to keep the tank balanced. It sounds like you have one side tighter than the other.

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Question

What can you do about a leak from the overflow?

Community Answer

You may need to replace the inside system of the tank or just the ballcock. The system costs around $15 at your local hardware store and is very easy to install. The instructions should be on the package.

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Question

How do I fix a toilet leaking water from the base?

Community Answer

A new wax ring will probably fix it, but this requires completely removing the toilet.

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