Why Is Water Leaking Out of Your Toilet?

You find water on the bathroom floor near the toilet, but the fixture has no noticeable leaks. Where is the water coming from? Take a look at some questions that can help you to solve this plumbing problem.

In order to find the source of the problem you have to start with where you see the water. Water that's only on the floor may come from a different place than water dripping from the top of the tank. If the toilet is still actively leaking water this is an easy find. If not, you may need to flush the toilet to find the source.

After you find the source, you need to look at some of the possible problems. Read on for more information on common issues homeowners have with toilets and the specific questions you need to ask depending on the leak's location.

Water that's only on the floor probably isn't coming from the tank. Unless someone else in your family already dried the tank and bowl off, you need to turn your attention to the bottom of the fixture. Possible causes of this problem include:

• Improper installation . A new toilet that's not installed correctly may not have an adequate seal or may have an alignment issue. You'll need a professional plumber to evaluate and repair this problem.

• Damaged ring . The wax ring at the base of your toilet can leak is it's damaged or worn. If you don't have expert knowledge, let the pros handle this job. Improper replacement can result in another leak or more damage to the area.

• Loose bolts . The bolts under the caps on the sides of your toilet's base can loosen. This can damage the toilet's seal and cause leakage from the bottom. Tighten the bolts or, if that doesn't work, contact a plumber for a replacement.

If the toilet's base isn't at fault, you need to keep looking for other causes of the leak.

Why would a toilet's tank leak? Visible water under the lid or dripping from the top of the fixture may come from:

• An out of place or damaged fill tube . The small, thin tube that goes into the larger overflow tube is necessary to fill your toilet with water. If the fill tube breaks or comes out of the overflow tube it can spray water into the tank. This can leak from under the lid.

• A leak from the tank to the bowl . A worn or damaged bowl gasket can cause water to leak from the tank down the bowl and onto the floor.

• An overflow . Did the float arm fail or ballcock assembly fail? This can cause the water level to rise and leak from under the tank's lid.

The tank isn't the only part of your toilet that can overflow and leak. A clog in the bowl can also result in water on your bathroom floor.

An undetected clog that forms after you close the lid can quickly leak onto the floor and damage anything under it. What should you do if your toilet bowl won't flush and overflows? The first steps to take include:

• Don't flush. Avoid over-flushing . If you continue to flush, the water isn't likely to go down. Instead you'll probably only make matters worse.

• Plunge the toilet . Use a toilet plunger (also known as a flange plunger) and not your sink's plunger to unclog the toilet. Make a seal around the bottom of the bowl and plunge until the clog loosens.

• Call a professional . What should you do if the plunger doesn't work? Call a plumber for a professional fix.

Mop up the water on the floor as soon as possible. Standing, potentially sewage-filled water can damage the floor or anything under it.

Do you need a plumber's help? Contact Michigan Plumbing for more information.