One of the most annoying things that any home-owner can deal with is a dribbling toilet.  A Leaking Toilet means water everywhere and a much bigger water bill.  This is because a toilet leak can waste anywhere from 50 to 100 gallons of water every day.  The truth is that in numerous cases a dribbling toilet can be a do it yourself project that won’t only keep you from paying any nonessential plumbing bills, but help you in saving you money on your water bill as well . 

There are 2 main causes for a leaking toilet.  The first cause can involve water spilling into the overflow tube.  The best way to figure out if this is by removing the lid of the toilet tank and checking the water level re the overflow tube, found in the center of the tank.  If the water is less than a 0.5 in. from the top of the tube, then it’s probable that this is the issue.  The second reason for a Leaking Toilet is a worn flapper.  The flapper, or flush valve, can wear after a few years, making it difficult for the water to shut off.  A great trick to ascertain this is to drop about 7 drops of food colorising into the can tank ( not bowl ), waiting for the color to absolutely disperse.  If after 20-30 mins the coloring is in the bowl, you flapper is dribbling. 

If the issue is the overflow tube there aren’t many potential answers.  This includes tightening the center valve screw, meticulously bending the float ball arm downward, or pinching and sliding the silver clip down the fill valve rod.  If the water level is that very same after all these a few flushes, the fill valve may need replacing.  For the flapper, first wipe any build up from under the flapper and flapper seat, allowing it to entirely close.  If that doesn’t work, turn off the water with the shut valve, flush the john to empty it, and replace the flapper.  Flappers are terribly cheap and can be acquired at any local hardware store. 

If none of these solutions work, then you need to call in a professional plumber.  Do it yourself techniques can only take you so far before you risk making the issue worse.  There’s no shame in calling on the help of a pro, especially since you can say that you attempted. 

Sydney Plumbers, ASAP plumbing services, are the experts when it comes to fixing trickling toilets and Leaking Tap Repairs Sydney. 

Article by Ray McCaskey.