Common Causes of Toilet Leaks & How to Fix Them

A running or leaking toilet might seem like a minor nuisance, but it can waste hundreds of

gallons of water per day and drive up your utility bills without you realizing it. In fact, toilet

leaks are one of the most common and most overlooked plumbing problems in Middle

Tennessee homes.

At Twenty-Four Hour Plumbing LLC, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Nashville,

Murfreesboro, and surrounding areas solve silent toilet leaks before they turn into bigger

headaches. Let’s take a closer look at what causes them—and what you can do about it.

🚽 Top Reasons Your Toilet Might Be Leaking

1. Worn-Out Flapper Valve

The flapper is the rubber seal inside your tank that controls water flow into the bowl. Over time,

it can wear out, warp, or crack, allowing water to continuously trickle through even when the

toilet isn’t being used.

💡 Quick Fix: Turn off the water supply and replace the flapper with a new one (they’re

inexpensive and available at most hardware stores).

2. Loose or Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve regulates the water level in the tank. If it’s worn out or not adjusted properly, it can

cause continuous refilling, leading to excess water usage and annoying noise.

💡 You can try adjusting the float or replacing the valve entirely with a new fill valve kit.

3. Cracked Tank or Bowl

While less common, cracks in the tank or bowl can slowly leak water onto your bathroom

floor. This is a more serious issue that could cause damage to flooring and subflooring.

💡 If you spot visible cracks or standing water near the base, it’s time to call a professional

immediately.

4. Loose Tank Bolts or Worn Gasket

If water is leaking where the tank meets the bowl, the bolts or the rubber gasket between

them may be the culprit. Over time, bolts can loosen and gaskets deteriorate.

💡 A DIYer with the right tools can tighten or replace these parts—but if you’re unsure, give us a call.

5. Internal Leaks or Hard Water Buildup

Sometimes the leak isn’t visible but is happening internally, such as water slowly leaking into the bowl without triggering a flush. This can be caused by sediment buildup or faulty inner

components.

💡 Try adding a few drops of food coloring into your tank and wait 15–30 minutes without

flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you’ve got a silent leak.

🧰 When to Call a Professional

While some toilet leaks can be fixed with a little DIY effort, others require professional

plumbing expertise—especially if:

● You see ongoing water on the floor

● You’ve tried replacing parts and it’s still running

● You suspect structural damage to the toilet or floor

● You’re unsure of the source of the leak

💡 Twenty-Four Hour Plumbing LLC offers fast, reliable service to get your toilet working like

new—saving you water, money, and stress.

✅ Schedule Your Toilet Repair Today!

Don’t let a leaky toilet keep flushing your money away. Whether you need a quick repair or a full

replacement, our experienced plumbers are ready to help across Middle Tennessee.

📞 Call us at (615) 785-3827 or visit twentyfourhourplumbingllc.com to schedule your

service today.

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maintenance advice!