Time is of the essence with a leaky toilet – especially a toilet that’s leaking under your tile. Read on for ways to tell if your toilet is leaking and some quick ways to help minimize damage and repair the issue. Don’t forget to call Rainforest Plumbing and Air if you need expert help fast!
Toilet leaks are extremely common and can wreak havoc on your home, causing significant water damage and flooding. While most leaks aren’t too difficult to spot, ones under tiles are often tricky to identify before they spiral out of control. Fortunately, Rainforest Plumbing & Air is here to teach you how to tell if your toilet is leaking under the tile.
Rainforest Plumbing & Air has served the Phoenix area for over 20 years and employs skilled plumbers ready to help. Click here to learn about our Toilet Repair services and to book an appointment.
5 Signs of a Toilet Leak Under Tile
Toilet leaks are often as stressful as they are damaging. However, when a toilet leaks under the tile, it makes the situation much worse. Not only are leaks under tiles hard to spot, but they can also cause extensive damage if you don’t address them quickly.
However, once you learn how to tell if your toilet is leaking under the tile, you can take swift action and resolve it before it adversely affects your home. Below are some common signs of a toilet leak under a tile.
1. Water Pooling Around the Toilet
One of the easiest ways to identify under-tile toilet leaks is to check for pooling water along the base of the toilet. Water often accumulates around the base during leaks, causing water stains and several other issues.
If you see pooling water around your toilet’s base, clean up the water and thoroughly scrub the tiles until they are clean and dry.
Flush the toilet again and then check for leaks. If it's leaking under the tile, it's a bad flange or seal around the flange. This is an important step because water only passes through the flange after you flush it. If the pooling water returns after you clean the area, you probably have an under-tile toilet leak.
This is also a good time to check for leaks elsewhere. For example, feel around the tank base where it meets with the bowl and see if water is leaking out the bolts or where it connects to the bowl.
2. Ceiling Stains
If you suspect a leak on the second story of your home, check the ceiling under the bathroom for stains and other blemishes. Many under-tile toilet leaks create water damage along ceilings directly under the bathroom. The longer the toilet leaks, the worse the stain becomes, making it vital to resolve it before severe damage takes hold.
3. Wall Stains
If your toilet rests next to a wall and experiences a leak under the tile, water stains often develop along the wall. Use a flashlight to assess the wall’s condition and look for signs of water damage. If you see any damage, contact a professional plumber to fix the leak as soon as possible.
4. Assess the Tiles’ Condition
Water can cause significant damage to tiles, creating unsightly cracks and discoloration over time. If you believe you have an under-tile toilet leak, evaluate the tiles for damage and other blemishes.
Also, look for mold and mildew on the tiles and around the toilet’s base. Mold thrives in moist environments and often develops along the bottom of toilets when a leak occurs.
Mold is often hazardous and can cause several health issues if you don’t remove it quickly. Always wear protective gear (gloves, eye protection, and a mask) if you plan on removing the mold yourself. That said, it's best to contact a professional to eradicate the mold for you to ensure effective work while limiting your exposure.
Causes of Under Tile Toilet Leaks
Now that you know what to look for when you suspect an under-tile toilet leak, you can learn the primary causes. Below are some common causes of under-tile toilet leaks:
- Cracked toilet bowl
- Damaged or ill-fitting wax ring
- Damaged toilet tank
- Water supply issues
- Broken flush valve
If you believe your home suffers from an under-tile toilet leak, contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air. Our plumbers will resolve the leak and restore your toilet’s efficiency at a price that fits your budget.
Contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air for Exceptional Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ
What To Expect
When you call Rainforest Plumbing & Air to help fix your toilet troubles you can always expect the most thorough service available in our area!
Your personal plumber will show up at the predetermined repair time, and will repair your toilet within 1-4 hours depending on the severity of the issue. No matter the time frame, your technician will make sure to maintain a clean and orderly work space (wearing booties and laying down floor coverings) with minimal interruption to your day to day life.
Once the repair is complete, your technician will troubleshoot toilet components including your flapper assembly and do a visual inspection to ensure there are no further leaks or condensation. They will then offer tips to mitigate future clogs and other issues.
And with Rainforest's Put Back Policy you can rest assured, when we clean up, we leave your space better than we found it, guaranteed!
Contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air. Our team is standing by to help you identify and resolve under-tile toilet leaks while providing a few plumbing tips so you can keep your system in excellent condition throughout the year. From leak repair to toilet replacement, Rainforest Plumbing & Air is here to help.
Common Toilet Repair Questions
How Does My Toilet Actually Work?
A toilet is comprised of two primary components: the bowl and the tank. The tank itself contains multiple parts. When the toilet handle is pressed, a valve in the tank opens, causing the water within to flush into the toilet bowl, initiating the siphoning action.
Because of the many parts stored inside the toilet tank, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem with a broken toilet. So call us today, we’ll quickly identify the issue and offer quick and effective solutions.
What is the Most Common Toilet Repair?
The most common repair issue is due to clogs. Most clogs can be effectively removed yourself using a household plunger. But if the clog is larger, or farther down the trapway, give us a call. Stubborn clogs can quickly balloon into bigger problems the longer they sit. So give our experienced team a call right away to quickly unclog your toilet and get you back up and running.
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