Is Your Toilet Leaking Under Tile? 5 Ways to tell and solutions here!

Plumbing Tips

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!

Posted by Spencer | July 30, 2023 | Reading Time:

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. Wait a few minutes before reevaluating the space for leakage. If the pooling water returns after you clean the area, you probably have an under-tile toilet leak.

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.

5. Listen for Running Water

Sometimes you don’t need to see water or stains to identify a toilet leak underneath tiles. Many leaky toilets emit sounds of running water, helping you detect leaks audibly. If you hear running water around your toilet when it isn’t operating, you probably have a leak somewhere under the tiles.

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

If you aren't sure if your toilet is leaking under the tile, contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air. We will 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.

Give Rainforest Plumbing & Air a call at 480-360-5278 and schedule your appointment in Phoenix, AZ, today!

Author Bio:
Ike Tippetts
He founded the company and soon found himself answering phones and dispatching team members around the clock! Rainforest Plumbing & Air has come a long way since they started in 1999 as a two-truck operation.