Leaking toilet?

Question

I have a leaking (not running) toilet. Most of the time after I flush water continues to seep into the bowl without a sound (that's why I say it's not running). I haven't sat there and watched it for hours but I have noticed that usually right after I flush it the water will still flow in leak in but I notice that the amount seems to get less and less over the next few hours and eventually none is leaking in. There are also times that it never stops seeping or I notice it does not leak in at all. About six months ago the problem was much worse and I replaced the flapper that covers the hole where the water from the tank runs into the bowl but I guess this hasn't really solved the issue. This is very frustrating because the water bill was $600 and this has to be the culprit. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Well if changing the flapper did not do the trick, what you need to do is to replace the flush valve. Fluidmaster sells a kit that you can buy and install your self. However, for this you need to pull the tank off the toilet. That will definantly fix the problem. If not, it's time for a new toilet.

Answer 2

First, make sure that all your water is shut off in and outside the house and go to the meter and carefully check if the flow indicator needle and last number and see if they're moving.( this needle is the one that spins as fast as the water flows) showing you that there is water flowing. If you have water flowing, you will see it spin. Then shut your water off at the angle stop (valve) behind the toilet and go back and check the needle again. If it is and you determine that it is the toilet, go ahead and buy a new tank kit including the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl, this isn't expensive. ( the black and green replacement kit with the float that just goes up and down on the stem) works the best. Before installing, make sure the port that the flapper sits on is clear of calcium, rust and dirt. The same goes with the tank/bowl gasket port (hole) This gasket can come like a kit with the new tank/bowl bolts and nuts. After install, flush and watch your toilet a few times,then go check your meter again for needle movement. If you still have running water from the meter, using a stethoscope listen to the pipe on the house side of the meter, if it's running, you have a leak some where else, meter could be bad and leaking. (your utility service is responsable for this meter) call them.

Answer 3

dhwilson5 is on the money. Make use of your meter. Isolate the leak. If it's the fill tube/flapper, the toilet will fill up the water the tank uses periodically. In other words, the toilet will fill up (use water) by itself when no one has used it. If you put in a new flapper, check the fill tube(the opening that the flapper rests on). Run your thumbnail around the ring and feel for any cracks or water deposits. If cracked, you have to replace it by removing the tank. Make sure it's the same length as the old one(you can cut them shorter). If you remove the tank, get new tank to bowl gasket(this should come with the fill tube) and bolts (in case the old ones are corroded). Make sure the top of the fill tube is LOWER than the top or critical level of the fill valve/ballcock. If not, it may keep siphoning constantly, wasting water. Read the instructions that come with the new parts carefully.
On a side note- I purchased a new/ cheaper flapper thinking they all were the same, but it leaked from the start. Make sure you get a good quality flapper that resists the chemicals used in auto bowl cleaning.
Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a similar problem. I replaced the flapper and the inside part that has the floatation part. It still does it. I suggest a new toilet or toilet top and a new hose and valve from the wall. A toilet is as little as 89 dollars.
In my case I sold the house so I won't have this problem. Not the best way of solving it.

Answer 5

If the flapper is new, I would next replace the fill valve assembly. You do not have to remove the tank to replace this. They are about $8 and not too difficult to replace.

Answer 6

You may have a hairline crack. It seems it would be cheaper to get a new toilet than have those expensive water bills. Or, one time we had a leak, but it was a black ring that my husband replaced. Check that out, it may just be old and you may need a new one.