How to Test a Toilet for Leaks - Home 101

The toilet is something that sees a lot of use in a house and problems can arise time after time. One of the biggest bathroom issues is a toilet that keeps running after you flush it or keeps running. If left untreated this can run up your water bill, so make sure you fix the problem as soon as possible.

Problems like these are typically rooted in the fill tank. The first issue could be the water level. If the water level is above the over flow pipe, then fill valve or ballcock isn't working properly or is set to the wrong height. Make sure that the water level is adjusted to the manufacturers instructions. Be sure to also check the flapper. If the flapper is leaking it will keep triggering the fill valve to refill the tank.

To see if the flapper is leaking here is a simple test. Take food coloring and drop a few drops into the fill tank. Let it sit for 25 minutes. If the color leaks into the toilet bowl, then there is a leak. First check the flapper to see if sediment or debris has built up around the flapper. If not, replace it. This is typically a lot cheaper and easier to replace versus the fill valve. For more helpful Home 101 videos, visit http://www.Lowes.com/Home101

Subscribe to Lowe's YouTube for great how to videos and home improvement tips: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...

Or head to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/Lowes

• Category

  • Howto & Style

• License

  • Standard YouTube License