Plumbing Tips: Toilets

Toilets are greedy for water at their best, but if there’s a leak, it will really cost you. When you do your spring cleaning, check your toilet’s overall health. If there’s a problem you’re not comfortable fixing yourself, call a Scottish Plumber expert to your Chicago area home.

First, try to wiggle the toilet to make sure it doesn’t move. Check for cracked or crumbling caulking around the base of the toilet, and if necessary, scrape it off and re-caulk. Lift the lid and look inside the tank for any parts that appear rusty or broken. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and let it sit for half an hour. If the color shows up in the bowl, your tank has a leak. Flush the toilet. If you have to hold the handle down to get a full flush or jiggle the handle to get the flap to seat, it’s time to replace the tank parts.

Finally, check the hoses and valves for moisture on your fingers, and if you see wetness on the floor behind the toilet, you probably have a leak. A Scottish Plumber expert can help you with any necessary repairs to keep your toilet working properly and save on your water bills.