7 Warning Signs You Need a Plumber For Your Bathroom

A broken or leaking toilet is an issue you should address quickly to prevent significant damage. While some problems with the toilet have simple solutions, others can be more complex and challenging to fix. Diagnosing the root cause can also be tricky since a running toilet or leaks can be caused by various underlying plumbing issues.

If you are dealing with a significant or complex issue with your toilet, it is best to call a professional plumber for assistance. If the issue has led to water damage on the surrounding floors or walls, you may also need the help of a water damage restoration expert to prevent further complications.

While some cost-conscious individuals attempt DIY repairs, these efforts often end up worsening the situation. It’s always wiser to rely on experienced professionals to ensure the problem is resolved effectively. In this guide, we will cover how to identify leaks and other issues with your toilet that require the assistance of a professional.

Don’t Wait For Water Damage—Here’s When to Call a Plumber

When trying to decide if you should fix a problem with your toilet yourself, use this rule of thumb: if the issue can be resolved with a wrench or a plunger, you can attempt to address the issue yourself. Any problem that requires more than this should involve a professional.

If your toilet is constantly running or leaking, this could be caused by a more complex issue that would be difficult for you to take care of without the right tools and expertise. Structural damage to the toilet is another problem that is best left to knowledgeable professionals. If you try to fix problems yourself that are beyond what you can handle, you are likely to make the damage worse, which will result in more costly repairs.

Calling a plumbing professional will save you time and money and prevent additional damage. These professionals have the expertise to diagnose the problem and fix it with the right tools. They can also give you advice on how to prevent problems with your toilet.

You should call a plumber when experiencing the following problems with your toilet:

Toilet Leaks Are Wasting Water and Soaking Floors

A small leak that drips at one drop per second can result in seven gallons of wastewater per day. A more severe leak can waste up to 200 gallons per day, which results in 6,000 gallons of water per month and can raise your water bill. The water from these leaks also spreads and gets absorbed into the surrounding materials which can result in structural damage and mold growth. It is very important to recognize when your toilet is leaking and call a plumber to fix the issue. Catching the leak early can help prevent serious damage.

The following are the most common causes of toilet leaks to watch out for:

• Toilet tanks: Leaks in the toilet tank can waste anywhere from 300 to 60,000 gallons of water per month. These types of leaks are also difficult to notice because the water from the tank leaks into the toilet bowl. You can check for leaks in the toilet tank by putting 10-15 drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait for 30 minutes without flushing and check the water in the bowl. If the food coloring reaches the water in the bowl, there is a leak in the toilet tank. Toilet tank leaks may be caused by the following:
  • Flapper valve: The flapper is a rubber valve that seals the bottom of the tank and lifts when the toilet flushes. A worn out or cracked flapper valve can cause water to leak into the bowl.
  • Flush handle: If the toilet is running and you need to jiggle the handle to stop it, the flush level bar, chain, or handle may be sticking and causing the running.
  • Overflow tube leaks: The toilet tank has an overflow tube that is usually about half an inch below the fill line. If the water is spilling into the overflow tube, then the water level is too high and needs to be adjusted.
• Base of the toilet: It is common for water to leak out of the base of the toilet either due to a worn-out wax ring or leaks from the supply hose and flush valve. If you are not sure what is causing the water to leak near the base of the toilet, dry the area and place paper towels around the base. If they get wet after a couple of hours, then the wax ring likely needs to be changed. If these paper towels are dry, then check the supply hose and flush valve for leaks.

Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

It is common for toilets to clog occasionally but if your toilet frequently clogs, you may need to call a plumber to investigate the issue. Toilet clogs are primarily caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, but they can also be caused by low water pressure. Frequent toilet clogs can lead to pipe damage or sewage backups which can result in serious property damage. A plumber can effectively diagnose and repair the issue to stop your toilet from clogging.

Toilet is Wobbly or Loose from the Floor

Hearing a squishing sound when you sit on the toilet could signal a serious issue. This often points to a faulty wax seal or improperly secured flange. When the seal fails, water can slowly leak onto the floor, potentially leading to rotting and mold growth over time.

Additionally, a toilet that wobbles isn’t just inconvenient, it’s unsanitary. A loose toilet can cause leaks at the sewer line, eventually resulting in water damage or even flooding in your bathroom. If you notice your toilet wobbling, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact a plumber right away to address the problem and prevent further damage.

Toilet Tank Fills Too Slowly

If your toilet tank is taking too long to refill, it could be due to a faulty flush valve or a leaking flapper. To diagnose the issue, start by removing the tank lid and flushing the toilet.

Listen for the sound of trickling water or check if the flush valve appears misaligned or stuck, this could indicate the need for a replacement. Additionally, inspect the flapper for signs of water leaking through. A leaking flapper can significantly slow down the refill process.

To resolve this, you’ll need to repair or replace the seal. For a lasting fix, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

Irregular or Constantly Running Water

In gravity-flow toilets, a leaky flush valve often causes water to run intermittently. Check if the toilet tank ball is properly aligned with the valve seal. If it’s off-center or fails to make contact, it’s a clear sign that the valve needs to be replaced.

To resolve this, a plumber will remove the faulty tank ball and install a new valve, ensuring a proper seal and smooth operation.

Constantly Running Water

If you notice water running or hear your toilet flushing on its own, the issue is likely with the chain inside the tank. A misaligned chain can prevent the hole at the bottom of the tank from sealing properly, causing water to flow continuously. Fortunately, most chain problems are easy to fix, you can adjust the chain’s length yourself without needing a plumber.

Another potential cause of water running might be a worn-out ball cock mechanism. The ball cock is connected to the float mount, which seals the valve when the water reaches the correct level. Over time, the seal on the valve can wear out, leading to a constant trickle of water. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a plumber to replace the rubber diaphragm seal and restore proper function.

By addressing these common issues, you can stop water waste and keep your toilet running smoothly.

Toilet Doesn’t Flush at All

A toilet flush can stop working entirely or become ineffective over time, especially in older models without high-performance flushing systems. The best solution is to replace the outdated toilet with a newer, more efficient model designed for reliable performance. You should call a professional to install a new toilet.

Emergency Toilet Issues: Overflowing or Sewage Leaks

Certain issues with your toilet are considered emergencies and require immediate attention from a professional. One such emergency is an overflowing toilet as this can flood your home and result in significant water damage if it is not immediately resolved. Severe leaks and leaks involving sewage are also emergencies as they can cause significant property damage and pose health risks. You should call a professional immediately once you notice the signs of a plumbing emergency.

Emergency Plumbing and Water Damage Restoration Services

Addressing toilet issues promptly is essential to avoid costly water damage, plumbing emergencies, and unsanitary conditions in your home. While some minor problems can be handled with basic tools, more complex or persistent issues should always be left to professional plumbers who have the knowledge and equipment to provide safe, effective, and lasting repairs.

If you discover an issue with your toilet that requires immediate assistance, make sure to reach out to a professional for emergency plumbing services. These professionals will accurately diagnose the issue and perform the right repairs so your toilet and plumbing fixtures will function properly. Any damage caused by the leaking water requires the assistance of a water damage restoration professional as these professionals can effectively remove excess water, dry the affected materials, and restore the resulting damage.