Why You Shouldn't Delay Fixing a Leaking Toilet

A leaking toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly escalate into a costly and frustrating problem if left unattended. Whether it's a small drip or a constant trickle, ignoring the issue can lead to water wastage, structural damage, and even health risks. In this article, we'll explore why fixing a leaking toilet should be a top priority, the potential consequences of delaying repairs, and how to address the issue effectively.

The Hidden Costs of a Leaking Toilet

That constant drip or run might not seem like a big deal, but the cumulative effects are where the real damage lies. Ignoring it can lead to several serious problems that go far beyond a simple plumbing issue.

Sky-High Water Bills

This is often the first and most obvious sign that something is wrong. A constantly running toilet is like leaving a tap on 24/7.

• A medium leak can waste over 200 litres of water per day. That's more than 6,000 litres a month!
• A severe leak (where you can clearly hear water running) could waste thousands of litres a day.

In a water-scarce country like South Africa, this isn't just a waste of a precious resource; it's a direct hit to your wallet. That "small" leak can easily add hundreds, if not thousands, of Rands to your municipal bill over time.

The Threat of Serious Water Damage

Water is relentless. What starts as a small puddle can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Over time, this constant moisture can cause devastating damage to your home.

• Flooring: Water can seep under tiles, warp laminate or wooden floors, and destroy carpets. This often leads to rot in the subfloor, a costly and disruptive repair.
• Ceilings: If the leak is on an upper floor, water will find its way down. You might notice discoloured patches, sagging plasterboard, or even drips coming from the ceiling below.
• Walls and Structure: Persistent moisture can damage drywall, compromise the wooden studs in your walls, and even affect the structural integrity of your home over a long period.

Mould and Mildew: The Unseen Health Hazard

Where there's constant dampness, mould is sure to follow. Mould thrives in dark, moist environments like the space behind your toilet or under your flooring.

Mould isn't just an ugly black or green stain. It releases spores into the air that can cause a range of health problems, including:

• Allergies and respiratory issues
• Asthma attacks
• Headaches
• Skin irritation

Eradicating a widespread mould problem is a specialised and costly process that you definitely want to avoid.

What's Causing That Leak? Common Culprits

Understanding what might be wrong can help you see why a professional diagnosis is so important. Most toilet leaks come from one of a few key components inside the tank or at the base.

A Faulty Flapper or Seal

The flapper is the rubber plug at the bottom of your toilet tank that lifts when you flush. Over time, this rubber can degrade, warp, or become brittle, preventing it from creating a perfect seal. This is the most common cause of a "phantom flush" or a toilet that seems to run intermittently.

A Broken Fill Valve

The fill valve (or ballcock) is the mechanism that refills the tank with water after you flush. If it's broken or misaligned, it might not shut off properly, causing water to run continuously into the overflow tube and down the drain. This is often the source of that constant hissing sound.

Worn-Out Tank-to-Bowl Gaskets

There are bolts and rubber gaskets that create a watertight seal between the toilet tank and the bowl. If these gaskets dry out and crack, water will leak out every time you flush, usually puddling around the base of the toilet.

A Cracked Bowl or Tank

While less common, a hairline crack in the porcelain of the tank or bowl can cause a slow, persistent leak. These can be tricky to spot and are a definite sign that you need a professional plumber, as the entire toilet unit will likely need to be replaced.

DIY Fix or Call a Pro? Making the Right Choice

With a wealth of online tutorials, it can be tempting to try to fix a leaking toilet yourself. For a straightforward issue, like a tangled flapper chain, a DIY approach might work.

However, misdiagnosing the problem is a considerable risk. You might replace the flapper when the real issue is the fill valve, wasting your time and money without solving the leak. Worse, you could overtighten a bolt and crack the porcelain, turning a R500 repair into a R3000+ toilet replacement.

Hiring a professional plumber through Kandua is the smartest move because:

• They diagnose it correctly the first time.
• They have the right tools and parts on hand.
• They can spot underlying issues you might miss.
• Their work is guaranteed, giving you peace of mind.

Find a Trusted, Vetted Plumber with Kandua

Don't let a small leak drain your bank account and damage your home. The solution is just a few clicks away.

Kandua connects you with a network of experienced and highly-rated plumbers in your area. Answer a few questions about your problem, and you'll receive multiple, obligation-free quotes in minutes. You can compare prices, read reviews from other homeowners, and choose the Pro that's right for you.

Stop the leak. Stop the waste. Get a quote from a top-rated plumber today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I quickly test if my toilet is leaking? 
A great way is the food colouring test. Add a few drops of food colouring to the water in your toilet tank. Don't flush. Wait for about 20-30 minutes. If you see any of the coloured water appear in the toilet bowl, you have a leak from the tank into the bowl, most likely caused by a faulty flapper.

How much water does a leaking toilet actually waste?
‍It varies, but the numbers are shocking. A silent leak can waste 100-250 litres per day. A constantly running toilet can waste over 4,000 litres per day. In a month, that could be more water than your family uses for everything else combined.

Is a leaking toilet considered a plumbing emergency? 
If the leak is causing significant water spillage onto the floor, shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet and call a plumber immediately to prevent significant water damage. If it's a silent leak inside the tank, it's not an immediate emergency, but you should aim to get it fixed within a few days to avoid high water bills and potential long-term damage.

How much does it typically cost to fix a leaking toilet in South Africa? 
The cost can vary widely depending on the cause and your location. A simple fix like replacing a flapper might cost a few hundred Rand (including the call-out fee and labour). A more complex repair, like replacing the entire fill valve mechanism, could be more. Getting multiple quotes from Kandua Pros is the best way to understand the expected cost for your specific issue.

Can I fix a leaking toilet myself? 
Simple fixes like adjusting a flapper chain are possible for those who are handy. However, for most leaks, we recommend hiring a professional. It's easy to misdiagnose the problem or cause more damage (like cracking the porcelain), which ends up being far more expensive than the initial plumber's fee.

My toilet is making a hissing sound after I flush. What does that mean? 
A constant hissing sound is almost always a sign that the fill valve is not shutting off completely. Water is continuously trickling into the tank and draining out through the overflow pipe. This wastes a significant amount of water and needs to be addressed by a plumber.

How does Kandua ensure its plumbers are reliable? 
Every Pro on the Kandua platform goes through a vetting process. More importantly, our system is built on transparency. You can read genuine, unedited reviews from previous customers to see the quality of a plumber's work and their level of professionalism before you hire them.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover damage from a slow-leaking toilet? 
It's unlikely. Most insurance policies cover "sudden and accidental" water damage, like a burst pipe. Damage that occurs over time due to a lack of maintenance (like a slow leak you didn't fix) is typically not covered. This makes it even more important to repair leaks as soon as you discover them.