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A leaking toilet is usually caused by a faulty fill valve, worn flapper, loose seals, cracked cistern, or leaking pipe connections. Even small leaks can waste large amounts of water and increase your water bill. Some minor leaks can be repaired by replacing internal parts, but ongoing or hidden leaks should be inspected by a professional plumber to prevent water damage and costly repairs.

Why Is My Toilet Leaking?

A leaking toilet is a common plumbing problem in UK homes and businesses. While it may seem minor at first, a leaking toilet can waste water, cause damage to flooring, and lead to higher utility bills if left unresolved.

The key to fixing the problem is identifying exactly where the leak is coming from.

The Most Common Causes of a Leaking Toilet

1. Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the water level in your cistern. If it becomes worn or damaged, it can cause constant leaking into the toilet bowl.

Signs:

• Toilet constantly refilling
• Hissing noise from cistern
• Water trickling into the bowl

2. Worn or Damaged Flapper Valve

The flapper creates a seal that holds water in the cistern. Over time, it can warp, crack, or become covered in limescale, causing water to leak continuously.

Signs:

• Slow leak into the bowl
• Frequent phantom flushing
• Toilet runs randomly

3. Loose or Worn Toilet Seals

Seals around the base of the toilet or between the cistern and pan can deteriorate over time, leading to external leaks.

Signs:

• Water pooling around the base of the toilet
• Damp flooring
• Musty smells near the toilet

4. Cracked Cistern or Toilet Pan

Hairline cracks can develop in older toilets, causing slow leaks that may go unnoticed at first.

Signs:

• Visible cracks
• Water dripping from the cistern
• Persistent unexplained leaks

5. Leaking Water Supply Pipe

The pipe connecting your water supply to the toilet can loosen or corrode, leading to leaks behind or underneath the toilet.

Signs:

• Water behind the toilet
• Damp wall or floor
• Visible dripping from pipe connections

Is a Leaking Toilet Serious?

Yes. Even a small leak can lead to:

• Higher water bills
• Water damage to flooring and subfloor
• Mould and damp issues
• Structural damage if left long-term

A constantly leaking toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water per day.

Can I Fix a Leaking Toilet Myself?

Some minor toilet leaks can be fixed with basic DIY if you are confident, such as:

• Replacing a flapper valve
• Adjusting the float
• Tightening loose connections

However, incorrect repairs can make the leak worse or cause hidden damage. If the source of the leak is unclear, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

Where Is Your Toilet Leaking From?

Leaking Into the Bowl

Usually caused by a worn flapper or faulty fill valve.

Leaking From the Base

Often due to a failed wax seal or loose fittings.

Leaking From the Cistern

Common causes include cracked tanks, worn seals, or faulty internal components.

Leaking From the Pipe Connection

Typically caused by loose fittings, corrosion, or worn washers.

How Much Water Can a Leaking Toilet Waste?

Many homeowners don’t realise how costly a leak can be:

• Constant running toilet = Up to 400 litres per day
• Silent cistern leak = Thousands of litres per month
• Increased water bills over time

Fixing a leak quickly can save significant money on utilities.

When Should You Call a Plumber for a Leaking Toilet?

You should contact a plumber if:

• The leak is coming from the base of the toilet
• You notice cracks in the cistern or pan
• The toilet keeps running after repairs
• There is water damage to flooring or walls
• The leak source is unknown

A professional plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and prevent further damage.

How to Prevent Toilet Leaks in the Future

Preventative maintenance can help avoid future leaks:

• Check for leaks regularly
• Replace worn internal parts early
• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners in the cistern
• Ensure proper installation of seals and fittings
• Book routine plumbing inspections

FAQs About Leaking Toilets

Why is my toilet leaking onto the floor?

This is usually caused by a failed seal at the base, loose bolts, or a leaking pipe connection.

Why does my toilet keep running after flushing?

A faulty flapper valve or fill valve is the most common reason.

Is a leaking toilet an emergency?

It depends on the severity. Active leaks causing flooding or water damage should be repaired urgently.

Can a leaking toilet increase my water bill?

Yes. Even a silent leak can waste large amounts of water and significantly raise your bill.

How long does it take a plumber to fix a leaking toilet?

Most toilet leak repairs can be completed within 1–2 hours, depending on the cause.

Should I repair or replace a leaking toilet?

Minor component issues can usually be repaired. If the toilet is cracked or very old, replacement may be more cost-effective.

Need a Plumber to Fix a Leaking Toilet?

A leaking toilet should never be ignored. Fast professional repair can prevent water damage, reduce water waste, and restore your plumbing system to full working order.

If you’re experiencing a leaking toilet, a qualified plumber can quickly identify the cause and provide a reliable, long-lasting repair.

JTE Plumbing can help you with your tap issue today!

A dripping tap is usually caused by worn washers, damaged cartridges, loose parts, or high water pressure. While it may seem like a minor issue, a leaking tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year and increase your water bill. Most dripping taps can be repaired by replacing internal components, but persistent leaks may require a professional plumber to diagnose the root cause and prevent further damage.

Why Is My Tap Dripping?

A dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes and businesses. That constant drip isn’t just annoying — it can waste water, increase your bills, and sometimes indicate a bigger plumbing issue.

The good news? Most dripping taps have a clear cause and can be fixed quickly once the issue is identified.

The Most Common Causes of a Dripping Tap

1. Worn-Out Washer

This is the number one cause of a dripping tap, especially in older taps.
Every time you turn the tap on and off, the washer presses against the valve seat. Over time, this friction causes wear and tear, leading to leaks.

Signs:

• Dripping from the spout
• Leak stops when tap is tightened more
• Older style taps (compression taps)

2. Faulty Tap Cartridge

Modern mixer taps use cartridges instead of washers. If the cartridge becomes damaged or worn, the tap will start dripping even when fully turned off.

Signs:

• Dripping mixer tap
• Leak continues even when tightly closed
• Stiff or loose handle

3. High Water Pressure

If your home has high water pressure, it can force water through the tap even when it’s off, causing a constant drip.

Signs:

• Dripping mainly at night
• Multiple taps affected
• Loud pipes or banging noises

4. Damaged Valve Seat

The valve seat connects the tap to the spout. Over time, limescale and corrosion can damage it, preventing a proper seal.

Signs:

• Persistent leak despite washer replacement
• Rust or scale inside tap
• Older plumbing systems

5. Loose or Worn O-Ring

A worn O-ring often causes leaks around the base of the tap handle rather than the spout.

Signs:

• Water leaking from handle area
• Handles feel loose
• Visible water around fittings

Is a Dripping Tap Serious?

Many people ignore a dripping tap, but it can cause bigger issues if left untreated.

A single dripping tap can:

• Waste over 5,000 litres of water per year
• Increase your water bill
• Cause limescale build-up
• Lead to further internal tap damage

Fixing it early saves money and prevents costly repairs later.

Can I Fix a Dripping Tap Myself?

In some cases, yes. If you’re confident with basic DIY, you may be able to:

• Replace a washer
• Change a tap cartridge
• Tighten loose fittings

However, incorrect repairs can cause:

• More leaks
• Water damage
• Broken tap components

If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call a professional plumber.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

You should contact a plumber if:

• The tap keeps dripping after replacing parts
• You can’t identify the tap type
• The tap is leaking from multiple areas
• There is low water pressure with the drip
• The tap is old or seized

A qualified plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and repair or replace the tap properly.

How Much Water Does a Dripping Tap Waste?

Many homeowners are surprised by this:

• 1 drip per second = Over 3,000 litres per year
• Faster drip = Even higher water waste
• Higher water bills over time

That small drip can cost more than a repair in the long run.

How to Prevent Taps From Dripping in the Future

Regular maintenance helps avoid leaks:

• Don’t overtighten taps
• Fix small leaks early
• Install a pressure regulator if needed
• Replace worn parts before failure
• Schedule routine plumbing checks

FAQs About Dripping Taps

Why is my tap dripping even when turned off tightly?

This usually means the internal washer or cartridge is worn and no longer sealing properly.

Is a dripping tap an emergency?

Not usually, but it should be fixed quickly to prevent water waste and further damage.

Why does my mixer tap keep dripping?

Mixer taps commonly drip due to a faulty cartridge or high water pressure.

Can high water pressure cause a dripping tap?

Yes, excessive pressure can force water through the tap even when it’s off.

Should I repair or replace a dripping tap?

If the tap is relatively new, repair is usually cheaper. Older or heavily worn taps may be more cost-effective to replace.

How long does it take a plumber to fix a dripping tap?

Most dripping tap repairs can be completed within 30–60 minutes depending on the issue.

Need Help With a Dripping Tap?

If your tap won’t stop dripping, professional repair can save you time, water, and money. A quick fix now can prevent bigger plumbing problems later.

Contact a local qualified plumber to diagnose and repair the issue properly and ensure your plumbing system is working efficiently.