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Leaking and Blocked Toilets

Common Causes of Leaking and Blocked Toilets

Understanding the Causes of Leaking and Blocked Toilets

 A leaking or blocked toilet is one of the most inconvenient and frustrating plumbing problems any homeowner can face. Whether it’s a slow, persistent leak or a complete clog, ignoring the issue can lead to wasted water, skyrocketing utility bills, foul odours, structural damage, and even sewage backups. 

At Pinnacle Plumbing, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing toilet leaks and blockages quickly and efficiently. Knowing the root causes of these problems can help you prevent future issues and understand when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Common Causes of a Leaking Toilet

Toilets contain several moving parts that can wear out over time, causing leaks that may go unnoticed until they start affecting your bathroom flooring or utility bills.

🚽 1. Worn-Out Flapper Valve

The flapper valve is responsible for sealing the toilet tank after each flush. When the flapper is worn, warped, or misaligned, water leaks from the tank into the bowl, causing a constantly running toilet.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

You hear the toilet continuously running even when it hasn’t been flushed.

The toilet tank refills periodically, even when not in use.

A simple food colouring test (placing food dye in the tank) will reveal leaks into the bowl.

🛠 Solution:

✅ Replace the flapper with a new rubber seal to restore proper function.

✅ Check the flapper chain—if it’s too long or tangled, it may not seal properly.

leaking-blocked-toilets

💦 2. Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the water level in the toilet tank. If it’s damaged, the toilet may overflow or run continuously, wasting litres of water per day.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue: 

● Water keeps running into the tank even after flushing.

● The toilet overflows because the fill valve isn’t shutting off properly.

● You hear a hissing or whistling sound coming from the toilet.  

🛠 Solution:

 ✅ Adjust or replace the fill valve to ensure efficient water control.

✅ Check the float mechanism—if it’s set too high, the toilet may overfill.


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🔧 3. Loose or Worn-Out Seals

A toilet has multiple seals that keep water contained. Over time, these seals can loosen, dry out, or break, leading to leaks around the toilet base or between the tank and bowl.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

● Water pools around the base of the toilet.

● You see drips forming at the tank-bowl connection.

● There’s a persistent musty smell, indicating trapped moisture.

🛠 Prevention Tips: 

✅ Schedule a CCTV drain inspection every 1-2 years to detect root intrusions early. 

✅ Avoid planting large trees near sewer lines—opt for trees with non-invasive root systems instead. 

✅ Install root barriers to prevent roots from reaching your pipes. 

✅ Use a professional plumber to remove tree roots safely without damaging the pipes. 

🛠 Solution:

✅ Tighten the tank bolts or replace the wax ring seal under the toilet base.

✅ Check for loose pipe connections and seal them with plumber’s tape.

🌊 4. Cracks in the Toilet Bowl or Tank

Over time, hairline cracks can develop in the toilet bowl or tank, leading to slow, unnoticed leaks that can weaken bathroom floors and cause expensive water damage.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

● Water mysteriously pools near the toilet.

● There are visible cracks in the porcelain.

● You hear dripping sounds, even when the toilet isn’t in use.

🛠 Solution:

✅ Inspect the toilet for cracks—if found, replacement may be necessary.

✅ If the cracks are small, a temporary waterproof sealant may slow the leak.

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Our Experienced Plumbers

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A comprehensive report

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Common Causes of a Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet can range from a minor clog to a major sewage backup, depending on the severity of the issue.

Here’s what could be causing the problem.

🚰 1. Flushing Non-Flushable Items

One of the most common causes of a blocked toilet is flushing items that should never go down the drain.

❌ Common culprits include:

● Baby wipes (even those labeled “flushable”!)

● Sanitary products

● Cotton pads and swabs

● Paper towels

● Dental floss

🛠 🛠 Solution:

✅ Only flush toilet paper and avoid disposing of foreign materials in the toilet.

✅ Keep a waste bin in the bathroom to discourage improper disposal.


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older plumbing systems in melbourne

💩 2. Excessive Toilet Paper Usage

Using too much toilet paper at once can clog pipes, especially in homes with older plumbing systems. By being mindful of what goes down the drain and scheduling regular maintenance, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

● The toilet flushes slowly or doesn’t flush completely.

● Water rises higher than usual before draining.

● A plunger temporarily fixes the problem, but the issue keeps returning.

🛠 Solution:

✅ Flush in smaller intervals when using large amounts of toilet paper.

✅ Consider installing a dual-flush toilet for better water control.

🌱 3. Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Pipes

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can invade underground sewer pipes, causing severe blockages and pipe damage.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

● Frequent toilet clogs that don’t resolve with plunging.

● Gurgling sounds when flushing.

● Water backing up into sinks or bathtubs.

🛠 Solution:

✅ A CCTV drain inspection can identify root intrusions.

✅ Hydro-jetting or tree root removal services may be required.

💩 4. Sewer Line Issues

If multiple toilets and drains in your home are backing up, the issue is likely in your main sewer line, not just an individual toilet.

🔍 How to Identify the Issue:

● All toilets in the house are draining slowly or gurgling.

● Water backs up into the bathtub or shower when you flush.

● There’s a bad sewage smell near outdoor drains.

🛠 Solution:

✅ Call a professional plumber for CCTV drain inspections and hydro-jetting.

✅ In severe cases, a sewer line repair or replacement may be required.

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Final Thoughts: When to Call a Professional Plumber

🚨 If your toilet leak or blockage isn’t resolved with DIY fixes, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

📞 Pinnacle Plumbing offers fast, expert toilet repairs, leak detection, and drain clearing.

🚀 Why Choose Us?

✔ 24/7 Emergency Service – Available for urgent repairs.

✔ Advanced Drain Inspection Tools – We use CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetting.

✔ Licensed & Insured Plumbers – Our team is certified to handle all plumbing issues.

✔ Upfront Pricing – No Hidden Fees – We provide transparent, affordable quotes.

📞 Struggling with a leaking or blocked toilet? Call Pinnacle Plumbing today for expert service! 🚽

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