Force 1 Restoration Services - Force 1 Restoration : How Does a Slow Leaking Toilet Cause Massive Water Damage?

Toilet leaks can cause massive water damage

A slowly-leaking toilet may seem like a minor issue but eventually, it can become a major water damage situation. Not only does it damage the property, but it also leads to high water bills and exorbitant repair costs. It is crucial to identify the toilet leaks and address them in time to avoid potential damage. Force 1 Restoration Services shares six ways toilet leaks can cause water damage.

Flooding due to leaking toilets

The sound of a perpetually running toilet may seem like a minor issue but is actually a flood risk to the septic tank. How?

Every time the toilet is flushed, water flows to the septic tank and the drain field. When the septic system is working efficiently, the drain field gets a break during the day while the toilet is not being used. But, with a leaking toilet, the drain field never dries out thereby creating immense stress on the septic system. As the drain field takes on more water than it can absorb, it never dries out either. Since there is no scope for more water absorption, the water eventually backs up through the plumbing system and into drains and toilets in the house.

Repairing the drain field costs way much more than mending that little leak in the toilet.

Rising water bill expense

Even a slight toilet leak that is constantly flowing can waste gallons of water a day. These wasted gallons of water mean the expense of paying unnecessarily high amounts on water bills. So even a minor leak must be fixed to avoid waste of money.

Blocked pipes

When the toilet can’t fill properly, the flush will weaken over time. This means that eventually the waste being flushed down the toilet can block the pipes. Consequently, the drainage system will flood, leading to costly and messy repairs.

Leaking toilet base

Toilet leaks mean that the toilet’s base can also leak. In these cases, not only is the plumbing damaged, but water also permeates into the floor of the property and weakens the house structure over time. This is a potentially dangerous situation for the occupants.

Mold growth

Both leaks and blockages lead to health hazards. Constantly leaking water will present a perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold growth is secondary water damage that can cause many health effects and can become a really expensive repair or restoration project.

Pipe corrosion

The continuous flow of water into the drainage system will result in a build-up of mineral deposits in the pipes. This will cause an eventual blockage in the pipes. If it is not addressed at this stage, it will not only damage the drain system but cause corrosion of pipes, especially if they are aged. Pipes will then crack or burst, leaking into the house.

Catch the early signs

There are certain signs of leaking toilets that homeowners can look out for and address in time to avoid complicated and expensive repair and restoration costs:

Phantom flushing: Periodic noises when the toilet is not in use are the most common symptom of a toilet leak. The problem typically lies with a worn-out flapper or kinked chain in the toilet’s tank.
Discoloration or staining: Staining, dampness, stagnant water—these are all signs that the toilet is not only leaking but is leaking outside of the pipe network as well. This implies imminent structural water damage.
Mold growth: Mold thrives in high humidity and moisture. Mold growing behind or around the base of the toilet indicates a leak and the need for immediate redressal.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.