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How to Test a Leaky Toilet Tank

By on January 23, 2017 in Bathroom

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The toilet is the most used item in the home. It is also essential that it is in perfect working order at all time. Problems with a toilet that don’t get fixed can lead to flooding the house and the spread of bacteria. If you have noticed any rust, water stains, the constant sound of the toilet running, or any other unusual things about your toilet, it’s time to test it for a leak. Follow the steps below to find out if your toilet has a leak or not.

  • Remove the Tank Lid – The tank lid is often heavy. Ask someone to help you if you are not able to lift it on your own. Dropping the lid on the floor can cause damage to the lid. Carefully remove the lid and set it on a large flat surface for safety.
  • Color Test – Use a dark food coloring such as blue or green to conduct the test. Drop 5 drops of the food coloring into the tank and allow it to spread throughout the tank by allowing it to sit for 30 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during testing.
  • Check the toilet – After the 30 minutes go check the toilet bowl. If the food coloring is visible in the bowl, a leak is present.

If you detect a leak contact us immediately. The plumber will determine the cause of the leak as well as provide you with repair options. Avoiding to fix the leak can cause a wide range of issues. The main two issues that homeowners are surprised to experience from a leaky toilet is an expensive water bill and water damage to the floor and surrounding area of the bathroom.

If your electric bill is increasing rapidly over a span of months, you can be confident there is a water leak on your property. A leaky toilet often is the culprit. However, some homeowners don’t feel the need to fix the issue right away. How many times have you gone to someone’s home and their toilet is constantly running? There are times you can see a small flow of water enter into the bowl from the tank. While the leak might seem minor at the time, it gradually gets worse and causes a variety of issues. As a homeowner, you need to take action immediately to prevent high expenses later.

Mokher Profile PicSince 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com

Plumbing Problems You Should Not Ignore

By on December 26, 2016 in Bathroom, Commercial, Kitchen, Remodeling

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Homeowners that encounter plumbing problems often become overwhelmed with the situation. Small common issues are easy to fix with a quick DIY project or a quick call to the plumber. However, more serious issues can lead to extensive repairs and damage to your home. Some homeowners might put off fixing a small leak until it becomes a big problem. Below is a list of plumbing problems homeowners shouldn’t ignore.

  • Faulty Garbage Disposal – Not using your garbage disposal for a few days until you can fix it might sound like a good idea. But as the days go forward you will notice smelly odors and a blocked drain. Bacteria can quickly grow on food particles and could cause harm to your health if inhaled.
  • Expired Hot Water Heater – Hot water heaters often have an expiration date. It is recommended that you get it replaced before time runs out. Otherwise, you and your family will be forced to endure cold showers until the old or damaged hot water heater has been replaced.
  • Constant Running Toilet – The noise you hear when you enter the bathroom that sounds like water constantly running could grow into a larger problem. This is usually caused by a damaged or broken chain, float or valve. Sometimes it could be the result of something more serious that only a plumber is able to verify.
  • Leaky Water Heater – At first you might not notice a leaky water heater since it is often hidden behind a closet door. It is recommended to check the condition of your water heater on a regular basis to assure it is not leaking. This is especially recommended for water heaters more than five years old. Check the components, sides, floor and surrounding area for water leaks and damage. A small leak today can turn into a large flood in a few weeks.
  • Dripping Faucets – Your bathroom or kitchen faucets might have an annoying dripping sound that drives you crazy. This problem is often repairable with a DIY project. However, in some cases when homeowners have neglected to fix the issue it has grown into a larger problem, including an expensive water bill.

Keep in mind small plumbing issues often become larger problems down the road. It is best to repair or replace items throughout your home at the first sign of problems. It will save you money and time in the long run. Ignoring plumbing issues does not only lead to expensive repairs, it also can damage other areas of your home. Take action today and call a plumber to fix the issues in your home today!

Mokher Profile PicSince 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com

Common Causes of a Leaky Toilet

By on December 19, 2016 in Bathroom

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A leaky toilet is the one thing homeowners fear the most. A leaky toilet is capable of spreading bacteria throughout the bathroom as well as increasing the water bill. A puddle on the floor or the sound of water running constantly is popular signs your toilet is leaking. If you have a leaky toilet and don’t know the cause, consider the most common issues listed below.

  • Cracked Bowl – Carefully inspect the toilet bowl. Search for tiny cracks or chips. If you notice discoloration in the bowl similar to rust stains that are unable to be cleaned or deep cracks, this could be the cause of the leak.
  • Cracked Tank – Every time the toilet gets flushed the tank flows with water. A tank that has a crack in it will leak slowly in the beginning of the situation. However, when the crack in the tank grows larger the tank will leak in large amounts which can cause flooding and water damage to other areas of your home.
  • Rusty Pipes – Pipes are hidden and can become damaged or rusted without you knowing. Over time pipes often become corroded and rusted causing the toilet to leak.
  • Toilet Tank Parts – The parts located in the tank that is responsible for flushing the toilet and filling the tank with water often become damaged, old or rusted. The malfunctioning tank parts can cause the water to run constantly depending on the situation. While this won’t cause your toilet to leak constantly it could lead to the toilet overflowing after flushing. A constant running toilet can increase your water bill fast.

Water damage caused by leaking toilets can take a toll on your finances. The water can affect carpets, rugs, wood flooring, tile flooring, walls, wallpaper, paint and more. If you suspect your toilet is leaking it is highly recommended that you have a professional confirm the cause of the leak.

Sometimes you might think it’s the toilet tank when it is a rusted pipe hidden behind a wall. The main sign of water damage is a musty strong smell of mildew and bacteria growth in the affected area. If you walk into your bathroom and smell this odor, you can be sure you have a water leak and it has already caused issues.

Repairing or replacing toilets or parts is essential to preventing further damage from occurring. Contact a plumber today to help pinpoint the cause and fix the issue immediately.

Mokher Profile PicSince 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com