When A Toilet Causes Water Damage And Restoration Issues

Preventable wastes of money and natural resources are a tragedy. The U. S. Geological Survey estimates a single leaking toilet can waste an extra 22 gallons of water every day, or over 8,000 gallons per year. Even a small leak can mean hundreds of wasted dollars.

Every toilet will leak at some point in a homeowners life. The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve. When that plastic flapper ball at the bottom of the toilet tank does not form a watertight seal, water will leak around it into the toilet bowl. This situation has an easy solution– a trip to the home improvement store and less than an hour of work. 

A second problem might happen when the toilet is clogged and water (and waste) overflow from the bowl onto the floor. This discharge is known as “black water.” This dirty wastewater will contaminate your bathroom with pathogenic bacteria and should only be handled by a professional wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. Part of that clean up process will be to sterilize all the surfaces affected: floors, baseboards, cabinets. 

A much more difficult  situation is when water is leaking from inside the closed toilet tank system onto the bathroom floor. Water pooling around the base of the toilet is a good indication that the wax seal has failed. Or there could be other causes. No matter what, if left to drip over time, it can cause substantial water damage in your bathroom. 

Water Damage Restoration in Palm Coast

So not only is the wasted water a tragedy, now you have a biohazard to fix in the middle of our home. It’s time to call Restoration 1 of St. Augustine to figure out the problem and safely clean it up.

Looking For the Cause

Well-constructed toilets can last a lifetime if well maintained, but poorly made and heavily used models will only last a few years. Over time, the porcelain can become weakened and crack, creating hairline cracks and pinpoint leaks. 

One reason for a leak from the base of the toilet is a loose connection where the tank meets the toilet. You might see water on the unit or accumulating on the floor. 

You’ll notice another cause if you feel the seat move when you sit down. If it rocks, or you see the presence of water on the floor around the base of the toilet, the wax seal has failed. Another clue is an unpleasant bathroom odor from escaped sewer gasses.  

What Is The Risk?

Beyond wasted water, continuous moisture on your floor will destroy hardwood, tile, and even the subfloor underneath. To restore that damage, Restoration 1 might need to remove the toilet and damaged flooring, and rebuild any damaged structural elements such as water damaged cabinets. 

When to Call the Professionals

If you see damage to the gasket, flushing mechanism,  pipes, the bowl or the interior of the toilet, it’s best to call a plumber. If you see (or suspect) signs of water damage to the floor, subfloor, or any other bathroom structures, you need Restoration 1 of St. Augustine

Call us for help in Flagler County. Water damage restoration is an extensive process that must be executed precisely for maximum success. From Restoration 1 of St. Augustine, you can expect use of advanced technology to identify all affected areas. The team will quickly sort through all your items and dispose of anything that is unsalvageable before setting up powerful commercial equipment to start the drying and dehumidifying process.

Once the water and moisture are removed, they will make all necessary repairs to ensure your property is safe for your return.