Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumber

Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumber

You can DIY your way into some plumbing problems, but others require a professional plumber in Marrickville. As a home or property owner, you must know which problems you can solve and the ones that need a professional plumber. With such knowledge, you can avoid headaches that involve paying for costly repairs.

If you have a plumber to get in touch with quickly, you can prevent the worsening of an emergency plumbing problem. This blog outlines the reasons why you might need to call an emergency plumber.

Clogged Drain

According to emergency plumber service providers in Marrickville, the common reason to call them is a clogged drain. This is one of the most frustrating and prevalent plumbing issues that you can experience in and around your home or commercial property. With time and constant use, drains accumulate gunk, which you clean with regular maintenance. However, when it comes to emergencies, calling a plumber is the only solution. It is always better to be safe than sorry because you can save yourself from unwanted expenses and headaches. 

Broken Pipe

A broken pipe is another common reason to call a 24-hour emergency plumbing service. Depending on the location of your damaged pipe, whether under the kitchen sink or in the ceiling, it can cause severe damage to your property. A broken pipe can even cause water damage to neighbouring apartments. If you suspect a broken pipe, have it inspected before taking any other action. Please get in touch with the emergency plumbing professionals immediately for expert assistance.

Do not neglect broken pipes or drains to prevent damage and inconveniences from happening. Call a professional plumber to inspect and repair your pipes to ensure your plumbing system remains in optimum condition. 

Water Leak

Brown stains on the ceiling or walls signify a water leak. It is caused by water seeping through cracks in your home. These cracks are usually due to structural damage or expansion of your pipes. Water leaks can be challenging to detect because they can develop slowly before becoming apparent.

Water leaks not only cause water damage but also affect the structural integrity of your home, or worse, become a fire hazard. You can prevent further damage by having a professional inspect your property. 

Gas Leak

Homeowners should be aware that a bubbling, fizzing or hissing sound coming from under the sink indicates a gas leak. The broken pipe can create a vacuum on the other side, forcing out any air and water. If this happens, turn off all appliances and do not attempt to operate light switches or gas stoves. This is essential because specific electrical devices run on natural gas, which can be explosive when mixed with other chemicals.

Are you looking for a trusted emergency plumber in Marrickville? Look no further than FXD Plumbing. Our team is ready to respond to your emergency plumbing issues before they worsen. Call us whenever you need our help! We are ready to serve you 24/7.

When to Call a 24 Hour Plumber

When to Call a 24 Hour Plumber

Property owners will eventually face plumbing challenges that need to be addressed by a 24 hour plumber. They may be inconvenient and potentially lead to other structural damages in your home or commercial space. Many people encounter emergencies outside of business hours. This is where emergency plumbers come in.

There are plumbing emergencies that can be solved with tools at home. These include toilet overflows and clogged drains. However, there are emergencies, such as leaks and sewer backups, that require a professional and qualified plumber. Today, we’re going to look at the different types of plumbing issues that require professional assistance.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains in your Marrickville home keep you from entering your kitchen and bathroom. This might initially be a small problem in the beginning, but when it gets bigger, it can cause other issues.

Different items can cause blocked drains. But the most common is the build-up of human hair and pet hair. Try the typical household solutions, including vinegar and baking soda or chemical cleaners, before you call a plumber. If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to call for help.

A professional plumber has all the tools to look into what’s causing the issue. They can also use the right tools without causing other inconveniences.

Overflowing Toilet

Aside from blocked drains, an overflowing toilet is also a common problem. At the same time, it’s problematic. Not only does it make a mess in your bathroom, but it can potentially destroy your flooring. A temporary solution before calling the plumber is to cut the water supply coming to the toilet.

Doing so stops the problem that causes damage to your bathroom and home. Try solving it with a toilet plunger to help remove the clogging. Otherwise, call your plumber to fix it for you. Never attempt to clean the problem because there is possible contamination. A qualified professional can perform this task safely.

No Hot Water

This problem may be tolerable during hot months. But what if this emergency comes up during the cold season? Sometimes, we forget to check the basics and assume that there’s a problem. Before you call your plumber, you need to perform some checks first.

  • Have you adjusted your thermostat to the heat level you prefer?
  • Are there displaced wires (if you have an electric water heater)?
  • Is the gas pipe properly connected?

Burst Pipes

Clogging and the weather are among the common reasons why pipes burst. If it’s the former, then it probably already has wear and tear. Burst pipes can cause serious damage to your home and potentially cost you a lot of money because of the water damage.

This is a problem that you can’t solve on your own. You need to immediately call your emergency plumber to prevent the flooding from spreading further. As you wait for help to come, switch the water main off.

Our team members at FXD Plumbing dedicate ourselves to providing high-quality components and practical solutions. Call us today whenever you need emergency plumbing services!

The Best Solutions for Blocked Drains

The Best Solutions for Blocked Drains

Not all blocked drains need the help of a plumber in Marrickville. If you notice that your sink stinks or it takes a long time to drain, the percentage of you fixing it is high. But remember that you can only fix problems within your home. Let your local plumber know if you suspect a plumbing issue outside the bounds of your home.

We are going to take a look at quick solutions that will help you solve your blocked drain without calling a pro’s help. If you currently have a blocked drain, take a look at our solutions below. Otherwise, you can learn them today so that you can fix an issue that arises in the future.

Use Boiling Water for Your Blocked Drain

Boiling water is often the first solution for blocked drains in Sydney. Remember that hot water isn’t enough. Attacking your blocked drain requires the heat of boiling water. A warning, though: the extreme heat can cause the PVC pipe joints to loosen slightly.

You need to pour boiling water directly into the drain as it can crack the porcelain bowl. There’s no limit to the amount of water you can pour. Use boiling water heated from your heater or stove. Pour as necessary.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, you can try the other methods we will discuss below. But If you feel that the blocked drain is beyond what you can fix, it would be best to call our team at FXD Plumbing.

Combine Baking Soda with Vinegar

Don’t call the blocked drain plumbing solutions specialist just yet if the previous solution didn’t work. With the combination of baking soda and vinegar, getting rid of the blockages in your drain is possible.

Vinegar consists of acetic acid and water. On the other hand, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. A reaction occurs when these two are combined. Together, they loosen up the blockages.

This is a natural way of cleaning drains. If you need something stronger, caustic drain cleaners can do the trick. Ensure that you read the instructions before using them

Start the process by pouring boiling water first. Put a half cup of baking soda, then pour a cup of water into the drain. Let it fizz first. Lastly, pour the hot water into the drain.

Preventive Measures

Your drain will eventually get blocked at some point. As a homeowner, you want to fix the issue first before you call a professional. However, there are still ways that can help prevent this problem in the future. Below are some quick tips to decrease the likeliness of having a blocked drain:

  • Run hot water from time to time to remove any buildup. Doing so will also ease water flow in your pipes.
  • Use strainers specifically for drains to prevent unwanted material from getting into your drainpipe.
  • You can also maintain your drains with baking soda. It can help flush out your pipes to eliminate any odours and buildup. Do this from time to time.

When you can no longer handle the blocked drain, call FXD Plumbing today!

Love Using Bath Bombs It Could Be Ruining Your Plumbing

Love Using Bath Bombs? It Could Be Ruining Your Plumbing

Bath bombs have been popular for years and we understand why. They look fun, smell good and are relaxing. However, while soaking into your tub with a bath bomb feels nice after a long tiring day, it could potentially lead you to call a plumber in Sydney Inner West as it can clog your drain with overtime. 

We understand how giving up this relaxing moment is hard so we have created a list of what you should do about bath bombs and how you can continue using them without ruining your plumbing.

Ingredients

The main cause of why bath bombs are not safe for your plumbing is because of their ingredients which include:

Bath Salt

While the traditional bathing essential uses bar soap or bottles of liquids, bath bombs use different types of salt. Although it is scientifically proven that salt helps in relaxing muscles, it doesn’t do well to your pipes. This is due to their inability to fully dissolve and can build up into the pipes causing blockages and faster deterioration of your pipes. Additionally, this undissolved salt can catch other objects such as hair strands and other debris.

Oil

Salt has no scent and can be extremely drying to the skin. So, to add fragrance and keep users moisturised, bath bomb manufacturers include essential body oil into the product. And as we all know, flushing oil into your drainage is a disaster waiting to happen. It can harden and block the drain along with the salt that went down. This clog can also result in a blocked toilet in Haberfield as drainage systems are generally interconnected.

Glitter, Petals and Other Add-Ons

To make the experience more exciting manufacturers add glitters, petals, and other elements into the bath bombs. While they look nice and can add even more fragrance, they don’t dissolve in the water especially glitters as it is made of plastic.

The Solution

If you can’t give up using bath bombs, there are certain ways you can continue using them without destroying your plumbing.

Put The Bath Bomb in A Protective Nylon Cover Or Mesh Bag

If you wish to regularly use bath bombs, you can put them inside a mesh bag or nylon cover to prevent the ingredients from clogging your drain. This is the only way you can keep using bath bombs without experiencing destructive consequences.

Use Vinegar and Water To Clean Out Your Drain

With vinegar’s acidic content, it can help the salt dissolve faster. To do this, you only need to pour vinegar down the drain and leave it inside for several minutes. After some time, you can flush the drain with hot water. By doing this, you help clear the debris and oil left inside your drain.

If you think you’ve read this article a little too late, our emergency plumber in Haberfield can help you. Call us today for any plumbing issues!

Why Do I Experience Low Water Pressure And How Do I Deal With It

Why Do I Experience Low Water Pressure And How Do I Deal With It

Everyone, at least once, has called a plumber in the Inner West to deal with their plumbing problems at home. One of the most common and annoying issues homeowners have to experience is a drop in their water pressure. Some times this could occur as Sydney water are working on the water mains but quite often it’s caused by something within your property’s water service.

While other plumbing issues such as blocked drains in Annandale are significantly messier and more stressful, low water pressure is equally frustrating. To maintain comfort and productivity, the average home water pressure should have about 210 kilopascals. This number is ideal to keep up with the 300 litres of water daily consumption of a typical Australian citizen. We often neglect our water supply until we experience low pressure. When this happens, most of us don’t know what to do, how to fix it and, and who to call if deemed necessary. So to help you, here’s what you need to know and how to deal with low water pressure.

1. Your Water Supplier Has Malfunctioning Issues

Before checking your water system and pipes, ask your neighbours around you. If they are experiencing similar issues, chances are the low water pressure is not connected with your house’s water system. Your water supplier might be carrying out repairs to the mains, so it’s best to contact them for confirmation and rectification.

2. The Water Meter Or The Main House Valve Is Partially Shut

Low water pressure could be caused by one or more valves that are not fully opened. Since they control the water intake and distribution to your house, when partially shut, they can restrict the water that flows into your bathroom, kitchen, laundry and garden. This is why it’s important to know where these valves are located so you can have a quick check. Typically, they are installed at ta front corner of your property or close to taps and other water outlets.

When you find it, try fully turning it open. If there’s no improvement, there might be a faulty valve and fixing it requires an expert plumber in Inner West. 

3. Mineral Build Up

It’s natural for water to go through the pipes carrying debris and minerals. Over time, this results in the build-up that reduces the diameter of the pipes which can cause lower water pressure. Check all tap outlets for mineral build-up, if they are clean, then mineral build up could be lodged somewhere else within your properties water service and requires an experienced plumber.

4. Corroded Pipes

While there are innovative solutions for more durable pipes, they are still not fail-safe. For instance, despite the capacity of galvanised pipes to last up to 20 years, sooner or later, they will also deteriorate because of harsh conditions. When this happens, it won’t be an easy fix and will require a qualified plumber to repair or replace the damaged pipes.

Knowing what to do with plumbing issues can provide an initial solution to your current problem. However, when it calls for a professional fix, it’s best to contact a fully qualified and licensed plumber like FXD Plumbing.

Hot water being run over a bath to test the installation and connection to hot water system in Sydney Inner West.

Instant Hot Water vs Electric Hot Water Systems. Which is best?

Cant decide weather you want to upgrade your hot water heater to instant hot water or stick with the trusty old electric storage hot water heater?

Let us help you decide which way is the best to go!

Gas vs electric hot water is a case where the initial cost and running costs are major factors to be considered.

Depending on your gas and electric prices you are receiving, gas heated hot water systems are less expensive to run but cost a little more to set up in the initial installation, but don’t worry studies have shown that within a year of installing the gas hot water heater that you will have made that money back in savings.

Electric storage hot water heaters have been the most commonly used heaters in Australia  for decades, unfortunately with the rising cost of electricity and high green house emissions generated with electricity these units are quickly becoming unpopular amongst Australian house holds. In fact the Australian government have passed legislation to try and limit their use.

How do electric hot water heaters work?

The most common electric hot water storage tank heats the water up all day depending on use. Although there are off peak options where the hot water is heated up over night and storing the hot water during the day, as soon as that hot water is depleted your hot water will not be heated until the next off peak time, therefore those heaters are quite large and cost a lot more on the installation as they need to store a lot of hot water.

How do instant hot water systems work?

When you choose instant hot water systems, they are extremely energy efficient, some coming with a 7 star energy rating. Instantaneous heaters only heat the water when they are turned on so when you turn your hot water tap on and water starts to pass through the pipework, the heater ignites and quickly heats the water as it passes through the heater on the wall and onto your back in the shower.

As I mentioned above, the instantaneous heaters are tankless and do not store water and only heat when water passes through, this means YOU NEVER RUN OUT OF HOT WATER!

Benefits of Instantaneous Hot Water Systems

Instant hot water systems do not store any hot water so therefore are free from potential bacteria that can form within a storage heater. Unless a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius is maintained, electric tanks can be breeding ground for legionnaires. This is a respiratory disease that can cause severe pneumonia and is sometimes fatal.

Instantaneous heaters are also space saving, they are not very large can be mounted onto a wall high up and out of the way, storage heaters are quite large and take up a lot of room down the side of your property or taking up valuable storage space with your kitchen or laundry.

Traditional storage tank water heaters have a life span of around 10 to 12 years. Instant hot water systems can last up to 20 years.

So I hope that I have helped you decide on whether you’d like to upgrade your bulky old storage heater and replace with a sleek small instantaneous heater.

If you want more information we are only a phone call away and we’d be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Thanks for reading.

Scott Atkins | FXD Plumbing Solutions

Tell Tail signs of a blocked drain

Gurgling sound from sinks, showers or toilets

A common early warning of a blocked drain is a gurgling sound. This sound is caused by the pipe starting to fill up further down the line, or filling up and getting away really slowly. This means a complete blockage is only a couple flushes away.

Water fills up and slowly drains away in toilet bowl

This is a very common problem, and one we hear a lot from our clients. This is very similar to gurgling mentioned above, where the pipes are filling up. However, this is a partial blockage. The drain is only allowing a small amount of the flush to get away, thus backing up in the toilet bowl. Another reason could also be the excessive use of toilet paper getting stuck in the trap of the toilet bowl. In both cases, you are best off calling a licensed plumber when dealing with a blocked drain.

Bad smells outside house and in gardens, near drainpipes

When you walk outside and you can smell sewer, this isn’t normal. A vent pipe installed on your sewer system prevents this from happening. The bad smell you are experiencing is most likely caused by overflowing sewer somewhere in your garden or sometimes a broken pipe, both of which need urgent attention.

Overflowing sewer out of drains

As mentioned above, overflowing sewer should be attended by a licensed plumber urgently. The overflowing doesn’t mean your sewer system is broken, your sewer system/design is doing its job. The open drains are installed for that reason so that they overflow outside of your house and not inside.

The Next Steps

If any of the above points are occurring at your place, call us straightaway. At FXD Plumbing Solutions we will come out, inspect your sewer, quote you a price to clear your blockage, send a camera down to observe what is causing your blockage and then provide you on what options you have to repair or prevent it from happening again. We also want you to be informed on what is causing the problem, and what better way is there then actually showing you? Communicating and understanding is so important for us to provide you, the last thing we want is you not understanding. If we are talking too fast, ask us to slow down! If we are talking to much in plumbing terms, we will simplify it for you. We want all of our clients on the same page! 

Related image

Importance of a Flowing Stormwater System

There’s nothing quite like a hot summer’s day in Sydney with a thunderstorm in the afternoon, especially if it’s followed by an almighty downpour of rain. What is even more satisfying is knowing your grass, gardens or even your rainwater tanks are getting their piece of the action. But on the other hand, there is nothing worse than your stormwater drainage system failing you, and leaving your house at risk of being under attack from flooding.

Often, people don’t pay a lot of attention to stormwater drainage until it’s too late. Blocked stormwater drains are a huge problem when left unattended.

Having a flowing stormwater system is extremely important, and you may be asking yourself; why? Well, flooding/pooling can cause serious damage inside and outside of your beloved home. Interior flooding is the obvious no-no: nobody wants to float into bed at night. The exterior of your home is also just as important, as stormwater can cause very expensive damage to your house’s foundations, which hold your house sturdy and upright. Also, pooling water near walls is just an open invitation to damaging walls and creating rising damp, which isn’t healthy at all.

Common signs of blocked stormwater drainage:

The stormwater pipe can be blocked by a number of intrusions. These include silt (from roofs), mud, tree roots and leaves.

If you feel you may have a blocked stormwater system, these signs will help in being certain that you actually do:

– Water overflowing out of gutters or roof during heavy rain.

– Water overflowing out of downpipes or connections to the ground drain.

– Pooling of water in and around your house.

– Piles of leaves visible in roof gutters.

– Stormwater drains installed in paver or concrete driveways covered in leaves and sticks or full of mud and silt.

Related image

How to prevent stormwater blockages:

Cleaning and maintaining your stormwater system is important, as this will help keep them clear and move water away from your house.

The steps below are an easy way to avoid blocked stormwater drains:

– Check your drains weekly for debris build up and clean when required.

– Once a month, check and clean your roof gutters to prevent any leaves and sticks (or any other debris from the roof e.g. tennis balls, toys, silt) going down the downpipes and into your drains.

– Once a year, have your drains inspected and cleaned by a plumber with a high pressure water jetter.

– Run the hose down the drains every couple of weeks (especially if no rain has occurred for a while) as this may help move on a potential blockage.

– Consider installing a gutter guard on gutters or silt filters on stormwater grates.

Also, if possible, check your drains during a heavy downpour to see if they are coping or backing up. This is the perfect test or reward for all your hard work on maintaining your stormwater system, and if they are not coping  you will then know they need more attention.

How we can help:

Stubborn stormwater blockages are not a do-it-yourself with a garden hose type of job. Sometimes these jobs can require specialist equipment, e.g. high pressure water jetter, CCTV camera inspection and/or locating equipment. At FXD Plumbing Solutions, we carry all of that equipment on our specially equipped Utes to make our life easier and to get the job done quicker for our happy clients. You can be sure you’re receiving the best service and the latest technology when asking us to help you with your stormwater issues or any other related plumbing problems.

Storm Preparation – FXD Plumbing Solutions – Our Blog

Storm Preparation

Damaging winds, flash floods, lighting, hail and tornados can cause extreme damage to homes, cars and the environment. Sometimes, these storms can even cause injury or loss of life. Storm preparation can help you stay safe and reduce damage potential.

Most storm damage to homes happen due to the following:

  • Loose and broken roof materials
  • Fallen trees and branches
  • Flooding from blocked gutters and downpipes

What is a Storm?

Before learning how to prepare for a storm, you first need to know what exactly defines a storm. Storms develop when humid, warm air near the ground is pushed rapidly upward into the unstable atmosphere.

How to Prepare

Overall, preparing is your responsibility. Living in a storm prone area makes safety preparation a priority.

Inside and outside of your house, there are a few simple storm preparation steps to help minimise damage:

  • Check roof and gutters for damage or loose materials.
  • Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages.
  • Trim branches near your home and hire a contractor to clear trees from powerlines.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with portable radios, torches, spare batteries, a first aid kit and family emergency plan.
  • Prepare an emergency relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded. Consider options for pets, gather water and know how to turn off the gas and electricity.
  • Display a list of emergency phone numbers.
  • Check you have adequate home and contents insurance.

When a Storm is Forecast

  • Secure or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home because strong winds can turn objects into potentially deadly missiles.
  • Weigh down loose objects using plastic bags filled with sand, rather than bricks that could be blown around during strong winds.
  • Ensure your emergency kit and plan is up to date.
  • Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
  • Move your vehicles under protected cover.
  • Boat owners should ensure their boats are securely moored.
  • Campers should find alternative shelter.
  • If you are away from home, contact family and friends to ensure your home is secure.

During a Storm

  • Close your curtains and stay away form windows.
  • If caught outside, seek shelter away from trees, powerlines, metal objects, storm water drains, rivers and streams.
  • Where there is lightning, unplug electrical appliances and do not use landline telephones.
  • Create your own sandbags by using plastic bags or pillowcases filled with sand if there is flooding.
  • When driving in heavy rain, take extra care on the roads.

After the Storm

  • Assess your home and property for damage.
  • Check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help.
  • Keep children away from fallen powerlines as they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
  • Be careful of fallen trees and damaged buildings.
  • If roads are flooded, do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
  • Avoid gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.

Cleaning Up

  • Start cleaning up around your home. Stack loose materials such as branches and debris away from water meters valves and telephone lines.
  • Call your local government to get advice about the removal of green waste and other materials such as asbestos fencing.
leaking toilet sydney with the cover off showing the internals of the cistern

Toilet Leaking? Here’s what to do.

If you have noticed water pooling around the bottom of your toilet then there are a few things you should do to: 

  1. Locate the source of the leak
  2. Repair the leak to prevent the chance of further damage to your property. 

Whilst water leaks are quite common, they can be annoying if not remedied quickly, lead to increased water bills and have the potential to damage other parts of your home, such as your floors, carpets, skirting boards or walls. 

If you have noticed a toilet leak, then read on for expert advice from the team at FXD Plumbing. 

Water on your bathroom floor? What to do next!

First, we need to try to identify the source of the water. It may be that your toilet has a leak that will need to be repaired by a professional residential plumber, but this is not always the case. Quite often there is a simple explanation for this problem, that can be rectified with some basic tools and equipment and minimal DIY knowledge. 

Common causes of toilet leaks

Rusted or Cracked Pipes

Depending on the age of your home, and when your plumbing was installed, you may be looking at an issue with the pipes feeding into your toilet, rather than an issue with the toilet itself. Overtime, pipes can rust and crack and when this happens the best thing to do is call a licensed plumber to help assess the damage and provide advice on the best way to approach the repair. When left unattended to, damaged pipes can lead to extensive damage and waste thousands of liters of water over time. If you suspect that this is the issue, then call a plumber straight away. 

Loose or Worn Seals at the Base. 

Another common reason for your toilet to leak from the base is that the seals are either damaged or worn out. When this happens, the toilet will need to be removed from its position in order to get access to the seals. Whilst an experienced DIYer may be able to complete the task, getting the help of a professional plumber is advisable, as removing the toilet requires multiple steps including disconnection of water supply, valves and other key components of your toilets mechanisms. 

Leaking Toilet Tank or Cistern

If you have been able to identify that the water is not coming from the base of the toilet and is causing pooling water, then it is time to move into further investigation. The next most likely culprit would be a leaking toilet tank or cistern. To find out whether this is the cause of your problem there are a couple of simple steps you can take that require a few items that you should have around your home. 

Step 1. Carefully remove the cover from your cistern. Cistern covers are generally quite heavy, but can also be fragile and prone to cracking and chipping. Before removing the cistern, make sure you have laid down a towel on a flat surface large enough to hold the cistern lid, to prevent damage to both the cover and your other bathroom surfaces. 

Step 2. Once removed, place a few drops of food colouring into the water held within the cistern. You should put enough in to be able to clearly tell the water is a different colour, but not so much that you risk staining the inside of the toilet, or surfaces that may be leaked on to during testing.

Step 3. Ensure that the toilet is not flushed until you have allowed sufficient time to pass to determine whether your leak is coming from the toilet tank. If it is, you will notice that the water that is pooling on the ground takes on the colour of the ‘dyed’ water in the cistern. If you do notice this, the food colouring will also make it easier to spot exactly where the cistern is leaking and provide you with the opportunity to spot repair the leak. 

Now there are a few different types of leaks that will require a different approach. Read on to find out how to deal with toilet cistern leaks. Upon inspection, you will notice that the leak could be coming from one of four main areas. 

  1. Leaking where the toilet tank or cistern, meets the toilet bowl.

If water is escaping from between the cistern and the bowl, it might be a good idea to call in a professional plumber to seek some general advice. If you are confident enough however, you may be able to undertake this repair yourself. A few issues you might need to resolve include replacing the tank to bowl sponge gasket, which is usually the problem if the leaking increases when the toilet is flushed or you may need to replace the washers on the tank to bowl bolts.

 The actual cause of these toilet leaks can be difficult to pinpoint as often the leak itself is hidden by the toilet tank itself. More often than not it is easier and more effective to replace both the bowl sponge gasket and the tank to bowl bolts at the same time to ensure that you have both bases covered. 

2. Fill valve shank gasket leak

If the above mentioned methods of toilet repair haven’t solved the problem, then you may be dealing with a leak on one of the mechanical parts of your toilet’s system, such as the fill valve shank gasket. The fill valve shank gasket (ballcock), is the part of your toilets mechanism that lets water into the tank after is has been flushed. This piece is attached to the fill valve on the inside of the tank where water is directly plumbed. Firstly, check for possible cracks surrounding the valve as even hairline fractures in the porcelain have the ability to leak quite a large amount of water over time. 

If there are no visible cracks or fractures then you may be able to solve the problem by tightening the shank nut. Over time, some parts of the toilet can become loose and cause leaks. Try tightening this component and waiting an hour or two to see whether this has rectified the problem. If not, you may need to look at replacing the gasket all together. We would recommend at this point you should contact a plumbing professional to get advice on what to do next, and whether you should call in an expert. 

3. Cracks in the plastic or porcelain

The final culprit that we will discuss, and also quite a common cause of water leaking on the floor around your toilet is cracks in the plastic or porcelain. Toilets are manufactured using a number of different materials and in various qualities. It may be the case, that over time the plastic on your toilet becomes brittle, or that impacts such as slamming the toilet seat cause these plastic and porcelain surfaces to crack. Cracks might be small, and barely visible to the eye, but can still lead to water leaking over an extended period of time. If this is the case, you can either seek to repair the cracks with a waterproofing agent, such as silicone however this can take away from the overall look and feel of your bathroom.

If cracks are indeed the problem, it might be better to consider having a new toilet installed by a professional to ensure that you are not risking the same problems happening time and time again.

Other Possible Causes of Toilet Leaks

Shut-off Valve Leaking

If you notice that water is leaking around the shut off valve, which is usually at the very back of the toilet, then you may need to look at getting this replaced. Valves do wear out over time, and when they do it is best to replace the part before it causes a bigger problem. If you suspect this is the case, it is always best to call in a professional plumber who has experience in repair and replacement of residential plumbing fixtures. 

Toilet Supply Line Leaking

Another possibility is that the supply line to the toilet may be leaking. Check the line to see whether there are any obvious signs of water around the hoses and connections. If so, these parts will need to be replaced and again, it is best to call in a professional who can ensure the job is done right, so that you won’t have repeat problems or cause further damage. 

Blocked Drains

Drains can become blocked for a number of reasons. Anything from flushing items that are not made to be disposed of in toilets through to tree roots causing damage to the underground sewerage lines could be the culprit. If you suspect that the water pooling around your toilet is coming up from the ground, or is obviously waste-water then you should call a professional plumber immediately.

Need help with a leaking toilet? Call FXD Plumbers Sydney on 0428 795 498.

At FXD Plumbing Sydney we are dedicated to providing the very best customer service to our Sydney clients. Our team are highly skilled in all areas of residential plumbing and commercial plumbing and have been providing industry leading plumbing services in Sydney for over 10 years.  

If you have a blocked toilet or drain, or need help with any other plumbing issue then feel free to reach out for an obligation free discussion. We can provide you with a fixed price quote or estimate for any plumbing repairs or replacements. We also provide a lifetime guarantee on labour, so if there are any issues after your plumbing work has been completed, then we will come back to fix it for free. 

FXD Plumbing Sydney can help you with a wide range of plumbing problems including:

  • Blocked Drains
  • Leaking Taps
  • Gas Fitting and Fixtures
  • Toilet repair
  • Toilet installation
  • Pipe repair and replacement
  • Commercial plumbing
  • Residential plumbing

If you need help with any of these issues, or any other plumbing job then we would love to help!