A leaking household toilet leak can waste up to 60,000 litres of water in a year. Unless you're attentive, toilet leaks are hard to detect, especially if the leaks are silent. If your toilet is hard-to-flush, produces odd noises or flows continuously, you probably have a leaky toilet.

Discover the main causes of leaks in your toilet and how to resolve them.

Condensation on the Tank

Pooling water around the toilet does not necessarily indicate a plumbing leak. The water may be a result of condensation that often happens during the cold season. Condensation happens when the air outside the tank is warmer than the water inside the tank.

Condensation on its own is not an alarming problem. Nonetheless, it may eventually lead to other serious issues such as mould and bacteria growth in your bathroom space. The dripping water may also cause your bathroom floor to weaken or rot.

To stop condensation on your toilet tank, you can employ the following tactics:

Install a Dehumidifier

You may use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air in your bathroom. If you can't afford to invest in these units, keep the windows open after a long bath to let the excess moisture out of your bathroom.

Install a Drip Tray

Although a drip tray does not solve the condensation problem, it holds the leaking water, so it does not get to the floor. Seek advice from your plumber on the best drip tray for your bathroom.

Corroded or Broken Supply Line

Water gets to your toilet through a designated supply line. The line is a closed system that blocks water from coming out and air from seeping in.

A minor crack on the supply line often results in significant leaks. These cracks may be a result of any of the following:

• Gradual corrosion
• High water pressure
• Age  

You may notice pooling water around your toilet, discoloured flush water, or bubbling sounds if you have a cracked supply line. This problem requires immediate attention from a qualified plumber to prevent further damage to your property. An experienced plumber can suggest a specialized supply line repair or a complete replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.

Toilet leaks often start small, and if you do not resolve them soon, they bring in harsh consequences like property damage and high water bills. Don't wait until things get out of hand. Contact a plumber who can help you maintain your toilet's integrity.