Cracked Toilet? Replace or Repair?
Having a problem with your pipes in a crawl space is one thing. That’s a clear-cut issue and the remedy is appropriate and safe: call a plumbing professional to come in and deal with it. A leak from a cracked toilet, on the other hand, is something that you might be able to deal with.
A cracked toilet produces a leak that can cause many problems in the bathroom. It can be difficult to tell if it’s a crack you can fix, if it’s something a professional should handle or if a toilet replacement is necessary.
Problem Indicators With a Cracked Toilet
Do you notice any of these issues?
- Water pooling around the toilet
- The tank isn’t holding water or the fill mechanism is constantly running
- The bowl itself isn’t holding water
After you have checked the basic operation of the toilet, it’s time to take a closer look. Is the crack in the tank or bowl? Is it above or below the water level? Is it inside the toilet or on the outside?
Small cracks less than 1/16th of an inch can be repaired by a homeowner, particularly if they’re on the outside or inside above water level. These are primarily cosmetic in nature.
How to Fill a Crack in a Toilet
- Locate the crack.
- Shut off the water and drain the tank or toilet bowl, whichever area contains the crack. Completely dry the area.
- Check for additional cracks or those that may radiate from the existing one.
- Use plumber’s epoxy to fill in the crack.
- Let the epoxy cure for at least 24 hours before allowing water to fill the toilet again and then test the repair carefully.
Cracks that are inside, outside and below water level will need professional attention.
A plumbing preventative maintenance plan may be in your best interest, as Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing will ensure everything is working properly.
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