Leaking Toilet

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Licensed toilet repair plumbers across Adelaide, Perth & Brisbane

G★★★★★
4.6 · 2,000+ Google reviews

A leaking toilet wastes water and, if it is leaking at the base, can quietly damage your floor. Our licensed plumbers find exactly where the leak is coming from and fix it properly.

We carry common parts to finish in one visit across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, with upfront fixed pricing.

Why choose Same Day Trades for a leaking toilet?

We are local, licensed and insured plumbers who do this work every day, so we get it right the first time, with no mess and no surprises on the invoice.

Fully licensed and insured plumbers
Upfront fixed pricing before we start
Same-day service where we can, with 24/7 phones
Workmanship guaranteed and the job left clean
Servicing Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide

Whatever the job, you get honest advice and a tidy, professional result.

Why is my toilet leaking?

A leaking toilet should never be ignored, as it wastes water, can damage your floor, and may let unpleasant smells into the bathroom. Toilets can leak from several places, and where the water is coming from tells us what is wrong, from a simple worn seal or valve to a cracked pan that needs replacing. Some leaks are obvious puddles on the floor; others are hidden, with water leaking slowly from the cistern into the bowl, quietly wasting litres every day. Whatever the source, a leaking toilet is usually a straightforward, affordable fix for a plumber, so there is no need to put up with the leak, the waste or the smell.

Where is the toilet leaking from?

Finding the source is the first step to fixing a leaking toilet. Common sources are:

The base, where a failed seal between the pan and floor drain leaks water and lets smells out
Between the cistern and pan, from worn seals or bolts
The water inlet connection to the cistern
Internally, from the cistern into the bowl (a running toilet), often invisible
A cracked pan or cistern

A leak from a seal, valve or connection is usually repairable; a leak from cracked ceramic means the toilet needs replacing. We trace the leak to its exact source and advise accordingly.

Leaking at the base of the toilet

Water pooling around the base of the toilet is a common and important leak to fix promptly, because it can damage your floor and sub-floor and let sewer smells into the bathroom. The usual cause is a failed seal (a wax or rubber seal) between the toilet pan and the floor waste, which can deteriorate over time or if the toilet has been rocking. It can also be a cracked pan. First we confirm it is genuinely a base leak and not condensation or water running down from above, then we lift and reseal the toilet, or replace it if the pan is cracked. Dealing with a base leak early prevents costly floor damage.

The running toilet: a hidden leak

A toilet that constantly runs or regularly refills by itself has a hidden internal leak, water escaping from the cistern into the bowl, and it can waste thousands of litres, adding noticeably to your water bill. The usual cause is a worn flush valve or flapper that is not sealing, so water trickles past it continuously, or a faulty inlet valve that will not shut off, or a water level set too high so it spills into the overflow. These are repairable cistern parts. Because the water goes straight into the bowl, this leak is easy to miss, so if you hear your toilet refilling when no one has used it, it is worth fixing. We replace the faulty valve to stop the waste.

Cistern and connection leaks

Leaks from the cistern or its connections are common and usually straightforward to repair. Water can leak from between the cistern and the pan (worn seals or bolts), from the water inlet connection (a worn washer or loose fitting), or from the cistern itself if it is cracked. A leak between the cistern and pan can drip down behind the toilet and be mistaken for a base leak, so identifying the true source matters. We check the seals, bolts and connections, replace the worn parts, and resolve the leak. These repairs are inexpensive and quick, so a cistern or connection leak is usually an easy fix once we have pinpointed where the water is actually escaping.

Cracked pan or cistern

A crack in the toilet pan or cistern is one cause of a leak that cannot be repaired, because cracked ceramic cannot be reliably sealed and will keep leaking, sometimes slowly at first, then worse. Cracks develop from age, impact, over-tightening of bolts, or stress, and can be hard to spot. If you have a persistent leak with no obvious loose fitting or worn seal, the ceramic may be cracked. We can confirm whether a crack is behind your leak and, if so, replace the toilet, often the same day, so you are not left with a leaking or unusable toilet. Replacement is also the chance to fit a modern water-efficient dual-flush model.

How much water does a leaking toilet waste?

It is easy to underestimate a leaking toilet, but a running or leaking one can waste a staggering amount of water, often thousands of litres over weeks and months, all of it adding to your water bill for nothing. An internal leak from the cistern into the bowl is especially sneaky, because it makes little noise and leaves no visible puddle, yet it can run continuously. A simple test is to add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and see if it appears in the bowl without flushing; if it does, you have an internal leak. Fixing a leaking toilet usually pays for itself through the water it saves, as well as stopping any floor damage.

Repair or replace a leaking toilet?

Whether we repair or replace depends on the source of the leak. Most toilet leaks, worn seals, faulty cistern valves, loose connections, a failed base seal, are repairable, and fixing the worn part is usually the best value. Replacement is needed when the pan or cistern is cracked, when the toilet is very old and parts are hard to get, or when you want to upgrade to a modern water-efficient model. We give you an honest assessment: if a repair genuinely fixes it, we will do that rather than push a new toilet; if the ceramic is cracked or replacement is the better long-term value, we will explain why, and we can often install a new toilet the same day.

Loose or rocking toilets cause leaks

A toilet that rocks or is loose on the floor is a common cause of base leaks, because the movement breaks the seal between the pan and the drain, letting water and smells escape, and over time it can crack the pan or damage the floor. The cause is usually loose or corroded floor fixings, a failed seal, or an uneven floor. Re-securing the toilet properly and replacing the seal stops the leak and prevents further damage. If your toilet moves when you sit or lean on it, it is worth fixing before it causes a leak or cracks the ceramic. We re-secure and reseal loose toilets so they are stable and leak-free.

Toilet leaks and floor damage

A toilet leaking at the base is more than a water-waste issue, it can cause real damage to your bathroom. Water escaping onto and under the floor can rot timber sub-floors, lift tiles, damage flooring, and create the damp conditions that breed mould, and because it often seeps under the toilet out of sight, significant damage can occur before it is obvious. A base leak also usually means the seal that keeps sewer gases out has failed, so you may notice smells too. This is why a base leak should be fixed promptly rather than mopped up and ignored. We reseal the toilet and stop the leak before it damages your floor.

How we fix a leaking toilet

We fix leaking toilets by first finding the exact source, then carrying out the right repair:

For an internal (running) leak, we replace the worn flush or inlet valve
For a cistern or connection leak, we replace the seals, bolts or washers
For a base leak, we lift and reseal the toilet and re-secure it
For a cracked pan or cistern, we replace the toilet

We carry common cistern parts and seals, so many leaking toilets are repaired on the spot, and we test afterwards to confirm there is no further leak.

How much does leaking toilet repair cost?

Fixing a leaking toilet is usually an affordable job, especially common repairs like replacing a cistern valve, reseating the toilet, or renewing a seal or washer. The cost depends on the source of the leak and the parts needed. A repair is almost always cheaper than a new toilet, unless the pan or cistern is cracked, in which case replacement is the better value. We carry common parts so many repairs are done in a single visit, and we give you an upfront fixed price before we start, so you know whether a repair or replacement is the smarter spend, and the water bill saving often offsets the cost.

Same-day toilet repairs

A leaking toilet, especially one leaking at the base or wasting water, is worth fixing promptly, so we treat it as a priority. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and we can usually get a licensed plumber to you the same day across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. We carry common cistern parts and seals, so many repairs are done in a single visit, and where a replacement is needed we can often supply and install a new toilet the same day. We will find the source of the leak, give you an upfront price for the repair or replacement, and stop the leak and the wasted water fast.

Licensed, guaranteed plumbers

Fixing a leaking toilet is best done by a licensed plumber who will find the real source, carry out the right repair, and leave it working and leak-free, rather than a temporary fix that leaks again or lets floor damage continue. Our team is fully licensed and insured, we repair leaking seals, cisterns and connections, re-secure loose toilets, stop running toilets, and replace cracked ones, and we back our work. You get upfront fixed pricing, same-day service where we can, tidy work and an end to the leak and wasted water. For a plumber near you for a leaking toilet, we cover Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Leaking toilet FAQs

Why is my toilet leaking at the base?

Usually a failed seal between the pan and the drain. It is the serious kind of leak because it damages the floor, so have it fixed promptly.

Why does my toilet keep running?

A running toilet is normally a worn flush or fill valve inside the cistern. It wastes water and is a quick, affordable fix.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking toilet?

An internal part or seal is affordable; a base-seal repair or full replacement costs more. We give you an upfront fixed price.

Is a leaking toilet an emergency?

A base leak should be fixed quickly before it damages the floor. A running toilet is less urgent but wastes water, so it is worth fixing soon.

Can a leaking toilet be repaired or does it need replacing?

Most leaks are repaired by replacing a part or seal. If the pan is cracked or the base has failed, replacement may be better value.

How much water does a running toilet waste?

A constantly running toilet can waste thousands of litres a year, which adds up on your water bill.

Can I fix a running toilet myself?

Some confident DIYers can swap a flush valve, but a plumber will fix it quickly and check for other issues like a failing seal.

Do you offer same-day service?

Yes. We carry common parts and can usually repair a leaking toilet the same day across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

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Had Jordan Smith out he was very helpful

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Dominic was quick, efficient & pleasant to deal with. No problems at all.

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Really happy with the work Diego did replacing our induction cooktop, I would highly recommend his services.

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Diego did a fantastic job, very quick and everything works - thanks!

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Jordan Smith came out to quote on several jobs for me: replacing the pipes in my shower, fixing a leaking toilet, and installing an air conditioner. He was patient, thorough and took real time to explain everything, and I never felt rushed. The quote was clear and fair, and I felt genuinely looked after. You can tell he takes pride in his work and cares about his customers. I can't recommend Jordan and the team highly enough! Coda rewired my electrics and Kosta installed my air conditioning units, and both were fantastic. They were professional and efficient, explained what they were doing as they went, and gave me some great tips and insight along the way. Highly recommend them both!

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Excellent service today from Jack. He was punctual, communicated well and very professional. Friendly and great personality Made the process stress free. Explained what the issue was and took time to detail what is required. Payment options were very accommodating. Highly recommend this business and Jack