Leaking Toilet Test

Are you pretty sure your toilet is leaking, but can tell for sure? Could it be condensation dripping or is there a crack? Here is a simple way to find out.

Add 10 drops of dark blue or red food coloring to the tank and leave it for one hour.

After one hour check the toilet bowl for any coloring. If colored water has lead in to the toilet bowl, then you need to replace the tank ball. 

If the colored water has lead from what seems like under the toilet where the floor and toilet meet, you need a new wax ring.


If the water is leaking from the water tank, you may see the actual water dripping or see water around the back of the toilet, but not  necessarily running from under the toilet. Carefully inspect the tank for cracks. You can empty the water out by flushing and then turning off the water at the wall. Replacing a new tank is not hard, but sometimes finding the right brand is.