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The water in your toilet tank refills after each flush. So if you see dirty water in the bowl, you should check the tank to see if it’s coming from there. A dirty toilet tank can be the result of sediment in the water itself—-after all, the water will sit in the tank between flushes and can cause the interior to change into a dingy color. Faulty toilet components, like an old flapper, corroded tank lever or chain, or damaged seals, can also lead to dirty water as the materials break down inside the tank. You can clean the toilet tank or change out the old parts to give it a fresh start.

To test for toilet leaks, use water coloring in the water tank and see if the water slips into the bowl from the tank. This test will indicate if there’s a problem with the flapper or refill tube. You can also put water coloring in the bowl of the toilet to see if there is a leak there. If there is, you should see the colored water on the outside of the toilet bowl or on the floor. 

A toilet flange secures your toilet in place to the floor, and connects your toilet to the drain pipe that carries its contents to the sewer. Obvious signs that your flange needs replacement include when it can’t keep up with these two functions. If your toilet rocks back and forth or you see leaks coming from the bottom of your toilet, it’s time for a replacement. Other signs that your toilet flange is broken or faulty may include loose tiles or soft flooring around the toilet, and sewage smells.

The main causes for a leaky toilet flapper include wear and tear or a broken or incorrectly installed toilet flapper chain. If your toilet flapper is torn or deteriorated, it can’t provide a proper seal to keep water from running. Meanwhile, a chain that has come loose, was moved, or just wasn’t installed right can prevent your flapper from fully closing.