Hidden Leaks
Hidden Leaks | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Madisonville
Madisonville homes deserve bathrooms that work as hard as you do—quietly, efficiently, and without surprise puddles creeping across the floor. HEP’s Hidden Leaks Plumbing zeroes in on every drip, hiss, and phantom flush, then transforms outdated fixtures into sleek, water-smart marvels. From stubborn clogs to skyrocketing water bills, our specialists hunt down the real culprit and guide you through cost-saving solutions, all while respecting your schedule and your space.
Whether you crave a comfort-height throne, a touch-free flush, or simply peace of mind that your pipes aren’t secretly siphoning away dollars, our team makes the entire process of toilet upgrades and replacements effortless. Enjoy transparent pricing, craftsman-level installs, and a spotless cleanup—because the only thing we want left behind is the sparkle of a brand-new toilet and the sigh of relief that follows. Ready to meet your bathroom’s new MVP? Call, click, or wave us down on Main Street, and we’ll be there.
FAQs
How can I tell if my toilet has a hidden leak?
The most common clues are higher-than-normal water bills, a tank that refills on its own (often called a “phantom flush”), or water trickling into the bowl long after a flush. You can do a quick dye test by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank; if the color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, water is seeping past the flapper. Our Madisonville technicians use electronic acoustical equipment and infrared imaging to pinpoint silent leaks without removing the toilet or damaging the floor.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a modern high-efficiency toilet?
Today’s WaterSense-certified models use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush—or as low as 0.8/1.6 gallons with a dual-flush valve—compared with older 3.5- to 5-gallon toilets. A single upgrade can save up to 13,000 gallons of water and roughly $110 a year on Madisonville’s combined water-and-sewer rates. Newer bowls also have advanced glazing that resists staining, pressure-assist or siphon-jet designs that clear the bowl in one flush, quieter fill valves, and sleeker skirted profiles that make cleaning easier.
How long does a typical toilet replacement take for homes in Madisonville?
For a straightforward swap, our licensed plumbers usually need about 2–3 hours on site. That includes shutting off and draining the old unit, removing it, inspecting the flange, installing a new wax or rubber seal, securing the new toilet, reconnecting the supply line, and testing for leaks. If the flange is corroded or the subfloor is water-damaged, we’ll discuss repairs on the spot and may add another hour or two, but most projects are completed the same day.
Will a new toilet really help lower my water bill in Madisonville?
Yes. Toilets account for roughly 20–30 % of indoor water use. Replacing one 3.5-gallon toilet with a 1.28-gallon model saves about 16 gallons per person per day. At current Madisonville Municipal Utilities rates, that’s about $9–$10 a month for a family of four, meaning the fixture typically pays for itself in 24–36 months. Lower consumption also reduces demand on the city’s wastewater treatment system, so the savings benefit the whole community.
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Madisonville?
For a like-for-like replacement that doesn’t relocate piping or alter the drainage system, the Madisonville Building & Codes Department does not require a permit. However, if the job involves moving the toilet, changing venting, or performing structural floor repairs, a plumbing permit and inspection are needed. Using a licensed plumber ensures the work meets Kentucky Plumbing Code and protects your home insurance coverage.
What features should I consider when choosing a replacement toilet?
Start with the rough-in distance (10", 12", or 14") so the new toilet fits existing plumbing. Then look at bowl height—standard (14–15") versus comfort/ADA (17–19"). Check the MaP (Maximum Performance) flush score; anything over 800 is excellent. Decide between single-flush 1.28 gpf or dual-flush 0.8/1.6 gpf. Other options include skirted bases for easy cleaning, antimicrobial bowl coatings, soft-close or heated seats, integrated bidet wands, and extended warranties. Our team can bring sample catalogs and help you balance water savings, comfort, and price.