Notice the signs
Observe
Note tank level, refill timing, overflow behavior, handle return, bowl movement without a flush, stop condition, exterior moisture, and whether another fixture affects the sound. Record intervals instead of estimating daily waste.
Protect the room
Safety line
Close a sound local stop if filling becomes uncontrolled. Stop flushing when the bowl rises, wastewater appears elsewhere, porcelain is cracked, or the floor feels unstable.
Material note
Local boundary
A simple tank repair differs from removing the fixture, repairing a flange, opening the branch, or addressing floor damage. Permit and finish questions depend on how far the scope moves beyond accessible parts.
Service flow
Written scope
Ask the estimate to name fill and flush parts, tank fasteners, supply, stop, bowl seal, flange allowance, fixture removal, disposal, floor protection, and the checks used after reassembly.
Close the loop
Verification
Let the tank sit quietly after the final refill, inspect exterior joints, repeat several normal flushes, and confirm the stop remains dry. A later meter comparison should use the same known household controls.