Buckingham, FL Trusts Aqua Care for Water Treatment Solutions & Plumbing Repairs

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running After Flushing?

Have you walked into your bathroom to discover the toilet’s running? It’s a common household annoyance, and we probably all have similar thoughts when it happens, like: Did the kids just use the bathroom? Has it been running for hours? What’s my water bill going to look like? Should I call a plumber?

Sometimes stopping a running toilet (at least temporarily) is as simple as jiggling the toilet handle, while other times some new parts will be in order. 

What are the most common causes of a running toilet? Let’s start with how a toilet’s flushing system works. It’s simple enough – when you flush, the toilet tank empties water into the bowl, and then refills with fresh water through the fill valve, so that it’s ready to go for the next flush. Inside the tank are key components that regulate this process, like the flapper valve, float cup, overflow tube, more.

If your toilet keeps running long after you flush, the most common culprits are…

• Worn or Misaligned Flapper Valve: Over time, the rubber flapper can warp, crack, or become coated with mineral deposits, preventing a proper seal. This means water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl, and your tank will constantly be refilling to make up for the missing water.
• Chain or Flapper Adjustment Issues: If the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too tight, it may prevent the flapper from fully closing, which means water will be continuously running into the toilet bowl.
• Faulty Fill Valve or Float Mechanism: The fill valve might malfunction, failing to shut off water flow. Alternatively, the float may be set too high, causing water to flow constantly into the overflow tube.
• Cracked Overflow Tube: If the overflow tube is cracked or misaligned, it can cause water to leak into the bowl continuously.

A lot of fixes are affordable and quick. For instance, a new flapper is inexpensive, or sometimes you just need to adjust the length of the chain attached to the flapper. In addition, modern fill valves have adjustable floats, in which case lowering the float or replacing the fill valve can fix the problem.

That said, consistent issues, even after repairs have been made, are a problem. You may need professional plumbing repairs, or it could be that your toilet is past its prime, and it’s time for a replacement. Need expert advice or insight? We’d be happy to help you out – reach out to Aqua Care today.

What Causes a Toilet to Clog Frequently? How Can It Be Fixed?

Frequent toilet clogs are not only frustrating for the homeowner, but can eventually lead to further plumbing damage or, worse, sewage backing up into your home. A clog now and then isn’t unusual, especially in a full household, but if you feel like you’re spending way too much time with a plunger in your hand, there may be something bigger going on.

First things first, consider this: What are you (or your household members) flushing? 

Items like wipes, sanitary products, paper towels, and more are commonly flushed, but really shouldn’t be. Even products labeled as “flushable” do not typically break down easily. Make sure your teens aren’t flushing make-up wipes or your toddler isn’t throwing things in the toilet bowl that shouldn’t be in there. Toilet paper and waste should be the only things flushed in a household.

Other issues might include:

• Your toilet is too old. Older toilets (ones 15-20 years old) or low-flow toilets may not generate enough flushing force to clear the trapway and drain line effectively, causing frequent backups.
• You have blockages in your drain line. Debris, mineral buildup, or tree roots in the sewer line can restrict flow, causing toilet backups.
• Your toilet isn’t properly installed. Incorrect slope in the drain pipes, venting issues, or undersized trapways can limit proper drainage.
• Your septic system is failing. For homes with septic systems, a full or failing tank can cause toilets to clog or drain slowly.

If what you’re flushing is the issue, the fix is simple: stop flushing what you shouldn’t. Otherwise, a toilet upgrade may resolve the issue. If neither of those routes provides a solution, it’s time to have your pipes looked at by an expert.

Water Treatment & Plumbing Company Near Buckingham, FL: Reach Out

Founded in the late 1800s by citrus growers and cattle ranchers along Orange River, Buckingham as we know it today is home to wide-open spaces and farmland. It’s great for those seeking a small town vibe, with bigger cities like Fort Myers and Cape Coral just a short drive away. 

Buckingham is also home to one of Lee County’s oldest schoolhouses, which was built in 1895, expanded in 1911, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Want to enjoy some nice weather? Check out great spots like Buckingham Community Park & Center, the dog-friendly Barkingham Park, and some nearby natural preserves along Orange and Caloosahatchee Rivers.

Buckingham is really the best of all worlds – a peaceful, rural community that remains well-connected and close to modern amenities. It’s an area we’re happy to serve, ensuring local homeowners, as well as those in North Fort Myers, Page Park, Charleston Park, and more, have everything they need for cleaner water and well-functioning plumbing systems. Need to schedule? Reach out soon.

Make Us Your Go-To Water & Plumbing Experts

From routine water treatment maintenance to emergency plumbing repairs to long-term water purity solutions, Aqua Care is the team Buckingham residents rely on for honest answers and expert results. We’re committed to delivering the highest level of service, tailored to your home’s unique needs. Reach out today to schedule a service visit or consultation.