Fort Myers & Surrounding Area Faucet & Toilet Repair: Trust the Plumbing Pros at Aqua Care

What Are the Most Common Problems With Toilets?

Toilets are the unsung heroes of the home – quiet, dependable, and always there when you need them. But even heroes have bad days. And when it comes to your toilet, you’re bound to notice a bad day pretty quickly…like when your flushes aren’t flushing or your tank has a crack or two.

What are the most common toilet issues?

• Running toilet: A running toilet wastes water and money, but can often be fixed. Your flapper might be worn out, the chain might be tangled, or the float may not be adjusted correctly.
• Clogs: Whether it’s from too much toilet paper, non-flushable items creating blockages, or even kids simply testing the limits, toilet clogs are extremely common. Some clogs can be handled with a plunger, but deeper clogs or a system that clogs all the time might require a plumber’s care.
• Phantom flushes: Ever heard your toilet refill for no reason? It’s not haunted – it usually just means your flapper isn’t sealing properly, causing slow leaks from the tank to the bowl.
• Weak flushes: If your toilet seems sluggish, it might have mineral buildup in the rim jets or siphon jet. Another possibility is a low water level in the tank.
• Wobbling or rocking: If your toilet shifts when you sit, it could mean the bolts are loose or the wax ring under the toilet is failing. Left untreated, this can lead to water leaks and floor damage.
• Leaky base: Water around the base of the toilet usually indicates a worn-out wax ring or loose bolts. This can damage your flooring if not addressed.
• Tank sweating: If your tank “sweats” water on the outside, it’s likely due to humid air hitting the cold porcelain. A tank insulation kit or tempering valve can help.

If you’re a DIY kind of person, a toilet repair kit can help you fix several of these issues without calling a professional. But if you’re not sure what you’re looking at once you lift the lid, or if you’ve attempted a repair just to see issues continue, it’s always smart to bring in a pro. We’d be happy to help. Call Aqua Care for plumbing and toilet repair services near you in Fort Myers.

What’s Causing My Faucet To Drip & Leak?

Have a small faucet leak? That drip-drip-drip sound may seem minor, but it can become a big water-waster over time. In fact, a single leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That’s enough for nearly 200 showers! So, what’s the most common reason your faucet is dripping?

• Worn out washers are a common issue when we inspect a leaky faucet. Basically, every time you turn your faucet on and off, the washer is pressed against the valve seat. Over time, this constant friction causes the washer to wear out, leading to leaks.
• Damaged o-rings are another problem we see a lot. They often become brittle or cracked, causing leaks to form around the base of the faucet or handle.
• Corroded valve seats can occur when mineral deposits or rust buildup, making the spot where the spout and faucet meet leak water.
• Worn seals or gaskets inside your faucet will prevent your faucet from remaining watertight.
• Improper faucet installation could result in things not aligning correctly or things could have possibly been overtightened to where they can wear or crack.
• Water pressure issues can cause leaks, especially when pressure is inconsistent.

So, what can be done when leaky faucet issues arise?

• Replace washers and O-rings, as needed. 
• Clean valve seats and internal parts with vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
• Consider upgrading to a newer faucet that uses ceramic disc valves, which are less prone to leaks.

If the leak persists even after cleaning and replacing parts, call in a plumber. Sometimes a persistent leak can be a symptom of bigger issues, like pipe corrosion or water pressure problems.

Can a Cracked Toilet Bowl Be Repaired? Or Do I Need A New Toilet?

The toilet is one of those fixtures you want to be completely dependable and watertight. A crack can be minor and cosmetic, or it can signal serious trouble. The key is knowing the difference:

• Hairline cracks above the waterline are often cosmetic. You may notice a small crack in the tank or bowl that isn’t leaking. If it’s not expanding, it can sometimes be sealed with waterproof epoxy. This may buy you time, but it’s rarely a permanent fix.
• Cracks below the waterline are a red flag. If water is leaking from a crack in the tank or bowl below the water level, replacement is the safest option. Water damage, mold, and structural instability are real concerns.

Have cracks in the toilet tank? These tend to only worsen over time due to pressure and temperature changes, especially if the cracks are located at the base or near bolts. A cracked tank can become a burst tank if left unchecked, leading to a surprise waterfall in your bathroom, so invest in a replacement sooner, rather than later.

Your best route? When it comes to cracks anywhere on your toilet or tank, replacement will always be the safer option. Even if a crack is cosmetic or can be repaired, it’s usually just a temporary solution that will buy you time unless a new toilet can be installed. Save yourself the stress and the risk of water damage by buying new.

What Are Signs That A Faucet Needs To Be Replaced Instead Of Repaired?

Faucet repair is often possible, but sometimes a faucet has simply run its course and needs to be replaced. It might be best to opt for a replacement over a repair in the following scenarios: 

• You’ve already repaired it more than once and it keeps dripping.
• It leaks from multiple places (spout, handles, base, etc.).
• Visible rust, mineral buildup, or flaking metal is present.
• The spout or handles jiggle no matter how much you tighten them.
• You have poor water flow, despite cleaning all components.
• There are cracks in the body or spout.

Bottom line? If it’s leaking often, looking rough, and/or losing function, a replacement is usually the best route. Remember that most faucets last 10-15 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, start looking for some better options.

How Do I Fix a Faucet That Makes Noise or Squeaks When I Turn It On?

A faucet should whisper, not wail. If yours is making squeaking, squealing, or even groaning noises, there’s a good chance something needs attention. Let’s address potential causes based on what’s making the noise…

• Do your handles squeak when you twist them? If your faucet handle squeaks when you turn it, chances are the threads inside are dry or worn. Remove the handle and apply plumber’s grease to the threads to see if that helps.
• Does it whistle or screech when running water? That high-pitched sound usually points to a worn washer or a loose part inside the valve assembly. Turn off the water supply, carefully disassemble the faucet, and inspect the washers and other internal parts. If anything looks damaged, replace it.
• Does it bang or clunk when you turn it off? This loud knocking happens when water stops too suddenly in the pipes. Have a plumber inspect your pipes, especially if they’re older or poorly secured.
• Does it rattle or vibrate when the water is running? In this case, you might be hearing your pipes, not the faucet. If they aren’t secured well inside the wall, water flow can cause them to shake. It’s best to call in a plumber to locate the problem pipes and address the issue.
• Does it sputter or gurgle when turned on? This might be a case of trapped air in your water lines. Turn on every faucet in the house, starting with the highest one and working your way down to the lowest. Let the water run for a few minutes to flush the air out of the lines.

Still hearing odd noises, no matter what you try? Sometimes the faucet is just past its prime. Over time, internal parts wear down and no amount of tinkering will bring the peace and quiet back. Consider replacing the faucet, especially if it’s older, leaking, or just not functioning like it used to.

For Plumbing Fixture Repair Near You, Reach Out

From minor repairs to more involved plumbing fixes, Aqua Care is proud to be Fort Myers’ go-to team for faucet and toilet repairs. We serve homes and businesses across the area with honesty, expertise, and a commitment to long-term solutions…not just quick patches.

Dealing with plumbing issues? Call Aqua Care today and let our trusted professionals take care of it the right way.