Category: Plumbing

If your shower has low water pressure, the cause is usually a clogged shower head, a partially closed valve, or buildup inside the plumbing.

Weak pressure can make showers frustrating, but most causes are simple to diagnose and fix.

Here’s what to check.

1) Clogged Shower Head (Most Common Cause)

Mineral deposits from hard water can block the small spray holes in the shower head.

Over time, this buildup restricts water flow and lowers pressure.

What to check:

• Look for white or green mineral deposits
• Remove the shower head if possible

Fix:

• Soak the shower head in white vinegar for several hours
• Scrub openings gently with a toothbrush
• Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling

In many cases, this restores full pressure immediately.

2) Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve

If someone recently worked on plumbing, the main water valve or local shut-off valve may not be fully open.

What to check:

• Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve
• Make sure it is fully open
• If accessible, check any bathroom shut-off valves

Even slightly closed valves can reduce pressure noticeably.

3) Pressure-Balancing or Mixing Valve Issue

Inside the shower wall is a mixing valve that regulates hot and cold water.

If debris or wear affects the valve, water flow can be reduced.

Signs include:

• Pressure drops only when using hot water
• Sudden pressure changes

This may require cartridge cleaning or replacement.

4) Plumbing Leaks

Leaks in pipes can reduce overall pressure.

Signs to look for:

• Damp spots on walls or ceilings
• Unusual water sounds
• Increased water bills

If you suspect a leak, professional inspection may be needed.

5) Whole-House Low Water Pressure

If multiple fixtures have weak pressure, the issue may not be isolated to the shower.

If your water heater is also making unusual popping sounds, mineral buildup could be affecting more than one area.

Check:

• Kitchen faucet
• Bathroom sink
• Outdoor hose connection

If everything is weak, the problem may be:

• Municipal supply issues
• A pressure regulator problem
• Main line restrictions

When It’s Not a DIY Fix

Call a plumber if:

• Pressure is extremely low throughout the house
• Replacing or cleaning the shower head doesn’t help
• You suspect hidden pipe damage

Most low shower pressure problems are caused by simple mineral buildup.

Quick Recap

If your shower has low water pressure, check:

• The shower head for buildup
• Water shut-off valves
• The mixing valve
• Possible plumbing leaks

Most issues can be resolved with cleaning or minor adjustments.

If your toilet runs then stops every few minutes, even when no one has flushed it, the tank is slowly losing water.

When the water level drops slightly, the fill valve turns on briefly to refill the tank. Then it shuts off again. This cycle can repeat every few minutes.

The problem is almost always inside the tank and usually inexpensive to fix.

Why a Toilet Runs Intermittently

An intermittent refill cycle usually means water is leaking from the tank into the bowl.

The most common causes are:

• A worn or dirty flapper
• A small leak around the flush valve seat
• A faulty fill valve
• A crack or issue inside the tank

1) Worn or Dirty Flapper (Most Common Cause)

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank.

Over time it can:

• Warp
• Crack
• Develop buildup
• Stop sealing tightly

Even a slow drip will lower the tank water level enough to trigger a refill.

What to check:

• Remove the tank lid
• Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank
• Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing

If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking.

Fix:

Replace the flapper. It’s inexpensive and usually takes less than 10 minutes.

2) Flapper Chain Too Tight

If the chain connected to the flush handle is too tight, it can prevent the flapper from sealing fully.

Fix:

• Make sure the chain has slight slack
• Adjust the hook if needed
• Flush and observe

3) Fill Valve Not Shutting Off Properly

If the fill valve is slightly misadjusted, it may cause small water fluctuations.

Signs include:

• Subtle hissing sounds
• Minor water movement in the overflow tube

Fix:

• Adjust the float to slightly lower the water level
• If the issue continues, replace the fill valve

4) Cracked Overflow Tube or Flush Valve Seat

Less common, but possible.

If the overflow tube is cracked or the flush valve seat is damaged, water can leak slowly into the bowl.

This usually requires part replacement.

When It’s Not a DIY Fix

Call a plumber if:

• The tank itself is cracked
• Water is leaking onto the floor
• The issue continues after replacing the flapper and fill valve

Most intermittent toilet refilling issues are solved with a simple flapper replacement.

Quick Recap

If your toilet runs then stops every few minutes, the tank is likely losing water slowly.

The most common fix is:

• Replacing the flapper
• Adjusting the chain
• Checking the fill valve

These repairs are usually quick and inexpensive.

A toilet that keeps running after flushing can be annoying and waste a surprising amount of water. While it may sound like a serious plumbing issue, the cause is usually simple and inexpensive to fix.

Below are the most common reasons a toilet keeps running, what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can safely check yourself.

Common Reasons a Toilet Keeps Running

Toilets rely on a few basic components inside the tank. When one of them doesn’t work correctly, water can continue flowing after a flush.

Faulty Flapper

The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts during a flush and then seals again.

If the flapper is:

• worn
• warped
• cracked
• not sealing properly

Water will slowly leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to keep running as the tank refills.

This is the most common cause.

Fill Valve Problems

The fill valve controls how much water enters the tank after a flush.

If the fill valve is:

• worn
• stuck
• improperly adjusted

It may allow water to continue flowing, even after the tank is full.

Incorrect Water Level

If the water level inside the tank is set too high, excess water can flow into the overflow tube. When this happens, the toilet will continue running indefinitely.

This is often caused by:

• a misadjusted float
• a fill valve set too high

Chain Issues

The chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper can cause problems if it’s:

• too short
• tangled
• caught under the flapper

If the flapper can’t fully close, water will continue to leak from the tank.

Is It Normal for a Toilet to Run Briefly After Flushing?

Yes. A toilet should run briefly after flushing while the tank refills. However, continuous running, cycling on and off, or refilling every few minutes is not normal and should be addressed.

Easy Things You Can Check and Fix Safely

Most running toilet problems can be fixed without special tools.

Check the Flapper

• Remove the tank lid
• Inspect the flapper for damage or buildup
• Make sure it sits flat over the drain opening

If the flapper looks worn, replacing it is often an easy solution.

Adjust the Water Level

• Look at the water level inside the tank
• It should sit below the top of the overflow tube
• Adjust the float or fill valve if needed

Lowering the water level slightly can stop continuous running.

Inspect the Chain

• Make sure the chain has a little slack
• Ensure it isn’t caught under the flapper
• Adjust the length if necessary

When to Call a Professional

If the toilet continues running after:

• adjusting the flapper
• setting the water level
• checking the chain

The issue may involve:

• a defective fill valve
• internal tank damage
• older plumbing components

A professional plumber can diagnose and repair these issues safely.

How to Prevent Running Toilet Problems

• Replace worn flappers proactively
• Check tank components periodically
• Avoid using harsh tank cleaners that damage rubber parts
• Address minor issues early

Routine maintenance helps prevent water waste and unexpected repairs.

Final Thoughts

A toilet that keeps running after flushing is usually caused by a simple issue inside the tank rather than a major plumbing failure. Quick checks and small adjustments often resolve the problem and save water.

If the problem persists, professional service can help restore proper operation.