Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a known toilet issue with numerous possible causes. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing efficiently again.
How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these possible reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up connected to the wall. You’ll see a valve connecting to it, which enables you to close off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is close to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, regulates the water level flowing into the tank. A toilet fill valve may wear out, clog or move out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling right. Follow these instructions to adjust, clean or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually installed on the left side with a tailpiece extending through the bottom of the tank and attaching to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Be sure that the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if needed by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Then, verify that the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Wash the fill valve: To eliminate mineral buildup and other gunk from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Allow the water to flow for several seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you notice cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and remove the valve hardware. Then, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to clean away the leftover residue. Re-install the valve hardware and check if the toilet fills quicker.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, shutting the fill valve once the tank has filled. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling properly.
Remove the tank lid and peek inside. A partially submerged float ball may be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, look at the float arm it’s connected to. If the arm is directed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to lift the ball’s height.
If that does not do the trick, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to upgrade the existing tank components or change out the toilet completely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that permit air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, pressure may build within the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to flood.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to search for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Get rid of any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to ensure your plumbing works properly.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If there's nothing apparently wrong with the water supply valve, fill valve and tube, float ball or plumbing vents, the slow toilet dilemma could stem from your supply pipes. A problem with the water line itself could stop your toilet tank from filling properly. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Stevenson Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Stevenson Service Experts for dependable toilet repair in Dayton. We can pinpoint the reason why this is happening and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its useful life span, our specialists can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Dayton. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Rest assured that every job we perform is supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Stevenson Service Experts today.