Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a frequent toilet issue with numerous possible reasons. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or costly to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working quickly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Consider these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Check behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll find a valve attached to it, which enables you to shut off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open.
Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is connected 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 could degrade, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling properly. 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 normally installed on the left side with a tailpiece extending through the bottom of the tank and connecting to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Be certain the fill valve is secure and evenly fastened to the tube. Modify the fill valve height if necessary by turning the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or find a flathead screwdriver and loosen the adjustment screw (required for older toilets). Then, check that the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To eliminate mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Let some water flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you observe cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt trapped in the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the remaining residue. Replace the valve hardware and check if the toilet fills properly.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, closing the fill valve whenever the tank is full. If the float ball is filled with water, it blocks the tank from filling efficiently.
Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken 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 fixed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to elevate the ball’s height.
If that does not do the trick, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. Just be aware that this is an older toilet design, so it may be better to upgrade the existing tank components or switch out the toilet altogether.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system includes vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, pressure may build throughout the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to overflow.
You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you see to guarantee that your plumbing can function as intended.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If you can’t find anything 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 leak or blockage in the water line could prevent your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Freschi Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Freschi Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Concord. We can figure out the reason why this is happening and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its useful life span, our company can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Concord. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we execute is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please contact Freschi Service Experts today.