Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet problem with several possible reasons. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning efficiently again. 

How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Understanding why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these potential reasons and how to handle each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Check behind the toilet for the water supply line attached to the wall. You’ll find a valve connected to it, which helps you to turn off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open. 

Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube 

The fill valve, which is attached to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, controls the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve may break down, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling right. Follow these tips to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve: 

• Locate the fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually mounted 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: Make sure the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Change the fill valve height if needed by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). After that, ensure that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube. 
• Clean the fill valve: To get rid of mineral accumulation and other gunk from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to avoid getting sprayed. Let some water flow for several seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you detect cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve. 
• Clean the valve tube: Debris trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Turn off the water supply and take off the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush into the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the excess residue. Re-install 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 damaged or punctured and fills with water, it prevents the tank from filling correctly. 

Take off the tank lid and look inside. A partially submerged float ball may be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, check the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up a little bit to lift the ball’s height. 

If that does not do the trick, you might want to simply buy a new float ball; the average cost of this product ranges between $7-$20 in most hardware or home improvement stores. But it’s worth remembering that this is old toilet technology, so it may well be better to upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether. 

Plugged Plumbing Vent 

Your home plumbing system uses vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, tension may build throughout the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill at a snail’s pace or even cause the bowl to overflow. 

You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the tiles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to ensure your plumbing works properly. 

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 problem could stem from your supply pipes. A problem with the water line itself could prevent your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues. 

Schedule Toilet Repair with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 

If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for reliable toilet repair in the U.S.. We can identify the reason why this is happening and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its average life span, our specialists can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in the U.S.. We’ll help you pick out 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 call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.