Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a known toilet problem with several possible culprits. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working efficiently again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is step #1 for fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll find a valve connecting to it, which helps you to close off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is connected to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, regulates the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve may break down, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling right. Follow these instructions to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Open 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 linking to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Check that the fill valve is secure and evenly connected 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, check that the water level is roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To remove mineral accumulation and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. Then, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to prevent from being sprayed by the water. Let some water flow for several seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup on the fill cap. If you observe cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt lodged in the valve tube could also be at fault. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Afterward, run a slim wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the leftover residue. Reconnect the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills properly.
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 takes on water, it blocks the tank from filling efficiently.
Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball might be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, look at the float arm it’s connected to. If the arm is directed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to lift the ball’s height.
If that does not do the trick, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just be aware that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to update the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system includes vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they end up clogged, tension 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 need to get on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Search for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find to help your plumbing work 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 properly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Becht/Givens Service Experts
If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Becht/Givens Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Louisville. We can pinpoint the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its average life span, our team can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Louisville. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. Rest assured that every job we execute is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Becht/Givens Service Experts today.