Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a known toilet issue with numerous possible reasons. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or costly to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning properly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential 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 helps you to turn off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Problems with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which can be found attached to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, controls the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve could degrade, clog or move out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling right. Follow these tips to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Locate the fill valve: Open the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s normally 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: Be sure that the fill valve is secure and evenly connected to the tube. Adjust the fill valve height if required by turning the adjustment knob (common to newer toilets) or find a flathead screwdriver and loosen the adjustment screw (required for older toilets). Next, verify that the water level is roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To take out mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. Right after that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to prevent from being sprayed by the water. Allow the water to flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you notice cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris lodged in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Afterward, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to clean away the remaining residue. Replace the valve hardware and confirm if the toilet fills quicker.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, closing the fill valve whenever the tank has filled. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it keeps the tank from filling properly.
Take off the tank lid and view inside. A partially sunken float ball might be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, look at the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is directed 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 may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is old toilet technology, so it might possibly be better to update the existing tank hardware or change out the toilet altogether.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they end up clogged, stress may build within the pipes, stopping the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to overrun.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Search for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. 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 water line leak could prevent your toilet tank from filling properly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to handle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Chief/Bauer Service Experts
When all else fails, turn to Chief/Bauer Service Experts for dependable toilet repair in Champaign. We can identify the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its typical life span, our team can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Champaign. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Rest assured that every job we perform is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Chief/Bauer Service Experts today.