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 functioning quickly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Understanding why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Think about these possible reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply hose attached to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connecting to it, which helps you to close off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which you’ll find close 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 shift out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling properly. Follow these tips to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve:
- Find the fill valve: Open the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s commonly 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: Make sure the fill valve is secure and evenly connected to the tube. Modify the fill valve height if necessary by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). After that, make sure the water level is roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To remove mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear of the toilet and remove 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 the water flow for a few seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you detect cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris inside the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and take off the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush into the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to flush away the leftover residue. Re-install the valve hardware and see if the toilet fills faster now.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, sealing the fill valve once the tank is full. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling properly.
Pull up the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball might be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, check the float arm it’s secured 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 old toilet technology, so it may well be better to modernize the existing tank components or switch out the toilet altogether.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, pressure may build within the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to flood.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to search for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you see to help your plumbing work as intended.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If nothing is 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 water line leak could stop your toilet tank from filling properly. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for dependable toilet repair in Raleigh. We can figure out the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our specialists can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Raleigh. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Relax knowing that every job we complete is supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.