Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a frequent toilet problem with numerous possible causes. Thankfully, none of them are serious concerns or costly to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning quickly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Consider these possible reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply hose attached to the wall. You’ll notice a valve attached to it, which helps you to shut off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left.
Problems 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, controls the water level flowing into the tank. A toilet fill valve may wear out, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Locate the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s commonly 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 attached to the tube. Adjust the fill valve height if needed by turning the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Next, make sure 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 gunk from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear of the toilet and take off the fill cap. After that, 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 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you observe cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris lodged in the valve tube could also be at fault. Turn off the water supply and remove the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush into the tube. Open the water supply slightly to flush away the leftover 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 takes on water, it prevents the tank from filling efficiently.
Pull up the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball might be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, examine the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to elevate the ball’s height.
If this doesn’t work, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just be aware that this is an older toilet design, so it may be better to modernize the existing tank hardware or replace the toilet entirely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they end up clogged, tension 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 flood.
You'll need to jump 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 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 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 best to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Eveready Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Eveready Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Richmond. We can pinpoint the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its typical life span, our team can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Richmond. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it on your behalf. You can relax knowing that every job we complete is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please contact Eveready Service Experts today.