Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a common toilet issue with numerous possible culprits. Fortunately, none of them are major concerns or costly to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working quickly again.
How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet
Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Consider these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which helps you to turn off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left.
Issues 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, regulates the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve could break down, clog or move out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Remove 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 connecting 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. Adjust the fill valve height if required by turning the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Next, verify that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: To eliminate mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and remove the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to avoid getting sprayed. Allow the water to flow for several seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you notice cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to flush away the excess residue. Replace the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills quicker.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, shutting the fill valve whenever the tank has filled. If the float ball takes on water, it keeps the tank from filling correctly.
Remove the tank lid and look inside. A partially submerged float ball may be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, look at the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is fixed too low in the tank, bend it up a little bit to lift the ball’s height.
If that fails to solve the issue, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it may be better to modernize the existing tank components or change out the toilet completely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, pressure may build inside of the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to overrun.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find 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 issue could stem from your supply pipes. A leak or blockage in the water line could restrict your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with A-PLUS Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to A-PLUS Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Waldorf. We can identify the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our specialists can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in Waldorf. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with A-PLUS Service Experts today.