Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet problem with numerous possible culprits. Fortunately, none of them are major concerns or costly to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing quickly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Understanding why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Think about these possible reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up attached to the wall. You’ll see a valve connected to it, which helps you to turn off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which you’ll find attached to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, manages the water level flowing into the tank. A toilet fill valve might wear out, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling properly. Follow these instructions to adjust, clean or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually 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 fastened to the tube. Change the fill valve height if necessary by turning the adjustment knob (common to newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). Then, make sure the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: To take out mineral accumulation and other sludge 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 avoid getting sprayed. Let some water flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you notice cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris trapped in the valve tube could also be at fault. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Start the water supply slightly to clean away the remaining residue. Re-install the valve hardware and check if the toilet fills faster now.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, closing the fill valve when the tank is full. If the float ball takes on water, it blocks the tank from filling properly.
Pull up the tank lid and peek inside. A partially submerged float ball might be waterlogged. Before you replace the ball, examine the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to lift the ball’s height.
If this doesn’t work, you might want to simply buy a new float ball; the average cost of this product ranges between $7-$20 in most hardware or home improvement stores. Just be aware that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to upgrade the existing tank hardware or replace the toilet altogether.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system includes vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, pressure may build inside of the pipes, blocking 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 check for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the tiles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you see to ensure your plumbing works properly.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If there's nothing apparently 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 restrict your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Levy & Son Service Experts
If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Levy & Son Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Dallas. We can figure out the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its useful life span, our specialists can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in Dallas. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. You can relax knowing that every job we execute is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Levy & Son Service Experts today.