Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a common toilet problem with numerous possible causes. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or expensive to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing properly again.
How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is step #1 for fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Check behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up attached to the wall. You’ll see a valve attached to it, which enables you to close 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-shaped part in the toilet tank, manages the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve might break down, clog or reposition 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: 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 connecting 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. Modify the fill valve height if needed by turning the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). Then, check that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Wash the fill valve: To get rid of mineral accumulation and other debris 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 the water flow for a few seconds to flush out debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup on 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. Turn off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush into 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, sealing the fill valve whenever the tank has filled. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it prevents the tank from filling correctly.
Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball may be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, examine the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is fixed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to raise the ball’s height.
If that fails to solve the issue, 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. But it's worth remembering that this is old toilet technology, so it may be better to update the existing tank components or change out the toilet completely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, pressure may build within the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to flood.
You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to look 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 notice 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 issue could stem from your supply pipes. A leak or blockage in the water line could stop your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to handle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Teays Valley Service Experts
When all else fails, turn to Teays Valley Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Hurricane. We can figure out 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 team can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Hurricane. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Relax knowing that every job we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Teays Valley Service Experts today.