Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a common toilet issue with several possible culprits. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing properly again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Consider these possible reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply line attached to the wall. You’ll find a valve connecting to it, which enables you to shut off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is close to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, controls the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve might degrade, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling right. Follow these tips to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Find 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 fastened to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if needed by turning the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). After that, make sure the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: To take out mineral accumulation and other debris from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. Right after that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Let the water flow for several seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup on the fill cap. If you notice cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt inside the valve tube could also be at fault. Shut 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. 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, closing the fill valve once the tank has filled. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling efficiently.
Take off 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 connected to. If the arm is fixed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to raise the ball’s height.
If that does not do the trick, 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 remember that this is an older toilet design, so it may well be better to modernize the existing tank components or switch out the toilet altogether.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that permit air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, stress may build within the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill at a snail's pace or even cause the bowl to flood.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Search for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find 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 problem with the water line itself could restrict 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
When all else fails, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for reliable toilet repair in Miami. We can pinpoint the reason why this is happening and perform a budget-friendly repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its useful life span, our specialists can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in Miami. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it for you. Rest assured that every job we execute is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.