Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet issue with several possible culprits. Thankfully, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working efficiently again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply hose connected to the wall. You’ll find a valve connecting to it, which allows you to turn off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open.
Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which you’ll find connected to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, controls the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve could wear out, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips to adjust, clean or fix the fill valve:
- Find 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 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 necessary by twisting the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Then, ensure that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To remove mineral accumulation and other debris from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to avoid getting sprayed. Allow the water to flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you detect cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris lodged in the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut 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 rinse away the excess residue. Re-install the valve hardware and check if the toilet fills properly.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, sealing the fill valve once the tank is full. If the float ball takes on water, it keeps the tank from filling properly.
Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, check the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to elevate 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 old toilet technology, so it may well be better to upgrade the existing tank components or switch out the toilet completely.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that permit air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, tension 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 overrun.
You need to get on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the tiles. Get rid of any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to guarantee that your plumbing can function as intended.
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 restrict your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for reliable toilet repair in West Palm Beach. We can identify the reason why this is happening and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our company can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in West Palm Beach. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Relax knowing that every job we complete is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.