Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a known toilet issue with numerous possible reasons. Thankfully, none of them are major concerns or expensive to fix. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing efficiently again.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
Understanding why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Consider these possible reasons and how to deal with each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up attached to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which helps you to shut off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which can be found connected to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, regulates the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve may wear out, clog or shift out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling right. Follow these instructions 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 normally 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: Be sure that the fill valve is secure and evenly fastened to the tube. Change the fill valve height if required by turning the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). Then, verify that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Wash the fill valve: To remove mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and remove the fill cap. Right after that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to avoid getting sprayed. Let some water flow for a few seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you detect cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and take off the valve hardware. Afterward, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Start the water supply slightly to flush away the excess residue. Replace 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, shutting the fill valve whenever the tank is full. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it keeps the tank from filling efficiently.
Pull up the tank lid and peek inside. A partially submerged float ball could be waterlogged. Before you replace the ball, look at the float arm it’s connected to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat 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. But it's worth remembering that this is old toilet technology, so it may well be better to upgrade the existing tank hardware or replace the toilet entirely.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system includes vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, tension may build within the pipes, blocking 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 need to get on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the tiles. Get rid of any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to help your plumbing work 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 problem could stem from your supply pipes. A problem with the water line itself could restrict your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Sunbeam Service Experts
When all else fails, turn to Sunbeam Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Buffalo. We can figure out the reason why your toilet is slow to fill 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 Buffalo. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. You can relax knowing that every job we complete is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Sunbeam Service Experts today.