Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet problem with numerous possible causes. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or costly to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning efficiently again.
How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these possible reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply hose attached to the wall. You’ll see a valve connected to it, which allows you to shut off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which can be found connected to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, controls the water level flowing into the tank. A toilet fill valve could wear out, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling appropriately. 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 connecting to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Check that the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if necessary by turning the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (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 behind 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 the buildup. 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 lodged in the valve tube could also be to blame. Turn off the water supply and remove the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush down the tube. Start the water supply slightly to rinse 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, shutting the fill valve when 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 peek inside. A partially sunken float ball might be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, examine the float arm it’s connected to. If the arm is directed too low in the tank, bend it up a little bit to elevate the ball’s height.
If this doesn’t work, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. Just be aware that this is old toilet technology, so it might possibly be better to upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, tension may build inside of the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to overflow.
You need to get on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to help your plumbing work as intended.
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 problem with the water line itself could stop your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s safest 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 Orlando. We can identify 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 average life span, our company can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Orlando. 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 supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.