Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a common toilet issue with numerous possible culprits. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or expensive to fix. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning efficiently again.
How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet
Finding out why your toilet is slow to fill is your first step toward fixing it. Consider these potential reasons and how to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Check behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which helps 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 attached to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, regulates the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve may wear out, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling properly. Follow these tips to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Locate the fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually secured 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: Make sure the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if needed by twisting the adjustment knob (common to newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Then, verify that the water level is roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To eliminate mineral buildup and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Right after that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Allow the water to flow for several seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup on the fill cap. If you observe cracks or significant 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 take off the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to rinse away the excess 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 takes on water, it blocks the tank from filling efficiently.
Pull up the tank lid and view inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new 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 lift the ball’s height.
If this doesn’t work, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is old toilet technology, so it may be better to upgrade the existing tank parts or switch out the toilet completely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, pressure may build throughout the pipes, stopping the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly 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 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 water line leak could restrict your toilet tank from filling properly. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Donelson Air Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Donelson Air Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Nashville. We can pinpoint the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its typical life span, our company can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Nashville. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Donelson Air Service Experts today.