Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet predicament with numerous possible reasons. Thankfully, none of them are major concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning quickly again.
How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet
Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up connected to the wall. You’ll see a valve attached to it, which enables you to close off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Problems with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which you’ll find close to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, manages the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve might degrade, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling properly. Follow these tips to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve:
- Find the fill valve: Remove 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 linking to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Be sure that the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Change the fill valve height if required by twisting the adjustment knob (common 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.
- Wash the fill valve: To get rid of mineral accumulation and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear 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. Let the water flow for several seconds to flush out debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you detect cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris inside the valve tube could also be at fault. Turn off the water supply and remove the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the excess residue. Reconnect 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 when the tank has filled. If the float ball takes on water, it blocks the tank from filling correctly.
Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Before you replace the ball, check the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to raise the ball’s height.
If that does not do the trick, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it may be better to modernize the existing tank parts or switch out the toilet entirely.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that permit air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, pressure 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 look for clogged plumbing vents. Search for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to guarantee that your plumbing can function as intended.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If nothing is 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 water line leak could prevent your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Neal Harris Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Neal Harris Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Kansas City. We can identify the reason why this is happening and perform a budget-friendly repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our team can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Kansas City. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we perform is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Neal Harris Service Experts today.