Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a known toilet issue with several possible culprits. Fortunately, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning efficiently again.
How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet
Understanding why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and how to deal with 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 helps you to shut off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left.
Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is close to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, regulates the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve may break down, clog or shift out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips to adjust, clean or fix the fill valve:
- Find the fill valve: Open the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually mounted 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 fastened to the tube. Modify the fill valve height if necessary by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). Then, ensure that the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: To get rid of mineral accumulation and other debris from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to prevent from being sprayed by the water. 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: Dirt trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Turn off the water supply and remove the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Start the water supply slightly to clean away the excess residue. Replace the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills faster now.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, closing the fill valve once the tank has filled. If the float ball takes on water, it keeps the tank from filling properly.
Take off the tank lid and view inside. A partially sunken float ball might be waterlogged. Before you replace 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 that fails to solve the issue, 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 be aware that this is old toilet technology, so it may be better to update the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system features vents that permit air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, tension may build within the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet slow to fill or even cause the bowl to flood.
You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to search for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find 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 dilemma could stem from your supply pipes. A problem with the water line itself could stop your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to handle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Comfortech Service Experts
If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Comfortech Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Jackson. 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 useful life span, our team can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Jackson. 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 contact Comfortech Service Experts today.