Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a known toilet problem with numerous possible reasons. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working efficiently again.
How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Consider these potential reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Look behind the toilet for the water supply line attached to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which enables 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.
Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is close to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, manages the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve may wear out, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling properly. Follow these instructions to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s normally mounted 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: Make sure the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Adjust the fill valve height if required by twisting the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). After that, check that the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To remove mineral buildup and other sludge from the valve, first shut off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to avoid getting sprayed. Allow the water to flow for a few seconds to flush out debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you notice cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Dirt lodged in the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Afterward, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to clean away the remaining residue. Reconnect the valve hardware and see if the toilet fills properly.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, sealing 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 properly.
Pull up the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball could be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, check the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to lift the ball’s height.
If this doesn’t work, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. But it's worth remembering that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to update the existing tank components or switch out the toilet entirely.
Plugged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, tension may build throughout the pipes, preventing the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to overrun.
You'll need to jump up on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find to guarantee that your plumbing can function 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 water line leak could prevent your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with San Antonio Air Service Experts
Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to San Antonio Air Service Experts for dependable toilet repair in San Antonio. We can pinpoint the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its typical life span, our company can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in San Antonio. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. Rest assured that every job we complete is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with San Antonio Air Service Experts today.