Is your toilet water slow to refill after a flush? This is a common problem among homeowners. This issue can occur for a variety of reasons. Although none of these problems are particularly serious or costly, it is possible to identify the problem and apply the right solution to get your toilet working optimally once again. Continue reading to find out three reasons why slow-filling toilets can occur, what to do to fix them, and how to troubleshoot it.
Why is the toilet slow to fill?
A toilet tank should usually fill in within one minute, depending on how hot the water is. You may need to address the problem if it takes longer than that. These are the possible causes of slow water filling in your toilet.
1. Water Supply Valve Problem
The water supply valve is located just below the toilet tank. It controls the flow of water into the tank. It may not deliver the right amount of water at the appropriate speed if it is partially closed or malfunctioning. Another issue that could be a problem is a buildup or obstruction of water flow. This can slow down the valve’s filling speed.
Troubleshooting tip Ensure that the valve is fully open. Contact a licensed Long Beach Plumber if the valve doesn’t produce enough water to fill the tank.
2. Waterlogged Float ball
The float ball is placed on top of the water tank to control the flow of water. The float ball can become clogged and will prevent the tank from filling efficiently. It can block the proper amount of water from entering the tank or cause the water to refill slower than expected.
Troubleshooting tip – Remove the lid from the toilet tank and check the water level. You may have a float ball that is not floating close to the top of your tank or it is only partially full. It’s easy to replace a float ball by removing the old one from the float arm and replacing it with the new one.
A float ball is an old type of toilet technology. Consider replacing the inner parts of your toilet with modern ones if this is happening.
3. Fill Valve Tube Issues
The fill valve attaches to the vertical tube-shaped device within the toilet tank. The tank’s water level is controlled by the fill valve. Fill valves can become worn down over time, clogged or out of alignment. These issues could prevent your toilet from filling up with water correctly.
Troubleshooting tip If the problem isn’t with the water supply valve, or a float ball that has become clogged up, then it’s time for you to look at the fill valve. Check the fill valve for wear or improper positioning.
The tank should have it mounted on the left-hand side. A tailpiece extends through the tank’s bottom, where it connects to the shut-off valve and supply tube.
How to fix a slow-firing toilet
Here are some steps to fix your toilet tank’s slow filling.
Open the Water Supply Valve
- Sometimes, the water supply valve may only be partially open. To make sure it is fully open, check the valve.
Adjust the Fill Valve
These steps will allow you to adjust the fill valve.
- Take off the tank lid to locate the fill valve. It is usually located on the left side.
- You must ensure that the fill valve is properly and securely attached to its tube.
- To let more water in the tank, you can use an older toilet to loosen the adjustment screws with a flathead screwdriver.
- To add more water to a toilet with a newer model, adjust the fill valve adjustment knob by turning your hand.
- All toilets should have water levels at least an inch below the top end of the overflow tube.
- After flushing the toilet, check that the tank is filled at the correct rate and contains enough water.
Clean the Fill Valve
Are you seeing mineral buildup on the valve or gunk? Here are some tips to clean it.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet and take out the tank lid.
- Take off the screws at the top of the fill valve.
- Slowly turn on water supply. To prevent being sprayed, place your hand above the valve.
- Allow the water to flow freely through the valve. This will flush out any debris or buildup.
- After letting the water flow for a few seconds, turn off the water supply.
- Flip the fill cap to reveal the washer. Use a screwdriver to remove the washer and clean away any mineral buildup.
- Replace the fill valve if you see cracks.
- Replace the valve and secure it with the screws. Turn on the water to check if the problem has been resolved.
Repair or replace a waterlogged float ball
- You should check to make sure the tank is not too low on the float arm and float ball. If this is the case, raise the arm so that the ball rises higher into the tank. This will allow more water to flow through.
- If that fails, and you think the float balls are the problem, you might need to replace them or talk to your local Long Beach Plumber to upgrade to a more modern style.
Repair a Valve Tube Issue
You must clear out any debris from the valve tube in order to fix it.
- Start by turning off the water supply.
- Take out the hardware.
- To clean the tube, use a bottle brush or a thin wire.
- To flush out any residue or to clear any clogs, open and close the water supply valve several times.
- Check to make sure the toilet is properly flushed after you have replaced the hardware and tube.
Install a replacement tube if the tube is damaged or has any holes or tears.