Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet predicament with several possible causes. Thankfully, none of them are major concerns or costly to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working efficiently again.

How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet

Learning why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Think about these possible reasons and how to handle each one.

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve

Check behind the toilet for the water supply hose connected to the wall. You’ll find a valve connecting 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.

Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube

The fill valve, which can be found attached to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, manages the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve might degrade, clog or shift out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling properly. Follow these instructions to adjust, unclog or fix the fill valve:

• • Find the fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s commonly installed 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: Be sure that the fill valve is secure and evenly fastened to the tube. Modify 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, make sure the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.

• • Clear debris from the fill valve: To get rid of mineral buildup and other sludge from the valve, first shut off the water behind 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. Let some water flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you detect cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve.

• • Clean the valve tube: Dirt inside the valve tube could also be at fault. Turn off the water supply and take off the valve hardware. Afterward, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Start the water supply slightly to clean away the leftover residue. Reconnect the valve hardware and confirm 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 whenever the tank is full. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling correctly. Take off the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, check the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up a little bit to raise the ball’s height. If that fails to solve the issue, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to upgrade the existing tank components or change out the toilet altogether.

Blocked Plumbing Vent

Your home plumbing system includes vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they end up being 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 need to get on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Search for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Get rid of any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice to ensure your plumbing works properly.

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 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 fix these issues.

Schedule Toilet Repair with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

When all else fails, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for quality toilet repair in Edmonton. We can identify the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform a budget-friendly repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its average life span, our team can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Edmonton. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Relax knowing that every job we execute is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.