Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

You flushed and now you have to wait; sound familiar? This is a common toilet predicament with multiple possible culprits. Thankfully, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning properly again. 

How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is your first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these possible reasons and how to handle each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Check 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 turn off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open. 

Problems with the Fill Valve or Tube 

The fill valve, which can be found connected to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, controls the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve could break down, clog or shift out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these instructions to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve: 

• Search for the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s normally 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 certain the fill valve is secure and evenly attached to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if necessary by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or find a flathead screwdriver and loosen the adjustment screw (required for older toilets). After that, ensure that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube. 
• Clear debris from the fill valve: To eliminate mineral accumulation and other dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and remove 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 a few seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you detect cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve. 
• Clean the valve tube: Debris trapped in the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut off the water supply and take off the valve hardware. Then, run a thin wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to clean away the leftover residue. Replace the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills quicker. 

Waterlogged Float Ball 

The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, sealing the fill valve once the tank has filled. If the float ball is filled with water, it keeps the tank from filling properly. 

Remove the tank lid and peek inside. A partially sunken float ball may be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, look at the float arm it’s connected to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to lift the ball’s height. 

If this doesn’t work, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is old toilet technology, so it may be better to update the existing tank hardware or change out the toilet entirely. 

Clogged Plumbing Vent 

Your home plumbing system features vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they become clogged, pressure may build within the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill at a snail’s pace or even cause the bowl to overflow. 

You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the tiles. Get rid of any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you see to help your plumbing work 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 problem could stem from your supply pipes. A water line leak could prevent your toilet tank from filling properly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues. 

Schedule Toilet Repair with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 

When all else fails, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for quality toilet repair in the U.S.. We can identify the reason why this is happening and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its average life span, our specialists can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in the U.S.. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it for you. Relax knowing that every job we complete is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.