Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

You flushed and now you have to wait; sound familiar? This is a common toilet problem with numerous possible causes. Thankfully, none of them are major concerns or costly to fix. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working quickly again. 

How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Learning why your toilet is slow to refill is step #1 for fixing it. Think about these possible reasons and the best way to handle each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply hose connected to the wall. You’ll find a valve attached to it, which helps you to shut off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open. 

Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube 

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

• Locate the fill valve: Open the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s normally secured 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. Alter the fill valve height if necessary 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 get rid of mineral accumulation 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 the water flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you notice cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve. 
• Clean the valve tube: Dirt inside the valve tube could also be at fault. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the remaining residue. Replace the valve hardware and confirm if the toilet fills properly. 

Waterlogged Float Ball 

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

Pull up the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball may be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, examine the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is fixed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to raise the ball’s height. 

If that fails to solve the issue, 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 upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether. 

Blocked Plumbing Vent 

Your home plumbing system uses vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, pressure may build throughout the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to overrun. 

You need to get on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. 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 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 restrict your toilet tank from filling correctly. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues. 

Schedule Toilet Repair with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts 

When all else fails, turn to Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for dependable toilet repair in Windsor. We can figure out the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its useful life span, our specialists can propose high-efficiency toilet replacement in Windsor. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Rest assured that every job we execute is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts today.