Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a frequent toilet predicament with multiple possible causes. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or costly to address. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning properly again. 

How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Understanding why your toilet is slow to refill is the first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and how to deal with each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Check behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll notice a valve attached to it, which enables you to turn off the water when your toilet is being repaired or replaced. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open. 

Trouble with the Fill Valve or Tube 

The fill valve, which you’ll find 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 could break down, clog or move out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling right. Follow these instructions to adjust, clean or fix the fill valve: 

• Locate 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 linking to the supply tube and shut-off valve. 
• Adjust the fill valve: Be certain the fill valve is secure and evenly fastened to the tube. Alter the fill valve height if required by turning the adjustment knob (common to newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). Then, verify that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube. 
• Wash the fill valve: To get rid of mineral buildup and other debris from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear of the toilet and take off the fill cap. Right after that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Let some water flow for several seconds to flush out debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you notice cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve. 
• Clean the valve tube: Dirt lodged in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Turn off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Then, run a slim wire or bottle brush down the tube. Open the water supply slightly to flush away the remaining residue. Re-install the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills properly. 

Waterlogged Float Ball 

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

Take off the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball could be waterlogged. Before you replace the ball, check the float arm it’s attached 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, you may be able to install a new float ball. But it’s worth remembering that this is old toilet technology, so it may be better to update the existing tank parts or change out the toilet completely. 

Plugged Plumbing Vent 

Your home plumbing system features vents that permit 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 slow to fill or even cause the bowl to flood. 

You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to check for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the 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 there’s nothing apparently wrong with the water supply valve, fill valve and tube, float ball or plumbing vents, the slow toilet issue could stem from your supply pipes. A water line leak could stop your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to fix 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 reliable toilet repair in the U.S.. We can figure out the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our team can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in the U.S.. We’ll help you find the replacement model and install it on your behalf. You can relax knowing that every job we complete is supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.