Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a known toilet problem with numerous possible culprits. Fortunately, none of them are major concerns or costly to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing efficiently again. 

How to Address a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Understanding why your toilet is slow to fill is the first step toward fixing it. Think about these potential reasons and the best way to handle each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Check behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up attached to the wall. You’ll find a valve connected to it, which enables you to shut off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Make sure this value is open by turning it to the left. 

Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube 

The fill valve, which you’ll find attached to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, controls the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve may degrade, clog or shift out of alignment after years of use, stopping the tank from filling appropriately. 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: Check that the fill valve is secure and evenly fastened to the tube. Adjust the fill valve height if needed by twisting the adjustment knob (common to newer toilets) or loosening the adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver (required for older toilets). After that, make sure the water level is roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube. 
• Wash the fill valve: To eliminate mineral accumulation and other sludge from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear of the toilet and remove the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Allow the water to flow for several seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup from the fill cap. If you observe cracks or substantial wear and tear, replace the valve. 
• Clean the valve tube: Debris trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Afterward, run a slim wire or bottle brush down the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to flush away the remaining residue. Reconnect the valve hardware and see if the toilet fills properly. 

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 takes on water, it keeps the tank from filling efficiently. 

Pull up the tank lid and look inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Before you replace the ball, look at the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is fixed too low in the tank, bend it up a little bit to raise the ball’s height. 

If that does not do the trick, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. Just remember that this is old toilet technology, so it might possibly be better to modernize the existing tank hardware or change out the toilet altogether. 

Plugged Plumbing Vent 

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

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 roof tiles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you notice 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 correctly. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues. 

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

Is your toilet still not working right? Turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for quality toilet repair in the U.S.. We can identify the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform a budget-friendly repair. If the fixture has hit the end of its typical life span, our team can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in the U.S.. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it on your behalf. Relax knowing that every job we complete is protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.