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 issue with numerous possible culprits. Fortunately, none of them are serious concerns or costly to deal with. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing efficiently again.

How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet

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

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve

Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply line connected to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which allows you to shut off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.

Trouble 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 flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve may break down, 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:

Find the fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually mounted 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. Modify the fill valve height if necessary by turning the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or find a flathead screwdriver and loosen the adjustment screw (required for older toilets). After that, verify that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
Clean the fill valve: To take out 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. Allow the water to flow for 15-20 seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you detect cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.
Clean the valve tube: Debris lodged in the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Afterward, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Start the water supply slightly to flush away the excess residue. Re-install 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, closing the fill valve when the tank is full. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling correctly.

Pull up the tank lid and peek inside. A partially submerged float ball could be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, look at the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to raise the ball’s height.

If that does not do the trick, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it may be better to upgrade the existing tank hardware or replace the toilet completely.

Clogged Plumbing Vent

Your home plumbing system uses vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they become 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 overflow.

You'll need to jump up on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Do away with any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you see 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 problem could stem from your supply pipes. A water line leak could prevent your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s safest to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.

Schedule Toilet Repair with Stevenson Service Experts

If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Stevenson Service Experts for quality toilet repair in Columbus. We can figure out the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our specialists can recommend high-efficiency toilet replacement in Columbus. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. Relax knowing that every job we execute is supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Stevenson Service Experts today.