Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Have you noticed that your toilet is taking longer to refill after flushing? This is a frequent toilet problem with several possible reasons. Fortunately, none of them are major concerns or costly to fix. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet functioning quickly again.

How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet

Finding out why your toilet is slow to refill is step #1 for fixing it. Keep in mind these potential reasons and how 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 helps you to shut off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Check this valve to make sure it’s completely open.

Issues 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, regulates the flow of water into the tank. A toilet fill valve might degrade, clog or reposition out of alignment after years of use, preventing the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips 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 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 fastened to the tube. Adjust the fill valve height if required by twisting the adjustment knob (found in newer toilets) or use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and adjust (required for older toilets). After that, ensure that the water level is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.

• • Clean the fill valve: To take out mineral accumulation 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 avoid getting sprayed. Allow the water to flow for a few seconds to flush out the buildup. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you notice cracks or significant wear and tear, replace the valve.

• • Clean the valve tube: Dirt trapped in the valve tube could also be the culprit. Turn off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Next, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to flush away the excess residue. Reconnect the valve hardware and check if the toilet fills faster now.

Waterlogged Float Ball

The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, closing the fill valve once the tank is full. If the float ball is filled with water, it blocks the tank from filling efficiently. Take off the tank lid and view inside. A partially submerged float ball might be waterlogged. Before running out to buy a new ball, check the float arm it’s secured to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up somewhat to raise the ball’s height. If that fails to solve the issue, you may be able to install a new float ball. Just remember that this is an older toilet design, so it might possibly be better to upgrade the existing tank parts or switch out the toilet entirely.

Plugged Plumbing Vent

Your home plumbing system uses vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they end up being clogged, tension may build within the pipes, blocking the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to overrun. You should grab a ladder and climb up on the roof to search 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 see to help your plumbing work 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 appropriately. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed plumber to fix these issues.

Schedule Toilet Repair with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts

If these tips did not handle your issue, look to Winnipeg Supply Service Experts for reliable toilet repair in Winnipeg. We can figure out the reason why your toilet is slow to fill and perform a cost-effective repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its typical life span, our specialists can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Winnipeg. We’ll help you pick out the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts today.