Why Is My Toilet Slow to Fill?

Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a common toilet issue with several possible culprits. Luckily, none of them are major concerns or expensive to fix. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet flowing quickly again. 

How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet 

Understanding why your toilet is slow to fill is your first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these possible reasons and how to handle each one. 

Partially Closed Water Supply Valve 

Take a peek behind the toilet for the water supply line attached to the wall. You’ll see a valve connecting to it, which helps you to close off the water during toilet repairs and replacements. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open. 

Issues with the Fill Valve or Tube 

The fill valve, which can be found connected to the top of a vertical tube-shaped part in the toilet tank, regulates the water flow into the tank. A toilet fill valve might break down, clog or move out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these tips to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve: 

• Find the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s normally mounted 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: Be certain the fill valve is secure and evenly connected to the tube. Modify 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). After that, verify 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 dirt from the valve, first shut off the water in the rear of the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, 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 debris. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you observe 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 off the valve hardware. Next, run a slim wire or bottle brush into the tube. Turn back on the water supply slightly to clean away the excess 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, sealing the fill valve when the tank is full. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it keeps the tank from filling efficiently. 

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

If that fails to solve the issue, then it might be time to just replace the component entirely. Just be aware that this is old toilet technology, so it may well be better to upgrade the existing tank hardware or replace the toilet altogether. 

Plugged Plumbing Vent 

Your home plumbing system includes vents that allow air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, tension may build inside of the pipes, stopping 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 need to get on the roof to search for clogged plumbing vents. Look for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the shingles. Clear away 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 prevent your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to handle 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 reliable toilet repair in the U.S.. We can figure out the reason why this is happening and perform the most appropriate repair. If the fixture has come to the end of its average life span, our specialists can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in the U.S.. We’ll help you pick out 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.