Do you feel like your toilet water takes too long to fill up after a flush? If this is the case, you are not alone. It is common for homeowners to have a slow-filling bathroom, but it can be fixed.
There may be a number of reasons this might happen. While these problems are not serious or expensive, they can be identified and treated quickly to restore the toilet to its optimal state.
Our Glendale, CA plumbers will help discuss three main causes of a slow-filling bathroom, what to do to correct it, and how you can fix it.
Three Reasons Why a Slow-Filling Toilet
Depending on your water pressure, the time it takes for a toilet tank to refill is usually around one minute. If it takes longer than usual, this could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
There are three reasons why your toilet water takes so long to fill up:
Problem with the Water Supply Valve
The water supply knob is located on the wall below your toilet tank. It controls water flow into your tank. It could not supply the right amount water at the correct speed if the valve isn’t working properly or partially closed. A buildup of debris can also cause problems with the valve, causing it to stop water flow and slow down its filling speed.
Troubleshooting Tip: Make sure that the valve is completely open. If the valve does not produce the correct amount of water, call a licensed plumber .
Waterlogged Float Ball
The tank’s float ball controls the amount of water entering the tank. It sits on top and regulates the amount of water that is coming in to avoid tank overflows. It will stop the tank filling efficiently if the floatball is blocked by water. The float ball can block water from entering the tank and cause it to refill at a slower rate than expected.
Troubleshooting Tip: Open the lid on the toilet tank to check the water level. The float ball may be clogged up if it is only half full or if the ball is not floating at the top, this could indicate that the tank has a problem. Good news: Replacing the floatball is easy. It’s easy to remove the old one from the float arms and put the new one in their place.
A floatball is an outdated toilet technology. You might replace the inner parts of your inner toilet with modern ones, if it’s going bad.
Issues with Fill Valve Tubes
The fill valve is located inside the toilet tank and attached to a tube-shaped device. The fill valve controls the water level within the tank. Fill valves may become clogged over time or lose their alignment. Any of these problems can cause the toilet to stop filling with water.
Troubleshooting tip After you have identified the source of the problem, such as a blocked water supply valve or a floatball that is clogged with water, it’s now time to examine the fill valve. You should inspect the valve for any signs of wear and tear, or incorrect placement within the tank.
It should be mounted on either the left or right side of the tank. The tailpiece should extend through the tank and connect to the supply tube.
How to Fix a Slow-Filling Toilet
These are the steps you can take to fix your toilet tank’s slow filling.
The water supply valve should be opened.
Sometimes the water supply valve is only partially opened. Make sure to check the valve to ensure it is open completely. If the water valve appears to be open, you can proceed to step 2.
Adjust the fill valve
Follow these steps for adjusting the fill valve
- The fill valve is usually on the left-hand side of the tank.
- Make sure that the fill tube is securely and evenly attached.
- Use a flathead wrench to loosen and raise the fill valve for older toilets.
- To let more water in the tank for toilets with newer models, you can adjust the fill valve adjustment knob using your hand.
- Make sure that the water level in all toilets is at least one inch below the top.
- Then flush the toilet. Next, check that your tank is full.
Clean the fill valve
Do you see any mineral buildup or gunk around the valve? Here’s how you can clean it.
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply, and then remove the tank cover.
- The screws that hold the fill valve in place must be removed.
- Slowly switch on the water supply. Keep your hand crossed over the valve to avoid getting sprayed.
- The valve will allow water to flow freely and flush out buildup.
- After letting the water flow for a few seconds turn off your water supply.
- Flip the fill cap over and locate the washer. Take it off with a screwdriver. Use the screwdriver to gently clean away mineral buildup.
- Replace the filling valve if cracks are apparent.
- You can then replace the valve and attach it to the screws. Finally, turn on the water supply to verify that the problem is solved.
Waterlogged float balls can be fixed or replaced
- Verify that the tank’s float arm is not too low. If this is the situation, lift the arm up so the ball rises in the tank.
- If you are still not satisfied with the results and believe the floatball is the problem, then you will need to install a new float ball. Contact your local plumber for assistance in upgrading to a different style.
Problem with the valve tube?
Clean the tube of any debris to clear clogged valve tubes.
- Turn off the water supply.
- The hardware should be removed from the valve.
- Clean the tube with a fine wire or a brush from a bottle.
- Close the water supply valve and open it again a few more times to remove any residual residue.
- Replace the hardware, the tube, and test if the toilet fills properly after flushing.
Replace the tube with a new one if it has tears or holes. Our Glendale, CA Plumbers recommend that you call a plumber if your toilet is filling slowly.