Hello World! Welcome Friends! Does your toilet seem to be struggling to refill itself after a flush? A slow-filling toilet is a common problem; fortunately, it is not too complicated to resolve. There’s a good chance you won’t even need to call a plumber. All you need are some cleaning supplies and knowledge of the different toilet bowl components.
Let’s learn how you can fix a slow-filling toilet.
Check the Water Supply Valve
The water supply valve should be fully open. This is what provides water to the toilet. If your toilet is new or was recently worked on, that valve may have only been partially reopened.
It doesn’t hurt to have a quick look and check the handle. The water supply valve is typically behind the toilet towards the floor. Turn it counterclockwise to fully open it.
Contact a Plumber
A slow-filling toilet can come from faulty plumbing that isn’t visible. You may need to hire a professional plumber for this as well. If you have multiple toilet problems or other plumbing issues, contact a plumber who can do a full inspection of your home. They can let you know if a non-visible leak needs to be addressed or if other undiagnosed plumbing problems that could affect overall performance.
Check the Toilet Fill Valve
After you know the toilet’s receiving the water it needs, the next step is to check the fill valve. The fill valve controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. To get to it, remove the toilet tank lid. Flush the toilet. The fill valve will open as the tank refills. If you notice any debris or it’s not coming completely open, clean the fill valve.
Turn off the water supply before working with the toilet tank components. After that, flush the toilet to drain the tank of all its water. If the toilet won’t flush, it’s essential to investigate the fill valve further. After removing it, check for any clogs or buildup inside the valve. Often, mineral deposits can impede its function. From there, the fill valve can be carefully removed. To clean it, soak it and its assembly in a half-half vinegar and water solution for 30-45 minutes. Sediment that is not coming off can be scrubbed off using a toothbrush. Once done, rinse everything with warm water and reinstall it in the toilet tank.
Replacing Your Fill Valve
If the fill valve has degraded to the point where it can’t properly function, it must be replaced. These can easily be purchased at any hardware store. Installation is straightforward, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure everything’s set as it should be.
Check the Toilet Tank Float
The float is either a plastic or metal ball floating on the water’s surface in the toilet tank. If a float is set too low, insufficient water may enter the tank resulting in a slow-filling toilet.
This is common if the toilet was recently repaired and not much attention was given to where the float was located in the tank. This is very easy to fix. You can easily adjust the float by bending the arm that holds it up. You may also adjust the screws holding the float in place.
Check the Toilet Tank Flapper
The flapper is located at the bottom of the toilet tank. It opens to release water into the bowl during a flush and is usually made of rubber but may also be a thick plastic.
If the flapper does not open fully or is worn down, this could cause the toilet to fill slowly. There is no real fixing of a toilet flapper if it’s broken and degraded by wear and tear. Luckily, they aren’t expensive to replace and may be all you need to resolve a slow-filling toilet.
Toilet Repair Kit
At most hardware stores, you can find toilet repair kits. They offer almost everything one requires to tackle the mentioned checks and repairs.
If you don’t want to be running back and forth from the hardware store or suspect you may need one for the future, buying a universal fit toilet repair kit may be a smart move for the DIY homeowner out there. This way, you have everything you need in case of an emergency.
Check the Toilet for Leaks
Though somewhat unlikely, a slow-filling toilet could be linked to a toilet tank or leaking bowl. To check for toilet leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
If you notice afterward that there is food coloring in the toilet bowl, you can safely say there is a leak somewhere, causing water to move from the tank to the bowl. A professional plumber should undertake any further repairs if this is the case.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
5 Eye-Catching Landscape Lighting Design Examples
The Dos and Don’ts of Working with Roofing Contractors: Advice for Homeowners
How to Make Space for a Pet in Your Home
Alternatives to Traditional Picture Frames
Ready to Move? How to Find Your Dream Home
5 Remodeling Ideas to Sell Your Kansas House Fast for Cash
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] 8 Ways to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet […]