3 Reasons Why Your Toilet Is Filling Slowly

Is your toilet slow to fill? You’re not alone. Every year, countless homeowners encounter this very issue and aren’t always sure what to do about it!

A slow filling toilet tank can be frustrating, but it’s not something you have to put up with for long. In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of a slow filling toilet, how to identify the most likely one, and what you can do to fix it.

Why Is My Toilet Bowl Slow to Fill?

Most household toilets take around one minute to refill. However, if you notice that your toilet is taking much longer, there may be an issue that needs a toilet replacement or repair. Here are three common reasons for a slow filling toilet tank:

You Have a Water Supply Valve Problem

A toilet tank can sometimes be slow to fill because of a water supply valve problem. The water supply valve describes the knob beneath your toilet tank that sticks out from the wall. This valve is responsible for controlling water flow.

When the valve is broken or closed, it doesn’t consistently deliver water at the right speed or volume. The water valve is also in control of a water line that’s susceptible to clogs. As a result, this, too, can impact how fast or slow your toilet tank is filling.

What to do: You may be able to rule out a water supply valve as the issue by checking to make sure it’s open. If it is, and your toilet tank is still slow to fill, contact an experienced and licensed plumber for help.

Your Float Ball is Waterlogged

Is your toilet bowl slow to fill, but you’ve ruled out the water supply valve as the issue? Check your float ball. The float ball is the device that sits on top of the water in your toilet tank. Its job is to set the tank fill level. If the float ball fills up with water, it can sink into the tank and stop water from flowing too early.

What to do: Curious about how to fix a slow filling toilet tank with a waterlogged float ball as the cause? Take these actions:

1. Remove the toilet tank lid and check the water level. The float ball may be waterlogged if it isn’t floating near the top or is partially full.
2. If the float ball is waterlogged, pull it off the float arm and install a new one.
3. Alternatively, consider updating your toilet’s inner components with the help of a licensed professional. Float balls are classed as ‘old’ toilet technology. Your chosen plumber may be able to advise on more modern and efficient solutions.

Your Fill Valve Tube Has Issues

Fill valves are responsible for controlling the water level in your toilet tank. With time and use, the valves can wear down, clog, and even fall out of alignment. When that happens, it’s not uncommon to experience issues with water flow.

What to do: Fortunately, if you’re wondering how to fix a slow filling toilet tank caused by your fill valve tube, you’re in the right place. Inspect the valve for wear and tear or an incorrect position in your toilet tank. Ensure your valve tube is mounted on the toilet tank’s left side. A tailpiece should also extend to the bottom and be attached to the supply tube and shut-off valve.

How to Fix a Slow Filling Toilet Tank

As there is more than one problem associated with a toilet bowl that’s slow to fill, there can also be more than one solution! These are some of the possible solutions to explore alone or with the help of a licensed and insured plumbing professional:

1. Open the water supply valve

If your valve is fully or partially closed, you may immediately solve your slow filling woes by opening it.

2. Adjust the fill valve

With time and use, fill valves can become misaligned. Remove the tank lid to identify the valve on the left side of the tank and ensure its correct alignment. Securely and evenly attach it to its tube.

A) For older toilets: Loosen the adjustment screw and raise the fill valve. This should help put more water into the toilet tank.

B) For newer toilets: Turn the fill valve adjustment knob by hand to let more water into the tank.

C) For all toilets: Ensure the water level is around an inch below the top of the overflow tube.

After these steps, you can flush the toilet and see if the tank fills appropriately. Alternatively, you can call a licensed and insured service professional to help.

3. Clean the fill valve

Did you know that a dirty fill valve can affect your water flow, meaning your toilet tank fills slowly? If you’ve spotted gunk or mineral buildup on the fill valve, you can take these steps to clean it:

1. Twist the shut-off valve closed before removing the tank lid.
2. Take the screws off the top of the fill valve and remove the fill cap.
3. Slowly and carefully turn on the water supply. Cup your hands over the valve to stop yourself from getting sprayed with water!
4. Flush out the debris and buildup in the valve by letting the water flow freely.
5. Wait 2-3 seconds and turn off the water supply.
6. Flip the fill cap and locate the washer. Once you’ve found the washer, remove it with a screwdriver and carefully scrub away any mineral buildup present.
7. Put the valve back in place and secure it with screws. Alternatively, buy a new fill valve if you notice any cracks or damage. Turn your water back on to see if you’ve solved your slow filling toilet issue!

4. Fix/replace your waterlogged float ball

A waterlogged float ball can stop your toilet from filling up with as much water as it needs. You can take these steps to fix or replace the float ball in your toilet tank:

1. Check if the float arm connected to the float ball is too low in the tank. If so, bend the arm slightly upward to raise the ball in the tank. This will let in more water.
2. Aren’t having any luck? You may need to install a new float ball. You can also contact your local plumberto ask about upgrading to a newer style toilet mechanism.

5. Fix a valve tube problem

A slow filling toilet tank can sometimes be attributed to a clogged valve tube. You can clean out the debris by taking these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
2. Remove the hardware from the valve. You may need tools, such as a wrench and a screwdriver.
3. Use a slim wire or bottle brush to clean out the valve tube.
4. Flush away remaining residue and clear out possible clogs by opening and shutting the water supply valve a few times.
5. Replace the hardware and valve tube to see if it fixes the problem.

Is your valve tube broken, torn, or damaged in another way? Contact a plumber without delay.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All Toilet Repair and Replacement Services

Whether you have a slow filling toilet or need help with general toilet repairs and replacement, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. Our expert service professionals can provide reliable, quality solutions and efficient service every time. Call us today or request an estimate online.