3 Reasons Why Your Toilet Is Slow to Fill

Is your toilet filling slowly? If yes, several culprits could be responsible for this issue, including water supply valve issues, a faulty float ball, and a clogged drain.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Phoenix, we understand how frustrating a slow-filling toilet is. Not to forget that, in extreme cases, this problem can cause hygiene concerns. That is why we have compiled this article. It has everything you need to know about slow-filling toilet issues, including causes and easy fixes.

Why Is the Toilet Slow to Fill?

When we flush the toilet, the water level drops inside the tank and then rises again. As the water fills up, it pushes the waste through pipes into the sewer system.

Here are some common factors that may make your toilet slow to fill:

Water Supply Valve Issues

A slow-filling toilet may be an indicator of water supply valve issues. Many toilet supply lines have shut-off valves. These gadgets help homeowners and plumbers cut off the water supply to the tank during an emergency or when the cistern needs repairs or replacement.

If you turn off the supply valve, water won't flow into the toilet tank. So, before embarking on any repair missions, check to see if the shut-off valve may be the reason your toilet fills slowly.

Most importantly, ensure you have a functional water supply valve. A faulty shut-off valve might also contribute to your toilet filling slowly.

Faulty Float Ball

Do you ever ask yourself why toilet tanks often fill so efficiently? You don't have to control or supervise the water flow manually; the device fills up by itself with no overflowing issues.

Well, toilet tanks have tools known as float balls. If you open your toilet tank today, you'll likely see a balloon-like device filled with air. It should be attached to a bar connected to the filling valve. That device is what professionals call a float ball or toilet float.

A toilet float is designed to regulate water flow into the tank and prevent overflowing. If it's broken, waterlogged, or has any other issues, it may interfere with water flow and cause a slow-filling toilet problem.

Clogged Drain

Lastly, if your toilet takes ages to fill up, the culprit may be a clogged drain. Toilet drains facilitate waste flow from the bowl to the plumbing system.

Clogged drains are all too common. When many people share a toilet, there's an increased likelihood of waste and assorted non-flushable items finding their way into the facility. And that leads to clogged drains, among other issues. So, as a homeowner, expecting and preparing for this issue is highly advisable, especially if you have a large homestead.

How Can I Fix My Slow-Filling Toilet?

Although a slow-filling toilet is a common issue, you don't have to contend with it for the rest of your life. If you want to avoid or fix this problem, the following may help:

Adjust or replace the shut-off valve

Fixing a slow-filling toilet starts with the shut-off valve.

Check if the valve is off and likely responsible for cutting the water supply to the toilet. If it is, make the necessary adjustments. And if you see any signs of damage on the valve, like rust on the cap, sides, or stem, you may need to invest in a new gadget.

Unclog the drain

A clogged drain may have several tell-tale signs besides a slow-filling toilet. These include toilet bowl overflow, gurgling noises, and foul sewage odor.

Luckily, there are numerous ways to unclog a toilet drain. For instance, if you have a toilet snake, inserting it into the bowl, toward the drain, and twisting the device may fix this problem.

However, if you don't have a handy tool like a toilet snake, the tried-and-tested vinegar and baking soda trick may do the job just as well.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Phoenix Today!

Although several simple solutions can help you fix a toilet taking a long time to fill, it's best to let trained and skilled plumbers tackle this issue. Why? For starters, toilet-related issues may pose health risks to you and your loved ones.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have everything needed to make your toilet functional again within no time: experienced plumbers, top-tier tools, and readily available services. Reach out to our team today! Don't let the issue compromise your peace of mind any longer.