Fill Valve Problems

Learning to properly diagnose problems with a toilet that is not functioning properly can save a homeowner both time and money. One of the major components that can affect the performance of a toilet is the fill valve.

Identification

• The fill valve is the mechanism that refills the toilet tank after flushing. While there are several different styles used, you can locate the fill valve by following the water supply line from the wall into the tank. The tall tube-like apparatus directly attached to the supply line is the fill valve.

Potential Problems

• There are two main issues that an improperly functioning fill valve can cause. Either the tank will be very slow to refill or it will be constantly running. In most cases, these issues can be corrected without having to purchase and install a new fill valve.

Repairing Slow Fill

• Slow tank refill is generally caused by debris stuck inside the fill valve that is restricting water flow. Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet, remove the valve and gently tap it against a hard surface to release the blockage. Most fill valve mechanisms can be removed without any tools by releasing a collar and pulling the assembly off of the supply tube.

Constant Running Solution

• A constantly running toilet is usually caused by a fill valve over filling the tank. In the middle of the tank is an overflow tube. If the water level is at the top of this tube, you will need to adjust the height of the floater on the fill valve. Simply push down on the floater until the desired height is reached.