How to Repair Common Toilet Fill Valve Problems
- Diagnose the Problem. Before performing any repairs on your toilet, you need to do your best to figure out what is wrong with it, if anything.
- Adjust the Water Level. If you determine that you have a problem with your toilet fill valve, you should try adjusting the water level before you try ...
- Finish Up. ...
How to clean your fill valve?
Follow this simple procedure:
- Turn off the shutoff valve under the toilet. There's no need to empty the tank.
- Grasp the cap of the valve with one hand and the valve body with the other, push the cap down and turn it counterclockwise. ...
- Hold a plastic cup over the valve to avoid getting sprayed and turn the water valve on. ...
- Replace the cap and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
How to troubleshoot a Fluidmaster fill valve?
- Look for any discoloration in the fill valve (looking for a bleached or faded type of discoloration). ...
- Look to see if rust is above the water line and/or rust or discoloration on the top cap lever arm assembly that is attached to the adjustment rod. ...
- Look for signs of leaking at the water supply line to the fill valve (outside tank). ...
How do you replace a toilet fill valve?
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply valve by rotating it clockwise till firm, to prevent any flow of water from the source into the tank. ...
- Remove the tank lid then flush the toilet to drain as much water as you can out of the tank. ...
- Detach the water supply hose from the base of the tank while placing a bucket under it to catch the remaining water. ...
How to fix loud or broken fill valve?
Replacing the Fill Valve
- Turn off the water at the shut-off valve under the toilet and then flush the toilet to release all the water from the tank.
- Unscrew the supply line from the bottom of the tank by turning it counterclockwise with a pair of pliers.
- Pull out the old fill valve from the top of the tank.
How to fix a toilet valve that is not working?
Why is a toilet fill valve important?
How to find the float on a toilet?
How to stop toilet from using more water?
How do you fix a broken fill valve?
0:533:58How to Fix a Toilet - Fill Valve Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube toMoreReach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube to the overflow tube and adjust the new fill valve for optimum water level.
What causes a fill valve to stop working?
0:194:05Fill Valve Does Not Shut Off : Clean or Replace the Seal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver time dirt or mineral particles can build up on or around the rubber seal inside your fill valveMoreOver time dirt or mineral particles can build up on or around the rubber seal inside your fill valve. This buildup will prevent your fill valve from shutting off causing.
How do you stop a leaking fill valve?
0:272:29How to Fix a Toilet - Diagnostics - Internal Leaking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply slide the adjustment clip located next to the fill cup downward. Until the water position isMoreSimply slide the adjustment clip located next to the fill cup downward. Until the water position is at the correct level generally.
How do you service a fill valve?
0:426:18Servicing A Type B Fill Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst remove the tank lid. And set it aside be careful you told water broken lid. Turn off the waterMoreFirst remove the tank lid. And set it aside be careful you told water broken lid. Turn off the water supply flush the toilet. And hold the lever open for 10 to 15 seconds to completely drain the tank.
How do you know if you have a faulty fill valve?
You can spot a faulty fill valve by listening closely to strange sounds that might be coming from your toilet. The sound of water constantly running through the tank can indicate fill valve problems. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank and watch to see if the colored water leaks out into the bowl.
Can a fill valve get clogged?
The fill valve's job is to control the water level in the tank. Over time, fill valves can wear down, become clogged, or shift out of alignment.
Why is my toilet fill valve leaking at top?
0:381:29Fill Valve Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe problem is directly related to the fill valve. Sometimes the fill valve only needs a minorMoreThe problem is directly related to the fill valve. Sometimes the fill valve only needs a minor adjustment to return it to proper function.
Where does water come out the fill valve?
0:091:47How does a toilet fill valve work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fill valve brings water from the water supply line into the toilet tank people. Over. The yearsMoreThe fill valve brings water from the water supply line into the toilet tank people. Over. The years fill. Valves have varied. And design a common model found in older toilets is the ballcock.
How do you test a fill valve?
0:211:58How to Know When Your Fill Valve on a Toilet Needs Replacing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart coming into your toilet.MoreStart coming into your toilet.
How do you fix a slow filling toilet tank?
0:263:13Fix A Slow Filling Toilet Tank-With No Tools! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it doesn't move right underneath this float. So you're going to rotate it counterclockwise andMoreSo it doesn't move right underneath this float. So you're going to rotate it counterclockwise and you want to take note to the orientation of this arm it's about at the 0 4 or 5 o'clock position.
How much does it cost to replace a fill valve?
Cost of Replacement PartsPartPriceDIY Project TimeFill Valve$8 - $301 - 2 hoursShut Off Valve$5 - $351 - 2 hoursBowl Flush Valve$20 - $30½ - 2 hoursFlapper$5 - $1020 - 30 minutes
Can a fill valve leak?
Over time, a worn or out of alignment fill valve can become a problem, cause a leak, and wear on valve's components and parts. If your fill valve leaks, or if water continues to run after you flush, it may be time to replace the fill valve.
Can a fill valve cause a toilet to leak?
Another common cause of a leaky toilet is problems with the fill valve. The fill valve (unsurprisingly) is the connection that fills the tank from your supply line. A leaky fill valve can result in water spilling onto the floor and causing small puddles to build up.
Can bad fill valve cause toilet to leak?
Another common problem that causes a toilet to leak is a fill valve that won't shut off, leaving water continually pouring down the overflow pipe. This is usually caused by debris that becomes lodged under the valve's seal.
Where is the shut off valve on a toilet?
Locate the shutoff valve that controls the water supply to the toilet. The valve is usually located on the wall below the toilet tank and has a small handle. The valve will be connected to a water supply tube leading to the bottom of the toilet tank.
How to clean calcium build up on valve?
Clean the valve of calcium or mineral build-up by dissolving it with vinegar applied with an old toothbrush. After the surface is clean, wash the valve with warm soapy water, then rinse.
What Is a Fill Valve?
As the name suggests, the fill valve controls the refilling of the toilet tank. So the next question you're probably asking is, how does a fill valve work? Typically, it works with a float ball or a cup, which rises with the water level. When it's down, the valve opens and fills the tank. The valve shuts close when the tank is full.
Do I Need to Replace the Fill Valve?
Now that you know what you're looking at, how do you know you need to replace it? Start with the flapper. This is a cheaper part, it's easier to replace, and you may not even have to replace it. It may be in fine condition. There might be something obstructing the seal. Feel around the edges to look for a bend in the seal.
Fixing a Broken Fill Valve in 10 Steps
The problem might be a float that needs adjusting, so tinker with that a little bit. The flapper may not be able to establish a seal because the float is causing problems. Move the arm around a little to see if there is a better configuration.
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How to get water flowing again after replacing fill valve?
Once the replacement fill valve is in place, it's time to get the water flowing again. Attach the supply line to the bottom of the new fill valve. Make sure that there is a washer inside the end of the supply line and tighten it with a wrench until it’s tight.
What is the float on a toilet?
In newer toilets, it is the entire plastic column that includes the float and the on-off lever for filling. In older toilets, the float is a separate piece but it will be connected to the top of the fill valve. The fill valve also has a tube attached to it that connects to the overflow pipe.
Where is the lock nut on a toilet fill valve?
When you have the toilet fill valve in place, the final part of its installation is to tighten a lock nut onto the threaded part of the valve. This is located on the underside of the tank. When doing this, it is important not to tighten the nut too hard.
Where is the water valve located on a toilet?
You should have a water valve directly below the toilet tank. It should be located between where the water pipe comes out of the wall and where it attaches to the bottom of the toilet tank . In most cases, you will turn the water shutoff valve clockwise to turn it off.
Can a toilet valve be faulty?
A faulty toilet fill valve can cause your toilet to run all the time or otherwise malfunction. However, the good news is that replacing your toilet fill valve is something any homeowner can do. It does not take a lot of experience with plumbing or a lot of time. However, you do need a few parts, a couple of tools, and a little bit of effort.
Who is James Schuelke?
James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California.
Why does my toilet keep running?
Constant Running of Water. When the flapper of the fill valve is faulty, you could hear the water filling the toilet tank continuously. The problem is that it can’t completely close the outlet to the toilet bowl. As such, the water keeps flowing from the tank to the bowl with the inlet remaining open to maintain a certain level.
What is a fill valve?
The fill valve of your toilet combines with the flush valve to ensure your toilet always has enough water to flush and keep everything clean. The fill valve setup is a pretty simple one even when there are various types with different approaches on how to keep the toilet tank full. No matter what type of fill valve you have, ...
Why does my toilet tank overflow?
Too much or too little Water in the Toilet Tank. If your toilet tank holds too little water (not enough to clear wastes in one flush) or too much that it overflows, the cause is that the fill valve has been poorly adjusted and needs readjusting. The type of toilet fill valve determines the solution to this issue.
Why won't my toilet fill up?
It can be due to a stuck brass rod, punctured float ball, or a poorly adjusted float mechanism.
Why does my water tank fill valve leak?
Leaks. Fill valves tend to leak when there’s an issue preventing them from closing the water inlets and outlets completely. For example, the clogs previously mentioned may make it impossible for the fill valve to be completely closed. As such, water keeps on flowing into the tank and consequently into the bowl.
How to unblock a fill valve?
To unblock fill valve clogs, you need to first identify the actual location and type of blockage. You can easily identify the area of blockage as it’s a small setup. You then open the valve up and simply poke out the blockage.
Why is there so little water in my toilet?
At times, the reason for having too little water in the toilet tank may be a punctured floater ball which will require replacement. When adjusting these levels, keep an eye on the recommended water levels marked inside the tank to prevent having too little or too much water in it.
How to fix a toilet valve that is not working?
This is a relatively simple procedure, though the actual procedure will vary depending on the kind of fill valve you have. First open up your toilet. Set a towel on the ground.
Why is a toilet fill valve important?
A well-maintained toilet fill valve is vital to a functional, efficient toilet. If a toilet fill valve develops a problem, it can bring negative results. Even if your toilet remains functional, a damaged toilet fill valve can waste a great deal of water and, with it, your money.
How to find the float on a toilet?
Next find your toilet's float. It will be either a plastic or rubber ball on the end of a metal arm, or a cylinder mounted on a pipe. If the float is a ball on the end of an arm, look for a screw at the base of the arm.
How to stop toilet from using more water?
Lowering the water level should stop your toilet from using more water than necessary. Close up your toilet tank and make sure to put everything back where it came from. Give the toilet a test flush. If everything works properly, your problem is fixed.
Step 1 - Diagnose The Problem
Step 2 - Adjust The Water Level
- If you determine that you have a problem with your toilet fill valve, you should try adjusting the water level before you try anything else. This is a relatively simple procedure, though the actual procedure will vary depending on the kind of fill valve you have. First open up your toilet. Set a towel on the ground. Then remove the top of the tank ...
Step 3 - Finish Up
- Lowering the water level should stop your toilet from using more water than necessary. Close up your toilet tank and make sure to put everything back where it came from. Give the toilet a test flush. If everything works properly, your problem is fixed. However, if your toilet is still using water when it is not active, you may need to call a professional, as you may have a leak.