Debris that builds up over time inside the water system, including the valve body, supply line or shut off valve (at the wall) can restrict the flow path of water and slow down the valves filling speed. Toilet fill valves in use for a period of 7 years or more can have their working parts start to wear out.
The easiest way to fix a slow draining toilet is to unplug the tank and take it off, then clean out the pipe. If this does not work, you may need to replace the flush valve in your toilet. You will want to turn off your water supply before you begin. There should be a valve in the wall behind the toilet.
As your toilet gets older, it is possible that the fill valve will become worn down or clogged and not operate as effectively. You should remove and inspect the flush valve for any signs of damage or blockages, then make sure that the valve is secure and adjusted correctly to allow for more water to enter the tank.
Misadjusted Fill Valve
To begin, inspect it to see whether anything is trapped inside the tube and that the tube itself is undamaged with no leaks. Debris or silt can clog fill valves over time, and will prevent the toilet to fill properly and shut off.
Start by inspecting the fill valve in the toilet tank; it's often the culprit for low water levels. Ensure the float mechanism is set correctly, and adjust or replace the fill valve if necessary. If you're dealing with a clog, begin with a plunger or toilet auger to clear the way.
Heat 1 to 1 ½ cups of white vinegar to about the same temperature you'd take your coffee – not scalding, but warm enough. Add it to the overflow tube and give it about 30 minutes to work. Flush, then go to work on the jet holes, chipping away the scale with something small but solid.
If the fill valve appears to fill the tank slower than before, then debris has likely blocked the debris screen inside the valve. This will need to be flushed from the debris filter. Turn off the supply to the toilet. Remove the tank lid.
Perform a Dye Test
Add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait for about 30 minutes without flushing. If you see the colored water seeping into the toilet bowl, your fill valve is likely the issue.
The fastest way to unclog a toilet is often by using a plunger. Plungers create suction that helps dislodge the blockage quickly. Alternatively, pouring hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the toilet bowl can also provide fast results by breaking down the clog.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.
In general, a single flush 1.6 gpf or 1.28 gpf toilet tank will take around half minute (30 seconds) to one minute (60 seconds) to fill. Here are few steps to verify if your toilet tank takes longer than one minute to fill: Verify if the water supply valve is fully open.
Check the water level:
This cause by far the most common reason for slow flushing toilets. If the water in the tank is not up to the recommended level, you may have poor flushing power.
The main reason for a toilet tank not filling or filling slowly is due to the toilet fill valve. The most common reasons for the fill valve to slow down or no longer fill the tank after the flush are debris issues and the length of time a fill valve has been in use.
Low Water in Toilet Bowl
The toilet tank fill tube may be damaged or incorrectly positioned, preventing the water level from reaching its proper level. Position the fill tube so water is flowing into the overflow tube (the open pipe near the center of the tank). If this doesn't fix the problem, replace the fill tube.
Often, the explanation is a clogged pipe, a damaged component, or a hidden leak. No matter what it is causing your toilet bowl to empty, you should address the problem as quickly as possible.
Generally, it's a good idea to consider replacing the toilet fill valve every 4 to 5 years.
Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.
What Creates Black Rings Inside a Toilet Bowl? Hard Water Deposits: Anytime a surface comes in contact with your home's water supply on a regular basis such as faucets, shower heads, and toilet bowls, it becomes susceptible to an accumulation of residue.
Measure one cup of baking soda and pour it into the toilet. Then, pour two cups of white vinegar onto the baking soda to create a chemical reaction that fizzes. As it fizzes and circulates in the bowl, you may see the water level drop which indicates that the blockage is clearing.