The toilet fill valve is also known as the water inlet valve for the toilet tank. When this valve does not work properly, the toilet’s flushing power reduces, water keeps running down the bowl, and in some cases, you can hear a hiss or whistle sound while the tank gets filled with water. In such conditions, you need to adjust the toilet fill valve. Find below how can you adjust it.
How Does a Toilet Fill Valve Work
The job of this valve is to allow the water into the toilet tank and stop it when the tank is full. To shut the water intake, a floating cup or a ball valve is used. The floating cup is a small up-turned plastic cup with an adjustable screw arm. When the water reaches the maximum level, the cup rises and shuts the water intake. These toilet fill valves can speedily fill the tank. Meanwhile, the ball attached with a soft metallic is used in the ball valve. The ball rises with the water level, and when it reaches the maximum, it closes the water inlet valve. This method takes a little longer to fill the tank because the water inle gets slower as the ball rises.
When to Adjust the Fill Valve
There are some issues related to the toilet fill valve; if you are facing these, it means that your toilet fill valve needs to be adjusted or replaced.
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Slow Tank Refill
When the valve mechanism is not working properly, the toilet tank takes more time to refill.
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Continuous Running Water
If the toilet fill valve does not close properly it causes a continuous running of water.
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Water Leaking
If there is a water leakage along with the toilet tank, it means that the toilet fill valve is not shutting water intake even when the tank is full.
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Hiss Noise
If there is a sound of a whistle or hiss while the tank is getting filled with water, it means your fill valve needs attention.
How to Adjust a Toilet Fill Valve
If you have a toilet that keeps running and the toilet flapper valve appears to be working properly, or it is showing any of the above issues, the problem is likely a toilet fill valve that needs adjustment. This problem is easy to fix if you follow the tips in this do-it-yourself video.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Depending on the design of the fill valve in the toilet, a screwdriver may or may not be needed.
Steps To Adjust a Toilet Fill Valve
- Remove the lid from the toilet tank and set it on the floor.
- Some toilet tanks have a maximum water level mark printed or etched inside the tank, while others do not. There is a vertical tube called an overflow tube. The important part is that the water lever should be slightly below the top of this tube when the tank is full. If the water level is too high, it will be constantly emptying into this tube.
- The fill valve contains an adjustable float mechanism that shuts off the water when it reaches the maximum level. There are many designs for different types of fill valves and floats, but each has a method for adjusting the maximum water level. A quick inspection of the valve should indicate the proper method to use to make the adjustment. The adjustment is usually not hard to figure out.
- Adjust the valve so that when the tank is filled, the water level is just below the top of the overflow tube. Or if it is a ball valve, adjust it by bending the shaft so it may close the water inlet when water reaches maximum level.
- Flush the toilet and wait for the tank to fill. The water should shut off just before the water level reaches the top of the overflow tube. If it doesn’t, adjust the valve and test it again.
- If everything is working properly, replace the lid on the toilet tank.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is helpful to increase the life of a toilet fill valve. It also helps to improve the efficiency of a toilet fill valve. In maintenance, the following are the things to take care of:
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Cleaning of the Valve
Usually, due to hard water buildups appearing in the fill valve, the water passage becomes narrow and it affects the proper functioning of the toilet fill valve. It needs to be cleaned with a vinegar solution for better functioning.
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Functioning of Float
The float should not stuck and move smoothly with water level. If it doesn’t do so, re-adjust the arm or replace it.
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Adjust Float Height
In maintenance, be sure to adjust the float height so the water level remains lower than the overflow tube.
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes, the hissing noise does not get fixed even after re-adjusting the toilet fill valve. Because the toilet fill valves do go bad and periodically need to be replaced. If the issue persists and the adjustment does not work, you may have to replace the fill valve assembly. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, call a professional plumber or handyman.