The toilet may experience issues like leaks, which are often ignored. However, if the fill valve is the culprit, it could lead to significant water wastage and higher bills. It can be fixed by yourself or with professional help.
Before Fixing a Fill Valve, It is Better to Understand What Exactly is Fill Valve?
Well, it's essentially the crucial component of a toilet tank responsible for refilling it with water following each flush. Typically situated on the left side of the tank, it's connected to the water supply line from below. Inside the tank, it links to the toilet float and overflow tube via the refill tube. In older models, a float ball is connected to the fill valve through a lever, whereas newer ones have a float cup directly attached to the vertical body of the fill valve.
What Leads to the Malfunction of a Toilet Valve?
Regular use contributes to wear and tear, potentially causing misalignment or other issues with the fill valve. Additionally, accumulation of debris can lead to clogging within the valve, often challenging or impossible to clean due to inaccessible inner components.
Also Read: The Essential Guide to Toilet Paper Holder Height and Installation
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start replacing the toilet fill valve, gather the following tools and materials:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Bucket or towels
- New fill valve
- Teflon tape
How to Replace a Fill Valve?
Turn Off the Water
Stop the Main water supply to ensure no water is wasted while you start replacing the fill valve in a toilet tank.
Drain Out the Water
Once you've turned off the water, lift the tank lid and press the flusher continuously to empty the tank. Next, utilize a turkey baster to extract any leftover water, or alternatively employ a sponge or towels for this purpose. If you own a wet-dry vacuum, it can expedite the process efficiently.
Locate the Fill Valve
Locate the fill valve, usually positioned with a tube connected to the overflow pipe. Older models have a float attached to the top, while newer ones feature a plastic column with the float inside.
The fill valve of your toilet, usually positioned to the side, features a connected tube leading to the overflow pipe. In older toilet designs, the float is linked to the top of the fill valve, while in newer models, it's integrated into a plastic column.
Replace the Fill Valve
Replace the aged fill valve by loosening the nut located on the exterior bottom of the tank using either a wrench or pliers, turning it in a counterclockwise direction. To prevent it from rotating, you might require another pair of pliers to hold the bottom of the fill valve from inside the tank.
Attach the Rubber Washer to the New Fill Valve. Slide the rubber washer onto the bottom flange of the new fill valve's tailpiece.
If required, adjust the height of the new fill valve so it is higher than the overflow tube but still allows the tank lid to close properly. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific adjustment methods.
Install the New Fill Valve
Position the new fill valve in place with the rubber washer at the base. Carefully tighten the fill valve nut connecting the supply line at the bottom exterior of the tank using your fingers. Avoid using pliers and be cautious not to overtighten to prevent damage to the tank or valve.
Restore the Water Supply
Test the flush to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Is It Possible to Repair the Toilet Fill Valve?
Some minor adjustments can improve its performance. For instance, adjusting the fill valve's position can help regulate the water level, and you can also modify its height if necessary. But it is always better to replace the fill valve instead of repairs.
Also Read: The Truth Behind the Fabric Softener in Toilet Tank
What Kind of Fill Valve is Required?
This can vary; older models might utilize a ball float to gauge water levels and stop water flow, whereas newer designs like the float cup fill valve employ a round float around the shaft to achieve the same purpose. Additionally, there are floatless fill valves that utilize a pressure-sensing diaphragm to regulate water flow.
Also read: Complete Your Space: Five-Piece Bathroom
Conclusion
Replacing the fill valve assembly is a common and cost-effective solution to fix issues with the toilet's water-filling system. It's a relatively straightforward DIY task for many homeowners and can make a big difference in water conservation and utility bills.
