When and How to Fix Your Toilet's Fill Valve

By Binford Supply House

4/1/2020

 

There is a good chance that every toilet you have ever used relied on a fill valve. The importance of this mechanism should not be understated. Instead, it is imperative to learn about what fill valves do, how they work, common problems associated with them, and how to properly replace them.

 

What Is a Fill Valve's Purpose?

 

Fill valves are arguably the most important component of a functioning toilet. This is because the fill valve is responsible for replenishing the fresh water in the tank. If this seemingly little, inexpensive piece stops working, the entire toilet stops working. Every single time you flush, a coinciding piece known as the flush valve shoots water from the tank into the bowl. The fill valve begins refilling the tank with fresh water immediately after. The toilet’s lever signals the unit to temporarily open, which then releases the fresh water. The water level keeps rising until an air filled ball or cup that rests in the water determines that the tank is full by means of a preset height. Since you flush every single time you use the toilet, fill valves will eventually wear out.

 

Signs You Need a Fill Valve Replacement or Adjustment

 

One of the most common signs that you may need to replace a worn out fill valve is if your toilet won’t stop running. A toilet’s water is supposed to run after every flush. That is simply the noise of the fill valve doing its job. However, sometimes the toilet keeps running. This can be caused by a tangled chain or a faulty flapper, but a fill valve can also be at fault. You can usually adjust a fill valve by tightening it and sometimes this will eradicate the issue. Other times, the valve is simply worn out. A worn out fill valve can also cause hissing and screaming noises. These annoying sounds usually signify that the fill valve’s metal pieces are corroded. Almost all old ballcock-style valves utilize internal metal pieces, but a lot of newer models do as well. These pieces can wear down and even rust over time and begin to create a low humming sound. This means that the water in the tank isn’t running as smoothly as it should and will only lead to bigger problems if left unattended. A higher-pitched screeching noise usually indicates that the metal pieces are loose and the fill valve will stop working completely without proper attention and maintenance.

 

Removing an Old Fill Valve

 

Replacing a worn out or broken fill valve is fairly simple and easy process that any homeowner can accomplish on his or her own. Before you begin removing your old fill valve, you must make sure that the water is shut off, the tank is drained, and the old supply line is disconnected. This can conveniently be done by shutting off the water line, turning the shut off valve (located on the bottom of the tank) and flushing the toilet to release all of the tank’s water. You may also need to drain excess water with a cup or bucket. From there, you can remove the lock nut that holds the mechanism in place, disconnect the refill tube from the overflow pipe holder, and easily take the fill valve out.

 

Installing a New Fill Valve

 

Most fill valve kits come with specific installation instructions, but the process is almost universal. First, you must place the valve shank onto the fill valve and then place the unit’s base directly into the tank’s opening. From there, you can lock it into place by tightening the lock nut that you removed earlier. All of this allows the new fill valve to be reconnected back to the supply line to provide fresh water to the tank once again. However, you are not quite done yet. Before everything is back in business, it is important to reattach the refill tube to the overflow pipe holder to avoid leakage. Now, you can turn your water back on and allow the tank to fill. At this point, you may also wish to change the preset height by moving the float up or down.

 

Every Fix Is Only Temporary

 

Fill valves are typically replaced every three to five years. Luckily, the installation process is easy and affordable. Whether you are a professional plumber, a DIY enthusiast, or a novice homeowner, everybody can remove an old fill valve and replace it with a new one. Be sure to check out our vast selection of fill valves to find the right one just for you.