It can be annoying when you’ve pulled the flush and the toilet hasn’t cleared properly. Your first instinct will be to try the flush again. However, if you have a toilet that is slow to fill this will be a frustrating wait. In most cases, the best solution is to call an emergency plumber. They will quickly identify the issue and resolve it for you. While many people are concerned regarding the cost of an emergency plumber you need to balance this against the stress of the issue and the amount of time it will take for you to deal with the issue.
Of course, it helps to be familiar with the most common reasons why your toilet is slow to fill.
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Clogged Vents
A good toilet system will have two vents. One of these allows air into the sewage system, the other allows it out. By doing this there is a steady flow of clean fresh air which prevents odors from building up and escaping into your home.
In addition, the movement of air helps to ensure the pressure inside the system is maintained. This allows your wastewater to flow smoothly way. If the vent becomes clogged then there may not be sufficient air to allow smooth wastewater movement.
The good news is that in most cases a clogged air vent is a bird’s nest or something similar. The bad news is that the vent pipe should extend just above the roofline of your home. That means you need to go onto the roof to remove the cover and check the vent is clear.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can also cause issues. If your drain is clogged or even partially blocked then the wastewater and products won’t be able to drain efficiently. This results in a slow-draining toilet. This can slow down the speed at which your toilet fills.
However, it can also mean that your toilet fills up and potentially overflows. B very careful about pulling the flush if you have a clogged toilet, it could be a disaster.
Clear the clog with a plunger, toilet auger, or you can put baking soda and vinegar into the toilet. This will help to shift the clog and allow it to drain properly.
Leaks
Leaks in your pipework will reduce the water pressure. It may be noticeable when using the faucet or the shower. If this happens the cistern will refill slowly as there simply isn’t enough pressure to fill it any faster.
You can increase the pressure of the water in your home. However, if you have a leaking pipe this will simply increase the amount of water you are wasting and the damage you are likely to be doing to your home.
It’s best to check for leaks before adjusting water pressure.
Damaged Valve
Finally, a slow-filling toilet can simply tell you there is an issue with the cistern mechanism. That means the valve allows water into the cistern or even the float mechanism. You may be able to fix the issue or it may be better to replace the cistern mechanism, a professional can advise the best course of action.
