A fill valve on a typical toilet is usually not a complex feature. It is a tube containing a shutoff valve, and it is attached to the water source through a joining at the toilet tank’s bottom. When the water reaches the needed level, the air-filled cup or ball linked to the valve floats in the tank, forcing the valve to shut off the water flow. A toilet fill valve can last for approximately five years. However, it can last longer depending on the frequency of flushing the toilet, the valve quality, and the residence’s water quality. Like other water valves, a toilet valve can get out of alignment or become worn-out. This can cause a leak or wear on the valve’s parts. Therefore, homeowners must know when to replace a faulty valve to avoid serious plumbing issues such as flooding.
Types of Toilet Fill Valves
Toilet fill valves are available in different types since many manufacturers produce them. Many fill valves are fairly interchangeable and fit the typical tank openings for various toilets. However, size and the valve system’s length are essential aspects that homeowners or plumbers should pay attention to. Nowadays, toilets usually have smaller tanks, so you must ensure that the stem on your fill valve meets the required size. Luckily, some fill valves are adaptable to fit varying tank sizes.
Some toilets may come with flush valves containing large overflow pipes that necessitate a particular fill valve. It is advisable to carry the old fill valve to the store to help you find its appropriate replacement. Having the old valve helps the retailer to show you various acceptable substitutes as well.
Most toilets may be fitted with specified ballcocks or fill valves. If this is the case, consider researching the brand and model to develop a parts analysis. This will help you get the exact replacement from the same brand. Getting the wrong replacement can cause some frustrations in the future, and the valve will fail to fit your toilet.
Types of toilet fill valves include:
- Old-style ballcock
- Float-cup fill valve
- Diaphragm-style fill valve
- Float-less fill valve
Symptoms of a Faulty Fill Valve
After some time, your toilet fill valve may need a replacement. You can determine this by observing certain signs. One of the common signs to pay attention to is a running toilet. The cause of this issue is usually a leaking flapper that causes slow drainage in the tank, making the fill valve run continually. However, this can also happen when the fill valve becomes worn-out. If you want to know whether the underlying issue is the valve or the flapper, place dye into the water tank. Wait a few hours after placing the dye to flush the toilet. Next, check whether the water in the bowl has changed color. If there is no color change, then the fill valve has a problem.
Another common sign of a faulty toilet valve is noise production. When the metal parts of the old-fashioned ballcock valves start to wear, the valve does not close and open easily. This may cause the force of the water passing through the aperture to produce some noise. You may fail to detect the low buzzing sound since this is usually the initial noise. This is typically the first sign that the water is not running smoothly. Unfortunately, this sound is likely to turn into a screeching and screaming noise. This sound is generated since the metal parts become loose.
How to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve
It is usually not hard to change a toilet fill valve. First, shut off the water, empty the tank, and detach the water supply before you start. The next step is to remove the faulty valve by loosening the retaining nut mounted beneath the tank and pulling it up. Typically, the installation process is simple and straightforward. Follow the valve package manual to modify the valve height.
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