What Is a Fill Valve In Toilet? An Honest Look

Inside your toilet tank, there are different components that promote the flushing system in your toilet. One of these components is the fill valve. So, what is a fill valve in the toilet? Let’s delve in and discuss what a fill valve is all about.

The fill valve in our toilet tank does wonders for our toilet. They are responsible for the flow and control of water inside the toilet tank after you’ve flushed. You can find the fill valve inside the tank on the left part of your toilet tank.

So, let’s take a deep look into what a fill valve is in the toilet and how important this toilet component is.

What is a Fill Valve In Toilet And What Is Its Role?

When we talk about what a fill valve is, we’re referring to the part of the toilet where the water flow is being controlled. So, just as the name implies, this toilet component is responsible for filling or replenishing water into the tank after each flush cycle. The fill valve is linked to the water supply through the connection that is at the base of your toilet tank.

Also, you should note that there are just two tank valves present in the toilet: they are the fill valve and the flush valve. The flush valve is responsible for replenishing the water in your toilet bowl. Then the fill valve takes charge of the flow of water that helps refill the tank once you pull the flush handle.

What Are The Types of Fill Valves Available?

The types of fill valves that are commonly seen are the ones with float ball attached to a metal rod or the ones with integrated float cup. The float ball is more of the old-styled type, while the integrated float cup is a bit modern. But it doesn’t matter the type of float ball you have because they all have the same working mechanism.

Recognizing When There’s An Issue With Your Fill Valve

It’s not uncommon for the fill valve in the toilet to require some adjustments because it can wear out as time goes on. Your toilet may not flush properly if there’s an issue with the fill valve. Therefore, it will be a good idea to understand the symptoms of a faulty fill valve so you can act accordingly.

So, here are two common signs that your fill valve is faulty:

· Persistent running sound of water from the toilet tank.

·Toilet not flushing properly.

Take note that if your fill valve is operating excellently well, it will be silent when the tank has attained its full optimal water level once it has finished refilling.

Further, let’s look at how we can recognize a broken fill valve that requires immediate replacement.

How to Recognize Your Fill Valve is Broken And Requires Replacement

You can do a simple test to determine if your fill valve is broken and needs replacement. Simply add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and check the toilet bowl. If there isn’t any leak of the food coloring found inside the toilet bowl, then the fill valve will require replacement.

Once you’ve confirmed the fill valve have an issue, ensure you act fast. This is because lingering about this issue can cause more water wastage which will tell on your water bill.

How to Successfully Replace Your Faulty Fill Valve

So, problems may arise with your fill valve and these problems can cause your toilet to keep running thereby causing water wastage. Also, problems associated with your fill valve can cause your toilet not to flush completely.

Here is how you can replace your fill valve successfully and restore the smooth flow and operations of your toilet.

Materials and tools for replacement

You will need a new fill valve kit and when you purchase a new fill valve kit, it should come with the entire assembly. So, the kit should include the fill valve assembly, the refill tube, gaskets, and lock nut.

Then the tools required for the replacement of your fill valve are pliers, an adjustable open-end wrench, a towel or sponge, and a plastic bowl.

Step 1 – Shut-off the water supply to the tank

The first step to the fill valve replacement is to shut-off the water supply valve and flush the toilet. Then lift up the tank’s lid and with the help of a sponge or towel, squeeze out any leftover water.

Step 2 – Take out the old fill valve assembly

Now, use the adjustable wrench to unscrew the mounting bolt below the tank. This should allow you to have access to the old fill valve assembly. So, take out the old fill valve assembly and begin to prep the new fill valve assembly.

Step 3 – New valve preparation and installation

Preparation of the new fill valve assembly involves adjusting the height to fit your toilet tank. Ensure the marking on top of the new valve is at least one inch above the toilet’s overflow tube.

Next, slide the new fill valve assembly into the opening at the tank base. Then use the lock nut to tighten the valve that is below the outer part of the tank base. Next, if your refill tube needs trimming, do so. Then bend the refill tube and reattach the tube to the overflow pipe.

Step 4 – Water supply reconnection

It’s now time to reconnect your water supply and your tank will begin to refill. While the water is refilling, do some checks for any leaks and do the necessary tightening.

Once everything is in order, you can now return the tank lid and flush your toilet to see how it works.

Final Note

The fill valve is that tube inside your toilet tank that has a shutoff valve connected to the water supply. This valve tends to wear out as time goes on thereby causing issues in the toilet.

Just to avoid any disruption of service with your toilet, we recommend you replace your fill valve every 5 years. Do these replacements and make them part of your regular toilet maintenance.

So, we hope we’ve been able to answer the question: what is a fill valve in the toilet, and what its role is in our toilet?