Like many household essentials, a toilet is something we often take for granted. We only think about it once it stops working properly. When we experience a toilet problem, it is often related to the fill valve. A properly functioning fill valve does more than simply refill the tank after each flush. It is a vital part of keeping the toilet working properly. Here are three ways that the fill valve does that.
Controlling Fill Level
A balance must be achieved with the water fill level in the toilet tank. If the level is set too high, then the tank will take longer to fill up and, more importantly, will use more water than it needs to use. If the level is too low, the bowl will not clear completely out and the toilet must be flushed again.
When a toilet is first installed, the fill level is usually left at a default level. This means it is probably not set at the ideal level. Adjusting the fill valve to various levels and testing its performance a few times will ensure you find the right balance between effectiveness and water consumption.
Preventing Noise
Modern toilets are far better than their predecessors at operating at low noise levels. Improved materials and designs have reduced the noise generated by the fill valves and other components. Over time, though, age and wear can erode parts that limit noise, causing the unit to become gradually louder.
A quality fill valve made from durable materials is far less likely to become noisy even with years of use. This will ensure the quiet, effective operation of the toilet. In addition, a fill valve that provides an unimpeded flow of water into the tank is unlikely to cause noise in the water lines of the home itself, which may shudder and groan as the toilet fills up. These noises can carry throughout the home, so the fill valve is vital in preventing noise in the entire house.
Quickly Prepare the Toilet for Next Use
A major part of the value of a fill valve is the speed with which it refills the tank. If the valve moves water too quickly, there is more pressure on its shutoff mechanism. This extra pressure will cause the shutoff to wear out, causing it to leak and eventually fail. High flow rates can also contribute to the pipe noise described above.
On the other side of the equation, slow flow rates from fill valves will increase the amount of time it takes to refill the tank, meaning it will take longer for the toilet to be ready for its next use. In some situations, that is not a severe problem. However, if the bathroom is located in a commercial setting or even just in a home with lots of residents or visitors, the slow refill rate can be a real inconvenience. A fill valve that refills the tank quickly and quietly is ideal.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
