The plastic piece inside of your toilet's tank is called a fill valve.It pulls water from the supply line into the tank and uses a ball float or line to cut the water off when it gets to a certain level.The type of fill valve you have will affect how you adjust it.Older models typically require screw drives to adjust, while newer valves can be adjusted automatically.Clean your fill valve if the water level is not the problem.Running the water with the cap off will clear out any obstructions that may cause your toilet to perform poorly.
Step 1: Take the water level in your tank and compare it to the fill valve.
The flush valve on most tanks has a water level line next to it.To see if the water is too high or low, compare it to the line on the flush valve.The water pouring into the flush valve is a sign that the level is too high, if the toilet is always running.Look at the walls on the inside of the tank if there isn't a water line indicator.There are calcium and water stains in the water.The water level needs to be adjusted if it is below the line.After drying the spot with a clean towel, you can mark the location of the old fill line with electrical tape.
Step 2: To see what model you have, look at your fill valve.
There are two different types of fill valves.The rubber ball floats on top of the water in older tanks.When water fills the tank, the ball raises until it shuts the water off by sliding a cover over the valve.If you don't see a ballcock, you have a tube valve or floatless valve.To find out what type of fill valve you have, inspect your tank.The flush valve is next to the hollow tube.The water spills over into the flush valve if the water level is too high.If you hear the tank running, it's because the fill line is higher than the flush valve.
Step 3: To drain the tank, close the water line and flush it.
Take a deep breath and look behind your toilet.A silver or copper pipe runs from the toilet into the wall.The water goes into your toilet through the fill valve.To get rid of the water, Twist it counterclockwise until it won't turn anymore to close it.If you have a screw to connect your fill valve to the float, you don't need to turn the water off.Models made after 2000 have this feature.The water in the toilet bowl is not sanitary, but the water inside your tank is.Get your hands wet in the tank and don't feel bad!
Step 4: There is a screw that connects the ballcock to the fill valve.
The ballcock is connected to the fill valve by a tube or metal strip.The junction is where the tank meets the flathead.The fill line is determined by how tight this screw is.The screwdriver should be based on the head of the screw.
Step 5: The screw should be loosened to raise or lower the water level.
If the water level is too high, you can loosen the screw by twisting it counterclockwise.The screw must be tightened if the water level is too low.The ballcock needs to be adjusted until it rests on the same level as the fill line.The screw connecting the pipe to the fill valve can be turned to raise and lower the ball.The water is still in your tank.If you want to see how the adjustments work, you need to flush it over and over.
Step 6: Test your tank by turning your water back on.
To get the water back up, turn the dial on the supply line behind the toilet.You can watch the ballcock raise by filling up your tank.Check to see if the water is on the fill line when the ballcock stops moving.If you want to check it again, flush it.The screw on the fill valve should be turned in the opposite direction if you want to raise the water.Continue this process until you are happy with the level of the water.
Step 7: If you have a newer model, put the dial on the fill valve.
Take the cover off the tank and check the fill valve for a dial or switch.The dial should be turned to the right if the water is too high.The dial should be turned to the left if the water level is too low.The water can be turned on and watched to see how it fills.If you repeat this process you can get the water to an acceptable level.The dial may or may not be labeled.Automatic fill valves have a feature that will say "water level" if it is labeled.The models are usually made after 2010.It doesn't matter if the water is on or off for this style of fill valve.
Step 8: The ring should be unlocked at the base of the non-float models.
A screw to adjust or a dial on top is not included in some fill valves.The pipes at the base of the toilet are usually locked on these models.With the water out, look for a ring around the base of your fill valve.Pull it up and you'll be able to open the fill valve.Before sliding the ring back down to lock it, you need to adjust the water level.If your fill valve hasn't been adjusted in a while, it may stick.Don't pull so hard that it snaps off the pipe completely.
Step 9: Check the water level by turning your water on.
The water should be turned on by turning the dial on the supply line.If you want to see where the water is in relation to the fill line, let the tank fill with water.Make changes if the water is too high or low.
Step 10: The fill valve's cap should be removed by twisting or removing the screws.
The fill valve cap is part of the assembly.The big compartment is at the top of the tube.Pressing down on the valves will turn them counterclockwise.Older models need to be pulled up.If you have an older model, remove the screws with a flathead screwdriver.If you have a ball float, remove the chain connecting it to the fill valve or the cap before attempting to remove it.This can be used on both styles of fill valve.
Step 11: Remove the rubber ring from the cap.
The cap should be turned upside down.There is a rubber ring around the rim.Lift it out with your finger.If you can't remove it with your finger, use a flathead screwdriver.The ring is usually a different color than the rest of the mechanism.
Step 12: Rub the ring clean.
As time goes on, this ring will collect minerals and dirt, which may be the cause of a hissing or inconsistent toilet.Hold the ring under the water while rotating it to rinse it off.Rub both sides of the ring with your fingers.
Step 13: Turn the water on by putting the cap on the open fill valve.
Put your cap on top of the hole where it used to be by flipping it upside down.The water supply can be turned back on by twisting the knob a few times.The water will clean the fill valve.Keeping the cap over the hole will keep water out of the sides of your cap.It would be small if there was any debris in your fill valve.The cap is not going to keep things locked in.
Step 14: Shut the water off and then put the cap back on.
If you see water coming out of your upside-down cap, you can shut it off by twisting the supply knob.Remove the rubber ring from the fill valve cap and put it back where it was before.Before refilling the tank, you should remove any debris from your fill valve.
Step 15: You can refill your tank by turning the water back on.
Turn the knob on the supply line all the way to the left to turn your water back on once your fill valve is reassembled.The tank will refill once the water is hooked back up.To make sure the toilet is filling as it should, flush it to see if any noises are gone.