A fill valve is a tall piece of plastic inside of your toilet's tank.When it gets to a certain level, it pulls water from the supply line and uses a ball float or line to cut the water off.The type of fill valve you have affects how you adjust it.Older models typically require screw drives to adjust, while newer valves can be automatically adjusted.If the water level is not the problem, try cleaning the fill valve.Running the water with the cap off will clear out any obstructions that may cause your toilet to fail.
Step 1: Take the water level from the tank and compare it to the fill valve.
The flush valve on most tanks has a water level line next to it.To find out 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 inside of the tank if there isn't a water line indicator on the valve.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 where the water should be with electrical tape.
Step 2: Take a look at your fill valve to see what you have.
There are two types of fill valves.Older tanks have a rubber ball that floats on top of the water.The ball raises until it shuts the water off by sliding a cover over the valve.A tube valve or floatless valve is called a fill valve if you don't see a ballcock.To find out what kind of fill valve you have, inspect your tank.The flush valve is next to the hollow tube.The excess water spills over into the flush valve if the water level is too high.If you hear the tank running, it is because the fill line is higher than the flush valve.
Step 3: Close the water line and drain the tank.
Take a deep breath and look behind your toilet.There is a pipe running from the toilet to the wall.Your supply line feeds water into your toilet through a fill valve.To get rid of the water, twist it counterclockwise until it doesn't turn anymore.If you have a screw that connects 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.Don't worry about getting wet in the tank.
Step 4: Look for a screw that connects the ballcock to the fill valve.
To connect the ballcock to the fill valve, follow the tube or metal strip.Look at the junction where the tank meets the flathead.The fill line is determined by how tight the screw is.The screwdriver should be based on the head of the screw.
Step 5: The screw needs to 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 should be tightened if the water level is too low.The ballcock should be adjusted until it rests on the same level as the fill line.If you have a ball float that is connected by a pipe, you can lower it by turning the screw on the fill valve.You can fix it with the water still in the tank.You don't need it off to reach the screw, but you will need to flush it over and over to see how the adjustments work.
Step 6: Test your tank by turning your water back on.
To open the water back up, turn the dial on the supply line behind the toilet.The ballcock will raise if you let your tank fill up.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, turn 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 level 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.There is a dial or switch that 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: You can adjust the ring at the base of the on non-float models.
There are some fill valves that don't have a screw to adjust or a dial on top.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 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 when you turn your water on.
The water can be turned on by turning the dial on your supply line.If you want to see where the water is in conjunction with the fill line, let the tank fill with water.Make adjustments if the water is too high or low.
Step 10: Take the screws out of the fill valve cap.
The fill valve cap is the most important part of the assembly.There is a big compartment at the top of the tube.Pressing down and turning the valvescounterclockwise can cause newer valves to be twisted off.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.Both styles of fill valve will work with this.
Step 11: The rubber ring needs to be removed.
The cap should be turned upside-down.There is a rubber ring on the inside of the rim.Lift it out with your finger.If you can't remove it with your finger, use a flathead screwdriver.The ring is almost always a different color than the rest of the mechanism.
Step 12: Rub the ring clean after it's been washed.
As time goes on, this ring will collect minerals and may be the culprit 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: To turn the water on, place 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 remove obstructions from your fill valve.Keeping the cap over the hole will prevent the water from shooting straight up.It would be small if there was any debris in your fill valve.The cap won't keep anything locked in.
Step 14: The water should be shut off and then reinstalled.
If you see water coming out of your upside-down cap, you can shut it off by twisting the supply knob.Put the rubber ring back into the fill valve and put the cap back where it was before.Before refilling the tank, you should remove any debris from the fill valve.
Step 15: The water should be turned 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 back up.To make sure the toilet is filling as it should, flush it to see if any noises are gone.