Likewise, a replacement valve must fit the toilet’s flush configuration. However, replacement ball cock valves won’t fit tanks with float cup valves and vice versa. Most toilet fill valves are compatible with valves of the same type-if they’re labeled “universal.” For example, universal float cup valves will fit the tanks of most toilet brands as long as they contain a similar valve. When the water pressure increases to a preset amount-based on the level of water in the tank-the valve shuts off the water. When the water level in the tank drops after a flush, the diaphragm senses reduced water pressure and opens the water inlet to refill the tank. Rather than an air-filled ball or cylinder that controls the water supply in the tank, a floatless fill valve features a pressure-sensitive diaphragm that sits at the bottom of the tank and is completely submerged.
While you won’t see an internal float rising and falling with the water level, it will still open and close the water inlet as needed. Some of today’s toilet fill valves work on the same general float system, but they contain a small internal float located inside the valve stem. Many of today’s toilets come with float cup fill valves, and they’re both simple to adjust (water level-wise) and simple to replace. When the cup floats to the top, it shuts off the water supply. When the toilet is flushed and the water runs out of the tank, the float cup drops to the bottom, which opens the water flow valve. This type of toilet valve works on the same principle as the ball cock, but instead of an air-filled ball that floats on the water, it features an air-filled cylinder that moves up and down the valve stem when the toilet flushes and then the tank refills. The air-filled ball drops to the bottom of the tank, which opens the fill valve so fresh water can flow into the tank.Īs the water level rises, the air-filled ball floats upward, and when it reaches a predetermined point, the valve closes, and the water stops. When the flush lever is depressed, a bar lifts a chain connected to a flapper (seal), and the water rushes into the toilet bowl and flushes the contents. The ball cock fill valve is identifiable by its elongated, air-filled orb that floats on top of the water in the toilet tank. Ball Cock Fill ValveĪlso called a plunger fill valve, the ball cock has been around for decades, and it was made to last-the earliest models featured all-brass components. For those who aren’t sure which type of toilet tankfill valveto buy, consider removing the old fill valve (turn off the water supply to the commode) and then taking it to a home improvement or plumbing supply store to ensure an exact match. Many are universal, meaning they will replace the same fill valve type that’s in the toilet now, even if the toilet brand is different. Common Types of Toilet Fill Valvesįortunately, a few types of reliable toilet fill valvesare available. The existing faulty toilet fill valveand the type of toilet are considerations when shopping for a new fill valve. The only time anyone pays attention to a fill valve is when the toilet starts making odd sounds as the tank refills or takes a long time to fill. That’s all they do, and when they’re working well, they’re easy to take for granted. Toilet fill valves have a simple task: They allow the flow of fresh water into the toilet tank after a flush, and then they cut off the water supply when the tank is full. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet Fill Valve BEST UNIVERSAL VALVE: American Standard 400A Universal Fill Valve.BEST WATER-SAVER VALVE: Fluidmaster 3-Inch Fill Valve Kit.
If your toilet tank is hissing, squealing, or filling slowly, one of the following replacement valves will help you get it back in top shape. The best toilet fill valve will have high-quality, durable parts and be simple to install. It’s often a good idea to replace the toilet’s flapper assembly while you replace the toilet valve, so many fill valves come as a kit with a flapper included as well. However, like any valve that’s constantly exposed to water, a fill valve can eventually clog or begin to leak.įortunately, replacing a toilet fill valve is usually a straightforward DIY project, and today’s universal fill valves fit the most common types of toilets. Toilet fill valves last about 5 years and sometimes longer depending on the quality of the valve, how often the toilet is flushed, and whether the home has hard water.
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