How Toilet Fill Valves Work

The modern toilet is a genius invention that we cannot live without. In this video, we take a look at how toilet fill valves work. Knowing how fill valves work will help beginners troubleshoot and fix problems.
‪@HacksbyDad‬
Video 3 of a 3-part series.
Part 1 - How Toilet Bowls Works... • How Toilet Bowls Work
Part 2 - How Toilet Flush Valves Works... • How Toilet Flush Valve...
Thank you for supporting my channel through Patreon... / hacksbydad
Disclaimer:
This video description contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase or sign up for a service after clicking one of my links I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for supporting my channel!
Products shown in this video are available at Amazon...
Fluidmaster Adjustable Flapper... amzn.to/3gj6qrq
Fluidmaster 2" Flush Valve... amzn.to/3ALnJLv
Fluidmaster Fill Valve... amzn.to/3K9P1iV
Also, please check out my Amazon Storefront... www.amazon.com...
This video is for entertainment purposes only. Rely on the information in this video at your own risk.

[@HacksbyDad]

For more videos like this, please check out my toilet repair playlist... kzbin.info/aero/PL_WcGw5s6Cq4bM_r5p8Ps_lmE9Mx6dMUM 😎

[@susanhipsley4736]

I watched several videos before finding this one, so I had a basis for comparison. This guy blows the others out of the water! Such a clear, concise explanation, and I appreciated that he spoke slowly enough to be able to absorb the info. Tx HackDad!

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome and thank you for the kind words! 👍😎

[@e.blue37]

I love the internet, it is a wealth of knowledge. I searched a lot of different diagrams and videos before getting here. This may sound crazy, but I'm not interested in plumbing, and there's nothing wrong with my toilet, I was just curious as to how it works. I want to thank you for being clear and precise and giving me my "curiosity fix" for the day.☺

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@VanquishAudio]

😂😂😂

[@josephmyers1492]

Finally, someone explained the importance to have an air gap between the overflow tube and the fill tube. That is why one of our guest toilets was not refilling. Somehow the fill tube was pushed down into the overflow tube. Thank you for your expert explanation. True teachers are hard to come by these days.

[@marymagdalene3004]

Nice and straightforward explanation of how things work. Kind of a whole semester's work in toilet mechanics in one video, but takes a lot to get it all down, to be sure. I loved that in just a few words "Dad" gave me the info for which I searched: How to get water level in tank higher. Turn the adjustment screw "left" to lower the water level and "right" to raise it. Brilliant!

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@montygreen5373]

This was one of the best plumbing videos I found. He did an amazing job explaining everything and what they do!!! I was able to fix my toilet because of this video. Thank you!!!

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome and thank you! 👍😎

[@RobertKilzer]

Very clear video and description. Because of you, I went to Lowe's paid $3.48 (+tax) for Fluidmaster part #242, and thanks to your video, I did it myself. I figure you saved me about $100. Thanks!

[@HacksbyDad]

Good for you! Thanks for sharing! 😎

[@1framistan]

I never knew that the tank refills from the bottom of the valve assembly tube! Toilets are more complex than I imagined! Thanks for the excellent video.

[@gr8mhk]

Thank you for your straightforward and concise explanation. Blows my mind how smart this invention is 👍🏻

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! If that blows your mind, check this out… How Fluidmaster 400 Series Fill Valves Work kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o 😎

[@desireelococo1747]

Explained logically. Finally. Tried another video and the person talked so fast! This one was perfect.

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@danraats5840]

Thank you for this very clear explanation of how this component works. Very helpful!

[@HacksbyDad]

You're welcome. Thank you for the feedback! 😎

[@roxyluv4life]

Thank you. You just relieved my weekend anxiety of calling a plumber because toilet bowl adjuster was low and needed to be raised to flush adequately.

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@ekaterinayakubova2411]

This was so helpful and I fixed my faulty fill valve in seconds. Thank you!!!!

[@HacksbyDad]

Glad it helped! 👍😎

[@HellScream107]

This video was incredibly helpful and informative. It helped me resolve two fill value issues on separate toilets in my house. I wish more DIY videos were direct, accurate, and easy to follow.

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! Much appreciated! 😎

[@katielyb]

They really are the best kind. I tend to subscribe to channels that are direct, to the point, and helpful informative.

[@katherines9304]

Thank you so much for this video! I was able to fix the toilet by myself! 😁

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@desireelococo1747]

Yay!!

[@kissmyaxe9]

This is literally the most amazing video. Exactly what I needed to be able to understand what’s wrong

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! 😎

[@JerryHarewood]

Very well explained thank you so much

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@crystalchaung1576]

Thank you. I was more interested in refill than the flapper and this is how the modern standard refill tube works too.

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome! 😎

[@baconlatte]

thanks for breaking this down

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome. 😎

[@jmaietta]

Great videos - your detailed walk through was very helpful!

[@HacksbyDad]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. 😎

[@serge488]

This the one that helped me!! Thanks you!

[@HacksbyDad]

You're welcome! Glad to hear it.

[@BALASTE]

Thank you, I was two days away to Replacing the whole toilet for a new one.

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome! I’ll send you an invoice… 😎

[@babur729]

Thank you sir for your marvelous explanation.

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome and thank you for the kind words! 👍😎

[@sammyday3341]

Excellent instruction. Thank you.

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! 😎

[@seanbrennan959]

Thank you for this very helpful video. Appreciated.

[@SchaevitzFamily]

Excellent explanation! Thank you.

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome! 👍😎

[@peterchung7151]

Excellent vid & explanations. Even loved the light foreign to me accent😊. Thanks sharing this expertise👍

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome and thanks for the feedback! 😎

[@jif8802]

Your clear explanation helped me to fix my problem. Thanks.😊

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome and thank you for the feedback! 😎

[@wyattspop]

BEST TOILET VIDEO EVER

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! 😎

[@josephang9927]

Most useful technology is often very simple.

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! The inner-workings of the fill valve are a bit more complicated... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o 😎

[@brucelaidlaw]

Thank you. That helps a lot.

[@HacksbyDad]

I’m glad you found it helpful. 👍😎

[@tombouie]

Thks

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome! 😎

[@donaldnelson976]

Thanks! It works fine now thanks to your vid

[@HacksbyDad]

You’re welcome. 😎

[@Soulbloom1]

So helpful and clear! Thank you :)

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@parkerquigleypuff]

Great video! Thank you

[@Gamble9110]

Perfect explanation!

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! 😎

[@paulroberts729]

Thanks for posting this.

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@albertorodriguez6287]

Thanks!

[@Elo-cb3qu]

HOLY GUACAMOLE THANK YOU, ITS SO EMBARRASSING WHEN YOU SHIZ IN SOMEONES HOME AND GOT CLOGGED. IM SAVED.

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@josejoakingallastegivilanu9475]

It's great and kzbin.infoUgkxZ7xR4U1TX3HwZZ84K6KfzVTyrqxaZ3jZ , a little bit too tall. I only like an inch. But overall well worth everything. The worst part of this was the Toto seat, poorly made hinge slides from side to side

[@maysnyder4104]

Awesome. Thanks

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎

[@GTRrocker84]

It’s kind of crazy how often these need to be replaced.

[@katielyb]

They actually don't. If you're having a lot of trouble with this, it's likely due to hard water where you live. You can just replace the seal in the top of the valve. Sometimes, it's even just debris collected around the seal. It's just under the valve cap. The best part is, you don't even have to empty the tank to replace or inspect the seal.

[@DashzRight]

Agreed but that’s because this system, very typical in USA is over engineered af. I have seen much simpler and reliable designs for this system.

[@dolbodolb6173]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I've "fixed" dozens of toilets over time but didn't know exactly how the refill valve fills both the tank and the bowl. I just got a brand new toilet with exact same design and the water level is very slowly and silently rising until it reaches the overflow pipe. Something must be wrong with the refill valve as it is probably not sealing properly and there is a slow leak. And I also noticed there's water dripping from the top of the refill valve into the tank immediately after the toilet is flushed. Then it stops. Perhaps the pressure is too high and some excess water is shooting through the top lid.

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! Here's a more detailed look at how the fill valve works... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o 😎

[@naturewatcher7596]

What causes the fill valve to not close when the valve arm is fully up? Some internal damage?

[@colekeircom]

Thanks for this. Still learning about the newer systems to replace the old ballcock and siphon in my old toilet. In some videos the refill tube is not used at all, and the fill valve and the flush valve are separate from each other. Is this because the flapper system is not used ? Many thanks for your very helpful and clearly explained videos, Kieron

[@Wherethegoodstuffgoes]

Awesome

[@coffeeabuse]

FYI your series description for Part 2 has the correct link, but the description should say "Part 2 - How Toilet *Flush* Valve Works" instead of "Fill". Hope this helps! BTW - very nice, concise, clearly descriptive and helpful series of videos here!

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! Appreciate it. Error corrected. 😎

[@coffeeabuse]

@@HacksbyDad You are quite welcome. BTW after quite a bit of searching, your video was the first (maybe the only) to reveal to me that the water enters the toilet tank to fill it from way down at the bottom of the fill valve. A bit hidden down there. Crazy that no one else showed that. Not even the manufacturers!

[@HacksbyDad]

@@coffeeabuse Interesting... I didn't realize that. LOL Did you see my videos on how the inside of the Fluidmaster fill valve works or the adjustable flapper? Here are the links... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqSam6uurJ16q6M 😎

[@linda336699]

Thank you for share this video. My toilet cannot automatically fill with water. I need to push or move a little bit on the black arm of the float to allow water to come into the toilet. how to fix it?

[@gimincorp]

I fixed miine - same issue that rubber thing gone bad!

[@TravisInCanada1]

My tank was refilling slow and the refill tube was not shooting water. Instead of trouble shooting it, I replaced the whole valve. (found out the removable filter was plugged up) Now the tank refills correctly but the refill tube is bone dry NO water coming out of the it just like the refill tube on the previous valve.

[@HacksbyDad]

Interesting. Only time I've seen the refill not shooting water is with the refill valve closed on the 400H model. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@supernumiphone7258]

I was hoping for an explanation of how the internals of the value work. Opening it up it doesn't seem like it should do anything.

[@HacksbyDad]

Your wish is my command! Check out this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o 😎

[@minzhongyu9793]

I removed the refill tube from the overflow pipe to the tank to save water. After the tank is fully filled up, the toilet hole is still sealed the some water. Is it OK? Is there any problem ?

[@codingispower1816]

Do you have a video on how to resolve a fill valve that closes too quickly and causes a banging noise in the wall sometimes? I assume the fill valve closing abruptly is causing excess pressure in the wall and some form of water hammer? My best guess anyway.

[@lsomasundaram5005]

Thanks But exactly where in the fill valve does the water exit from? At the top? Or bottom?

[@HacksbyDad]

The water exits at the bottom of the fill valve. 😎

[@lsomasundaram5005]

@@HacksbyDad Thanks so much!!!

[@MathCuriousity]

Quick question: you said the safety feature of the flush valve tube being lower than the critical line is to stop the water from flowing back to the refill valve. But what would happen if that happened? I mean isn't the water still at some point going to be flowing down thru the flush tube?

[@HacksbyDad]

First, thanks for binge-watching my videos... LOL. Keeping the tank water level below the fill valve critical line provides an air-gap that will prevent the tank water from being sucked or siphoned back into the supply line. If this happens, the tank water would contaminate the house's water supply and possibly the City's water supply too. I hope this helps. 😎

[@MathCuriousity]

@@HacksbyDad that is so weird. I won't pretend to understand how this siphon effect can do that but thank you!

[@HacksbyDad]

@@MathCuriousity Siphoning back through the fill valve might happen if your water line loses pressure like if there is a water line break. The air gap will prevent the siphon. At least that is my understanding as a non-plumber. 😎

[@codingispower1816]

@1:40 when the float lifts the adjustment valve arm, the fill valve float I believe is closing abruptly SOMETIMES and causes a bang in the wall. This doesn't happen every time but 2/10 flushes I observed it with the tank lid off and I notice it closes fast and not gradually which causes the bang. Can I adjust the valve or arm or something to stop this?

[@HacksbyDad]

Sorry… I don’t know of a way to decrease the speed of the fill valve. You may to try two things… but remember that I’m not a plumber. 1. Drain and then refill your plumbing system to refill air into the air chambers. 2. Check the water pressure and see if it is in the 50-70 psi range. If it is too high, you may need to replace or rebuild the pressure regulator. 😎

[@mastermindachiever4381]

👍

[@HacksbyDad]

Thanks! 😎

[@rackasa]

Hello, what is the point of having the refill tube shooting water directly into the overflow drain? Wouldn’t it make more sense for that water to also go directly in the tank?

[@HacksbyDad]

The refill tube is there to refill and top off the bowl water level. If your bowl can fill up without the refill water, you can point the refill tube directly into the tank. The 400H and 400AH models allow you to control the refill tube flow. Here are a couple of videos on the subject... kzbin.info/www/bejne/q37JdZKrqaiUnsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp_KoJ-lr5udl7M

[@ParasTube]

Can somebody explain why such a simple ball floating system was replaced by this?

[@HacksbyDad]

You want to see complex? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o 👍😎

[@wesleys4590]

This same valve get stuck in the up position any ideas how to fix it? When you flush the toilet the water doesn't fill up.

[@HacksbyDad]

I suggest that you disconnect the adjustment screw from the valve arm and see if the float or valve arm is sticking. If the float sticks, see if it is rubbing against the tank wall or maybe something is wedged between the float and tube. If the valve arm sticks, here's a video on how to remove the valve cap and seal... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXbHl3mQhr6Ee6s If all else fails, replace the entire fill valve assembly... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnevdqJ4dq-daKc 😎

[@carolzutski7739]

Thank you. Question. my refill port is facing the side of the tank instead of facing the overflow pipe, how can I rotate it? my overflow tube does not reach the overflow pipe because of this.

[@HacksbyDad]

Interesting. You can hold the lower black tube and turn the top gray tube, but that will change the height of the fill valve. Turning clockwise will lower the height and counter-clockwise will raise it. Here is a video on how to replace the fill valve that might help... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnevdqJ4dq-daKc

[@carolzutski7739]

@@HacksbyDad thank you!

[@jasonlara]

So the water that goes from that tube down the overflow pipe goes into the tank?

[@HacksbyDad]

Water entering the overflow pipe will flow down into the bowl. Here’s a video of the flush valve and overflow pipe… kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3XEYYmKrKeXZ7c 😎

[@jasonlara]

@@HacksbyDad Thank you. The linked video really was done well and answered a lot of questions for me.

[@HacksbyDad]

@@jasonlara 👍

[@woody1380]

Never seen a flush valve like that. What country is this from?

[@paulroberts729]

Just bought one at a Home Depot in Missouri

[@VanquishAudio]

Amazing video you are a beautiful man

[@ss-zn5pu]

Hi mine sometime fill the toilet bowl fine and sometimes it doesnt when it doesnt want too. It looked at it and it looks like the refill tube that goes in overflow pipe sometimes doesnt water doest come out to fill it.its sonetimes so theres barely water in bowl when it doesnt fill

[@HacksbyDad]

I suggest replacing the entire fill valve assembly... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnevdqJ4dq-daKc

[@ss-zn5pu]

@@HacksbyDad thanks

[@alexcardenas3244]

I’m trying to figure out what’s going on with mine. It is a Kholer about a year old, just started not filling the tank back up SOMETIMES, if I open the lid and simply touch the arm for the floater it starts to fill up. Any ideas?

[@HacksbyDad]

I suggest checking to see if the float touches the tank wall or something else. If not, you might want to replace the valve cap to see if that solves the problem.

[@WallisGoodman]

My problem is that my fill valve somehow doesn't go down as the water level drops. I have to reach and give it a nudge. Then it does go down, and then up, with the water filling the tank. Any idea about adjustments to be made so that the float actually falls with the water level when the toilet if flushed?

[@HacksbyDad]

Not sure. I would first disconnect the float screw from the valve arm to see if the float or valve arm gets hung up. It could be that the float and tube need to be cleaned, the entire valve cap assembly replaced, or even the whole fill valve assembly. Hope this helps.

[@shantalgongora3144]

I’ve noticed water shoots out from the side of my fill valve the grey pipe area, does that mean I need to replace it?

[@HacksbyDad]

Without seeing what's actually happening... I would say yes, replace the entire fill valve assembly. Here's a quick video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnevdqJ4dq-daKc 😎

[@yaswantsingh5278]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Brojo98]

Hey i need help ...when my valve is full it's automatically flowing water in my toilet in slow stream ..it's not stopping. .water wasting ..

[@HacksbyDad]

This video may help… kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6eYh2dqpcyGmqc

[@iceomotion]

Hello, I'm a renter and starting to notice my toilet runs on is own once every so often. I changed the flapper and it stop however I notice that the refill tube was placed outside the overflow tube and puts water in there. After a bit the refill tube isn't shooting out water anymore. All the water in the house is working. I check the water line and made sure it was open but no water is coming out. What should I do.

[@HacksbyDad]

The float shuts off the fill valve and refill tube at the same time. The fill valve fills the tank and the refill tube tops off the bowl. These two videos might help you understand the operation better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnevdqJ4dq-daKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/q37JdZKrqaiUnsk 😎

[@iceomotion]

I mean it's not filling the tank anymore so I can't even flush -_-

[@HacksbyDad]

@@iceomotion Oh... ok. I suggest turning off the valve, removing the connector under the tank, pointing the hose connector into a bucket, and slowly turning on the valve. If there is good water flow, replace the entire fill valve assembly. If there is no water flow, repair or replace the supply valve. Hope this helps.

[@pamelabouchard8498]

I am having a problem toilet filing

[@gregroth4696]

Toilet Runs every two minutes. I changed the flapper. I changed the fill valve with Fluidmaster.400A. It still runs every two minutes. Grrrrrrrr. Help!

[@HacksbyDad]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe the tips in this video might be helpful… Fix it Yourself! Toilet Runs On and Off kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZqYg4yfmMyHiZo 😎

[@kjsahai]

Water coming out of Overflow pipe but not out of Fill Ports

[@HacksbyDad]

Sorry... I'm not sure I understand. Please clarify. With the tank empty and the float and valve arm in the down position... water does not flow out of the fill ports at the base of the fill valve assembly? And the water that flows out from the top of the overflow pipe comes from the refill tube?

[@kjsahai]

@@HacksbyDad I am using the Overflow pipe to fill the cistern as inlet ports are not filling the water but the pipe mentioned above has water. I cannot open the FillValve as the nut has rusted and inaccessible.

[@HacksbyDad]

@@kjsahai It sounds like the fill ports or tube are plugged. The only two options I can suggest are to open and clean the fill valve or replace the entire assembly. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@kjsahai]

@@HacksbyDad so the overflow pipe & Inlet ports have no linkage and how to clean Inlet Ports from Outside any video

[@HacksbyDad]

​@@kjsahai You mentioned a rusted nut so I assume you have another type of fill valve. Do you have a Fluidmaster fill valve? If you do, these two videos might help... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXbHl3mQhr6Ee6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjcn3turbuXr5o

[@barneyfyfe8313]

Fluidmaster.... garbage. Use OEM wherever possible.

[@HacksbyDad]

Interesting because some toilet brands come with Fluidmaster parts installed. 😎

[@barneyfyfe8313]

@@HacksbyDad I've had them installed twice by different licensed plumbers over the decades. The faulty original valves aged out and were running and would not recover on a regular basis. In both cases the plumbers installed Fluidmaster. I never had ghost flushes with the OEM stuff even when they needed to be replaced. I repeatedly had them with the Fluidmaster valves. I ordered OEM (Kohler) fill valves, installed them myself and the problems were 100% gone. IMHO the Fluidmaster cannot be accurately adjusted and is too sensitive to water pressure fluctuations in the house. The flush valve was never the issue.

[@HacksbyDad]

@@barneyfyfe8313 👍😎

[@johnmchale6667]

Great video,thanks!

[@HacksbyDad]

👍😎