Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by admin
The toilet valve is one of the noteworthy essential parts of a toilet. Do you know a toilet valve is well known with different names? It is also known as the Ballcock or float valve or the refill valve. It works to fill up the empty toilet tank with water. Also, toilets are one of the most essential features in a home, and cleaning and repairing seem like routine work.
Do you need toilet fill valve replacement? Before going to a hardware store, you should learn about different types of toilet flush valves.
Table Of Contents
When to replace your toilet valve?
You can’t figure out when to replace your toilet fill valve. But it shows some signs that it may require a replacement. Signs are
- Creating unusual noise even when it is not working.
- Generating annoying sounds may seem innocent at the initial stage but become worsen within a short time.
- The faulty valve provides ghosts and weak flushes.
- Refilling time is high.
- Water running out continuously.
Generally, a toilet valve lasts long for 5 years. If you don’t do routine maintenance to your toilet apparatus, it may start creating problems. So, when you start facing challenges, don’t do it late. Replacing a toilet valve is a DIY project and simple.
Also read: EZ Oil Drain Valve Review & Complete Guide
There are 4 types of toilet valves available in the hardware market. Let’s learn about these best toilet fill valve types
- Ballcock or Plunger Fill Valve
- Diaphragm Fill Valve
- Floatless Ballcock Fill Valve
- Float Cup Fill Valve
Ballcock or Plunger Fill Valve:
It is also known as Plunger, and is one of the toilets of the old-style fill valve. They are significantly quiet while working and are made of brass body. Also, it consists of a bottom fill discharge tube, a hinged lever assembly, and a floating ball.
The floating ball is linked to a pivoting lever. This floating ball opens and closes, and it depends on the water level of the toiler water tank. Do you have a workable Ballcock or Plunger fill valve in your toilet? If yes, then immediately replace it because it does not meet the criteria of modern plumbing code.
Mansfield 09 was the original classic style of toilet fill valves. Still, a little number of model exists today. In 2007, a renowned metal, plumbing, and mechanical manufacturer company called Prier purchased Mansfield 09. Yet, Prier company still manufacturing fill valves, but Ballcock is not available on their manufacturing list.
Diaphragm Fill Valve:
It is made of both brass and plastic. It is also an older design like a ballcock. People often make a mistake and mix Ballcock and Diaphragm, but there are noticeable differences have between these two. It contains a float ball and bar that pull down or raises a key that travels an elastic diaphragm in the Ballcock’s hat or top. Thus, it controls the water flow in the toilet tank.
Older versions are available with a metal body. On the other hand, new releases are made of plastic.
TOILET PLUMBING FILL VALVES BOTTOM/SIDE ENTRY
Floatless Ballcock Fill Valve:
This anti-siphon fill valve used newer technology and made of plastic. Its water level detecting system is quite different. It uses a diaphragm weight instead of a floating device to control the valve. During the 1990s, this fill valve is designed for low profile toilets. But due to its design, it has been well known and has a record of reliability.
Generally, professional plumbers avoid this fill valve because this fill valve is not reliable at all nowadays. This toilet fill valve type is cheap. It operates underwater and is attached to the bottom of the tank.
Float Cup Fill Valve:
Earlier, this float valve was manufactured by Fluidmaster in the 1950s. It is also an anti-siphon fill valve made of plastic and is more popular because of its modern style design. A floating cup is attached to the fill valve shaft using a metal spring and an actuating rod. This floating cup controls the float cup fill valve. The water level is maintained by altering where the cup is linked to the actuating rod.
This fill valve is easy to install; use and maintenance are effortless. One can easily choose this as a replacement for Ballcock or a plunger fill valve.
How to Choose a Quality Toilet Fill Valve?
Choosing a quality toilet fill valve is significantly essential. Otherwise, you have to face an embarrassing situation during an occasion or any day. Let me write up on how you should choose a quality toilet fill valve from the hardware store
Also Read: Thermostatic Mixing Valve
Quality:
Quality always comes first, and you should give an inch space regarding quality. The majority of the fill valves are made of plastic, brass, and chrome, and all of them are durable materials. If your toilet is compatible with silicone, go with the silicone-based fill valve. While purchasing, make sure that you choose a reputed brand, it has a warranty, as well as online reviews, are favorable. Don’t waste your money on rubbish brands or fill valve.
Compatibility:
Toilet fill valves are available in several sizes and shapes. Check out the product label or description before purchasing to ensure that you are selecting the perfect one for you. Make sure that the valve is workable with one- or two-piece toilets, and instead, it can perform as a single or dual flush. Currently, the majority of the valves are not confined to specific toilets, and they can be used for every toilet and design are universal. Even some retailers keep an option of replacement in case of any faulty fill valve purchased by a customer.
Installation:
The question “how to adjust the toilet float valve” is not a hard question to answer. Installing a fill valve is easy enough. You can take the installation project as DIY work. Confirm the length of the fill valve, place it in the tank, give a trial, and adjust if required. Also, many valves are more comfortable to install as they are available with installation features.
Longevity:
Take proper care and maintenance of your toilet fill valve. If you do so, the fill valve will continue its service for 5 years undoubtedly. Usually, a toilet valve costs $8 to $90. Hence, a good one is also quite cheap.
Final Words
Problems with the toilet fill valve are common. In this article, my whole intention was to let you know about the types of fill valves and how you can choose a perfect toilet fill valve. While purchasing a faulty fill valve, ensure you know about the particular style of the valve. Otherwise, you may not find out the accurate one.