You may not think about the water level in your toilet bowl every day (or ever), but we’d bet a pretty penny you’ll notice it when something looks off. Water that sits too high or too low in your toilet may prompt you to wonder: what exactly IS the correct water level in toilet bowl? Read on to see what our experts have to say.
Need a professional plumber right away? The team at SBPHA/C is ready to help. Give us a call at (215) 584-2098 or visit us online to schedule services today.
Best Water Level in Toilet Bowl
Ideally, the water level in your toilet tank should sit one to two inches below the toilet’s fill valve and/or overflow tube. Some toilets even have a marker on the inside of the tank to indicate where the waterline should be. If the water in your toilet tank sits above or below this point, it can affect the water level in the toilet bowl.
The best water level in toilet bowl itself will vary depending on the toilet. Water should always sit above the P-trap outlet/drain in order to create a seal. This ensures suction when you flush and prevents sewer gases from traveling into your home. Let’s investigate a few common water level issues.
Water Sits Too High in Toilet
Water that sits too high in the toilet bowl indicates a possible clog in the P-trap or beyond. Homeowners can try clearing any blockages with a plunger or by using a toilet drain snake. If this does not solve the issue, contact your local Philadelphia plumber.
Water Sits Too Low in Toilet
Water that sits too low in the toilet bowl can have one of several causes, including a damaged fill tube, a faulty fill valve, a crack in the toilet bowl or a sewer line vent blockage.
Damaged Fill Tube
The fill tube is a flexible plastic hose that’s responsible for filling the toilet bowl after you flush. The fill tube is connected to the overflow tube. Over time, these can become uncoupled, or the fill tube can simply succumb to wear and tear. Lift the tank lid and inspect the fill tube. If it’s unclipped from the overflow tube, reattach it. If the fill tube appears damaged, weathered or you are unable to adjust it, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Faulty Fill Valve
The fill valve refills the toilet tank after you flush. It’s connected to the water supply at the bottom of your toilet, with a shutoff valve at the top. Typically, a ball or cup will float at the top of the tank. When it reaches a certain level, it will shut the water valve off. Inspect the fill valve and float for damage and adjust or replace if needed. Sometimes the solution is as simple as adjusting the float to the correct height, which is often indicated by a mark on the inside of the tank.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
A cracked, damaged or otherwise leaking toilet bowl will cause low water levels. Inspect your toilet for damage, like hairline fractures or a damaged toilet collar.
Blocked Sewer Line Vent
The sewer line vent runs through the wall in your bathroom and lets sewer gases out through the roof. Blockages caused by birds’ nests, rodents or other forms of debris can affect water levels. Using a flashlight at the vent’s exit point, homeowners can look for blockages and try clearing them with a plumber’s snake.
Best Plumbers in Philadelphia
Worried about the correct water level in toilet bowl? Give the team at SBPHA/C a call at (215) 584-2098 or visit us online to learn more about our services.